For aspiring medical professionals, there are a variety of specialties to choose from when making the decision. While most people tend to lean towards one type of role over another, that doesn’t mean that any one role is better than another. In order to help you determine if becoming an Oral Maxillofacial surgeon is right for you, we’ve prepared this article. Also know some oral surgery treatments that are performed.
Who is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?
An oral maxofacial surgeon is a specialty trained surgeon that deals with facial, oral, and dental issues. They are often called on for complex surgeries that involve the head, neck, and mouth. These surgeries may include orthognathic surgery, facial trauma repairs, dental implants, and reconstructive surgery.
Pros of being an Oral Surgery doctor
You can make a huge difference in someone’s life: Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons meet a range of patients, those dealing with facial trauma to patients who need elective procedures. No matter the scenario, you will get to help people in a way that few other specialties can.
Surgery is more rewarding than many other specialties: While there are always risks in any surgery, the reward of seeing a patient’s life change for the better after a surgery is unique to oral maxofacial surgery.
You can help people from all walks of life with different needs: While some specialties may focus on helping people with a certain disease or age group, oral maxillofacial surgery involves of all ages who have a wide range of needs.
You get to work closely with other specialties: While an oral surgeon will have their own patients, they will often work closely with dentists, plastic surgeons, and other specialties at the same time. This can help with the feeling of being alone in your profession.
Cons of Being an Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon
Surgery is a constant: While some patients may be out of the hospital in a day or two, others may be in recovery for months. This is especially true for people having complex oral surgery, which are more likely to be done by oral surgeons.
You may be called on for surgeries that you don’t feel comfortable: While you can refuse to do a surgery if you are not comfortable with it, you may be the only surgeon in a wide region who can help that patient. This can put you in a difficult situation, especially if you don’t feel qualified for the procedure.
You may be required to do hours of extra training: Unlike some specialties, oral maxofacial surgery is a highly regulated field with very specific requirements. This can require many hours of extra training, especially if you don’t have a medical background.
It’s a very expensive field: In addition to all the training and schooling required, oral maxofacial surgery is a field that comes with very high student loans. This can be a major financial burden.
Tips for those aiming to join Oral Surgery
Get experience in other specialties: While you don’t need to work in another specialty before becoming an oral surgeon, it can help you decide if it is the right for you.
Get hands-on experience: While you can learn the basics of oral surgery in school, there are very few places where you can get the hands-on experience required for oral surgery. Volunteering at a dental school and working in a dental office can help you gain the experience you need to be successful.
Look into financial assistance: Oral and maxillofacial surgery is an expensive field with few options for financial assistance. You may want to look into grants and scholarships at various dental schools to see if you qualify.
Get experience working with people. While you can learn some of this in school, being able to work directly with patients can help you determine.
Final Words
Choosing a specialty can be an intimidating process, but it is also an important one. While many specialties may be equally rewarding and fulfilling, you to be choosing one that is right for you. Oral maxofacial surgery can be a very rewarding specialty, but it is not for everyone.
While there are a few drawbacks, oral maxofacial surgery is a great career for those who are interested. If you want oral surgeon. It is important to do research and understand the pros and cons of this career. Oral surgery could be the right choice for you.
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