## How To Become An Oral Surgeon: A Comprehensive Guide
Are you interested in becoming an oral surgeon? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps you need to take to become an oral surgeon, including the educational and professional requirements and how to apply for the job. We’ll also provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about becoming an oral surgeon.
### Introduction
Becoming an oral surgeon requires a lot of dedication and hard work. It’s a rewarding career, but it’s also a lengthy process to become qualified. The first step is to complete an undergraduate degree in a pre-med field of study, such as biology or chemistry. After that, you’ll need to attend dental school and complete a residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Finally, you must pass an oral and maxillofacial surgery licensing exam.
### What Is an Oral Surgeon?
An oral surgeon is a medical professional who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases, injuries, and defects of the mouth, jaws, teeth, and facial structures. Oral surgeons are also trained to perform reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries of the face, mouth, and jaws.
### Education and Training
The first step to becoming an oral surgeon is to complete an undergraduate degree in a pre-med field of study, such as biology or chemistry. It’s important to get good grades in these courses, as you’ll need to maintain a competitive GPA to be accepted into dental school. After completing your undergraduate degree, you’ll need to take the Dental Admission Test (DAT).
Once you’ve been accepted into dental school, you’ll need to complete four years of study. During this time, you’ll learn the basics of oral health, such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology. You’ll also learn how to diagnose and treat dental problems.
After graduating from dental school, you’ll need to complete a residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery. This will typically last four years. During the residency, you’ll gain hands-on experience in oral surgery, including cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.
### Licensing
After completing your residency, you’ll need to pass the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS) certification exam. This exam is used to measure your knowledge and expertise in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery. Once you’ve passed the exam, you’ll be eligible for licensure in your state.
### Finding a Job
Once you’ve completed your training and have obtained a license, you can begin looking for a job as an oral surgeon. You can search for jobs on job boards or contact local hospitals and clinics to inquire about available positions. You can also network with other oral surgeons to find out about job openings.
### Frequently Asked Questions about Becoming an Oral Surgeon
#### FAQs on Becoming an Oral Surgeon
**What kind of degree do I need to become an oral surgeon?**
You’ll need to complete a four-year undergraduate degree in a pre-med field of study, such as biology or chemistry. You’ll also need to complete four years of dental school and a four-year residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
**How long does it take to become an oral surgeon?**
It typically takes eight to nine years to become an oral surgeon. This includes four years for an undergraduate degree, four years for dental school, and four years for a residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
**What kind of license do I need to become an oral surgeon?**
You’ll need to pass the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS) certification exam in order to be eligible for licensure in your state.
**What is the salary of an oral surgeon?**
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for oral and maxillofacial surgeons is $208,000.
**Where can I find a job as an oral surgeon?**
You can search for jobs on job boards or contact local hospitals and clinics to inquire about available positions. You can also network with other oral surgeons to find out about job openings.
### Conclusion
Becoming an oral surgeon is a lengthy and challenging process, but it can lead to a rewarding career. You’ll need to complete an undergraduate degree in a pre-med field of study, attend dental school, complete a residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery, and pass the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS) certification exam in order to become an oral surgeon. Once you’ve completed your training, you can begin looking for a job as an oral surgeon. With dedication and hard work, you can become an oral surgeon and enjoy the satisfaction of helping people improve their oral and facial health.
