TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are the only dental specialists recognized by the American Dental Association who are surgically trained in a hospital-based residency program for a minimum of four years. They train alongside surgical residents in internal medicine, general surgery and anesthesiology, otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat), facial plastic surgery, emergency medicine and other specialty areas including trauma and neurosurgery. This training focuses almost completely on the bone, skin and muscles of the face, mouth, jaws, neck and the entire craniofacial region.

Oral and facial surgeons have knowledge and expertise that uniquely qualifies them to diagnose and treat a number of functional and esthetic conditions in this anatomical area. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are highly trained in their specialty. In addition to a graduate degree in dentistry, they must complete a four- to six-year surgical residency program, obtaining both an M.D. degree and certification in oral and maxillofacial surgery. This unique training and expertise sets oral and maxillofacial surgeons apart from all other specialties that treat patients with head and neck and oral conditions.

HOW SHOULD I CHOOSE AN ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGEON?

– First of all, be sure that the doctor is actually an OMFS…there are many general dentists and periodontists (gum doctors) that advertise that they are “oral surgeons” or provide “oral surgery services.” This is misleading and false advertising. While they may elect to perform oral surgery procedures, they ared not oral surgeons.  Ask to see their American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (AAOMS) credentials. If they cannot provide their AAOMS certificate, they are NOT an OMFS or an “oral surgeon”.

– Second, be certain that the OMFS is Board Certified. It is very meaningful and important that an OMFS passes the written and oral board exams. This ensures the public that the doctor has had proper training and the proper knowledge base. Ask to view the doctor’s American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS) certificate. Most board-certified OMFS doctors proudly display this certificate in their office. Board certification is the ONLY barometer of proper training and knowledge base.

– Finally, be aware of doctors presenting false or non-ADA (American Dental Association)- recognized specialty credentials. Beware of “credentials” touting “TMJ and Sleep Apnea Specialist,” “American Association of Craniofacial Pain Specialist,” “The American Board of Oral Implantology,” or “Dental Implant College” credentials. These “specialties” and “specialty designations” are not recognized by the AMA or the ADA. These are very fancy certificates given out after a doctor completes a weekend or week-long continuing education course. Only OMFS doctors have had 4 – 7 years of a hospital-based surgical residency. This uniquely qualifies them to manage oral and facial conditions outside the realm of general dentistry. Also, beware of advertising gimmicks such as, “center for dental implants,” or “institute for dental implants.” These advertisers usually bear the same false credentials listed above.

Be certain to look for both of these seals on membership certificates.

The only specialties recognized by the ADA are:

– Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery – described herein.

– Endodontics – root canal specialists.

– Pedodontics – dentistry for children.

– Prosthodontics – specialist in oro-facial prosthetics.

– Periodontics – treatment and prevention of gum diseases.

– Orthodontics – diagnosis and treatment of malocclusion.

– Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology – Dental radiology specialist.

– Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology – Identification and Diagnosis of Oral Pathology.

– Dental Public health