Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) is a dual medical‑dental surgical specialty focused on corrective jaw surgery, facial trauma, pathology, reconstruction, dental implants, and anesthesia.
Specialty Overview
Scope & Practice
OMFS surgeons manage facial trauma, corrective jaw (orthognathic) surgery, pathology, reconstructive and cosmetic facial procedures, dental implants, TMJ surgery, and administer anesthesia.
Common Procedures:
- Orthognathic surgery
- Facial trauma repair
- Dental implant placement
- Tumor/reconstructive surgery
- TMJ operations
- Wisdom tooth extractions
- Anesthesia management
- Craniofacial and cosmetic facial surgery
Professional Roles
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery specialists can pursue various career paths within the specialty, often combining multiple roles:
- Hospital-based surgeon: Manage trauma, pathology, inpatient cases, often with on‑call responsibilities
- Private Practice: Office or multi-specialty group with outpatient surgery
- Academic/Research: University hospitals, teaching and clinical research roles
Clinical Settings
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery specialists practice in diverse environments:
- Hospital operating rooms
- Outpatient surgical centers
- Multi-specialty oral surgery clinics
- Academic medical centers
Specialty Outlook
The oral and maxillofacial surgery profession continues to evolve with technological advances and shifting demographics:
- High demand for complex surgical skills
- Integration with reconstructive and cosmetic fields
- Growth in implantology and sedation services
Digital Innovation
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is increasingly driven by cutting-edge digital technologies transforming patient care:
- Computer‑guided implant surgery
- 3D‑printed surgical guides and anatomical models
- CBCT and digital imaging for planning
Patient Experience
Modern oral and maxillofacial surgery emphasizes patient comfort and convenience through various approaches:
- Comprehensive surgery & anesthesia under one provider
- Advanced reconstructive and cosmetic options
- Interdisciplinary care for trauma and pathology
Student Journey Roadmap
Pre‑Dental/Pre‑Med Preparation
Dental School / Internships
Geographic Program Map
Competitiveness Level
Application Requirements
Academic Prerequisites
- Degree Required: DDS or DMD degree (some programs include MD as dual‑degree)
- Minimum GPA: 3.0–3.5 (many look for ≥ 3.5)
- Average Accepted GPA: ≈ 3.7
- Core Courses: Dental and basic medical sciences
- Research Experience: Research strongly encouraged, especially in surgical topics
Standardized Tests
- NBDE: Pass NBDE I/II or INBDE
- TOEFL/IELTS: Required for international applicants
Letters of Recommendation
- Number Required: 3–4
- Types:
- • OMFS faculty
- • Dental school dean/director
- • Internship preceptor or research mentor
- Emphasis: Clinical judgment, surgical potential, anesthesia proficiency
Research Experience
- Surgical/clinical research projects
- Publications or abstracts preferred
- Familiarity with surgical methods and outcomes research
Clinical Experience
- OMFS externships (e.g. trauma/ortho/jaw surgery)
- Shadowing in hospital OR and clinics
- Anesthesia exposure
- Hands‑on surgical observation
Application Components
- ADEA PASS (OMS track)
- National Matching Service registration
- Supplemental applications/deposits
- Personal statement focusing on surgery/anesthesia
- CV highlighting clinical and research experience
- Official transcripts
- Photos (if required by program)
Competitive Profile
- Target GPA: ≥ 3.7
- Target GRE Verbal:
- Target GRE Quantitative:
- Research Publications: 1+ clinical research preferred
- Shadowing Hours: 50+ hospital hours
- Extracurriculars: Surgical interest groups, leadership roles
Application Deadlines & Timeline
PASS Application Opens
OMS track opens via ADEA PASS in early May
Request Recommendation Letters
Secure 3–4 letters from OMS faculty and mentors
Take CBSE
Prepare and sit for CBSE (USMLE‑style) before applications
Submit PASS/MATCH Application
Complete PASS and National Matching Service registration
Set Reminders
Get notified about upcoming deadlines
Download Timeline
Save this timeline to your calendar
Competitiveness Overview
Understanding the competitive landscape for this specialty
Applicant to Seat Ratio
≈2:1
Average GPA
≥3.5
Program Duration
4–6
Average Tuition
DDS/DMD + extra med/training
Starting Salary
$309K–$364K
Tips for Success
- Academic Excellence: Maintain a GPA of 3.7+ and strong DAT scores
- Research Experience: Get involved in research projects and aim for publications
- Clinical Exposure: Shadow specialists and gain hands-on experience
- Leadership: Take on leadership roles in dental organizations
- Strong Letters: Build relationships with faculty for excellent recommendations
Curriculum & Training
Program Structure
Duration
4–6 years (varies by single vs dual degree)
Weekly Schedule
Combination of operating room, inpatient rounds, outpatient clinics, didactics
Research Requirements
Many include or require research/thesis
Degrees Awarded
- Certificate in OMFS
- DDS/DMD + MD (dual‑degree)
- Master's degree (optional, research track)
Clinical Training
- Trauma management and fracture repair
- Orthognathic (jaw) surgery
- Implants and dentoalveolar surgery
- TMJ procedures
- Pathology and tumor surgeries
- Cosmetic/hospital-based facial surgery
- Anesthesia administration
- Inpatient trauma/emergency calls
Didactic Education
- Advanced anatomy & physiology
- Oral pathology
- Anesthesia & pain management
- Surgical techniques and principles
- Radiology and 3D imaging
- Clinical ethics and patient safety
- Practice management and board prep
Research Activities
- Clinical trials or outcome studies
- Thesis or capstone project
- Case reports/publications
- Journal clubs and conference presentations
Financial Information
Total Program Cost
Programs with Stipends
Living Expenses
Starting Salary
Culture & Lifestyle
Work-Life Balance
Busy schedule including OR, on‑call, inpatient care; less predictable than dental specialties
Career Satisfaction
High satisfaction from complex surgeries and diverse patient care
Practice Environment
Team‑oriented hospital and clinic environments; collaborative with multiple specialties
Physical Demands
High physical and mental demands due to surgery and emergency call responsibilities
Day-in-the-Life
Morning Rounds
Review inpatients, trauma consults in hospital
OR Session
Perform surgical cases: trauma, orthognathic, implants
Didactics/Lunch
Educational conference or journal club
Clinic or Secondary OR
Outpatient procedures, trauma follow‑ups
On‑call or End‑of‑Day Tasks
Emergency consults, inpatient orders, follow‑ups
Career Perspective
Senior Resident Perspective
Busy OR days with trauma and jaw surgery mixed with anesthesia responsibilities
A typical week includes two OR days, one clinic day, one didactic day, and overnight call rotations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How competitive is OMFS compared to orthodontics?
OMFS is similarly competitive with match rates around 55–60%, slightly lower than orthodontics (~65%).
How long is OMFS residency?
4–6 years depending on single vs dual‑degree (DDS/DMD + MD) program.
What is the average salary for oral and maxillofacial surgeons?
Median around $239K (BLS), average $309K–$364K depending on source and region.