Oral and maxillofacial surgery is the specialty of dentistry that includes the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, injuries, and defects involving both the hard and soft tissues of the mouth and jaws.  The term “maxillofacial” refers to the anatomic area of the upper and lower jaws and includes the teeth, tongue, floor of the mouth, and the associated structures.

After graduating from dental school, the oral and maxillofacial surgery resident, receives advanced experience and training in the management of dentofacial trauma and diseases of the mouth.  This additional four year training period takes place in a major medical center and provides related training in medical and surgical disciplines such as general surgery, plastic surgery, trauma surgery, internal medicine, critical care medicine, anesthesia, and pathology.  Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained to treat patients in hospital settings, as well as, private offices.  Their unique expertise in both Dentistry and Medicine enables them to treat a wider range of maladies involving the mouth, jaws, and their associated structures.