Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery - in Australia, New Zealand, and North America

In Australia, New Zealand, and North America

Oral and maxillofacial surgery is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association, Royal College of Dentists of Canada, the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons. Oral and maxillofacial surgery requires 4–6 years of further formal university training after dental school (DDS, BDent, DMD or BDS). Four-year residency programs grant a certificate of specialty training in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Six-year residency programs grant the specialty certificate in addition to a medical degree (MD, DO, MBBS, MBChB etc.). Both 4 and 6 year graduates are designated US "Board Eligible," those that earn "Certification" are Diplomats'. Approximately 50% of the training programs in the US, 100% of the programs in Australia and New Zealand, and 20% of Canadian training programs, are "dual-degree". The trainees obtain a degree in medicine (MD, DO, MBBS, MBChB etc.) as well as a specialty certificate in oral and maxillofacial surgery, although the scope of surgery remains unchanged.

The typical training program for an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is:

• 2 – 4 years undergraduate study (BS, BA, or equivalent degrees)
• 4 years dental study (DMD, BDent, DDS or BDS)
• 4 – 6 years residency training (6 years includes 2 additional years for acquiring medical degree)
• After completion of surgical training most undertake final specialty examinations: (US "Board Certified (ABOMS)"), (Australia/NZ: "FRACDS(OMS)"), or (Canada: "FRCD(C)(OMS)")
• Many dually qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeons are now also obtaining fellowships with the American College of Surgeons (FACS)
• Average total length after secondary school: 12 – 14 years

In addition, graduates of oral and maxillofacial surgery training programs can pursue fellowships, typically 1 – 2 years in length, in the following areas:

• Head and neck cancer – microvascular reconstruction
• Cosmetic facial surgery (facelift, rhinoplasty, etc.)
• Craniofacial surgery and pediatric maxillofacial surgery (cleft lip and palate repair, surgery for craniosynostosis, etc.)
• Cranio-maxillofacial trauma (soft tissue and skeletal injuries to the face, head and neck)