What Can an Oral Surgeon Do That a Dentist Cannot? What Are the Differences in Training and Education?
When you experience pain inside your mouth, you may be uncertain whether you should schedule an appointment with your dentist or seek out the services of an oral surgeon. Let’s take a look at the differences between these two practices, as well as how the training and education of a dentist differs from that of an oral surgeon.
What Does a Dentist Do?
The easiest way to understand what a dentist does is to think of this professional as the primary care provider for your oral health. Just as your primary care physician provides general healthcare guidance, your dentist handles the fundamental concerns and components of your dental and oral health. The services commonly provided by a dentist include:
- Regular cleanings
- Oral examinations to determine the presence of cavities, cracked or chipped teeth, or teeth that may need to be removed
- Basic oral treatment, including filling cavities and providing any crowns, bridges, or dentures that might be needed
Your dentist will also make recommendations regarding day-to-day care of your teeth and gums and might provide basic cosmetic treatments such as teeth-whitening. As a general rule, because of the type of care they provide, dentists only administer localized anesthesia, numbing an area in preparation for a procedure.
What Does an Oral Surgeon Do?
These professionals, also referred to as maxillofacial surgeons, perform surgical procedures related to your mouth, including tooth extractions, removal of tumors, the placement of implants, and reconstructive surgery. Oral surgeons may also repair cleft lips or palates, remove lesions or cysts, and repair nerves. Oral surgeons often work on patients requiring general anesthesia, so they tend to have more knowledge and experience administering different types of anesthesia.
What Are the Differences in How Dentists and Oral Surgeons Are Trained?
The initial education and training for a dentist and an oral surgeon are essentially the same. Both require a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as pre-med, pre-dentistry, or biology. Both dentists and oral surgeons must complete four years of dental school, focusing on anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology. Most dental schools include classes that give students the opportunity to perform basic procedures.
For those who wish to practice as a dentist, their schooling is complete once they finish dental school. They need only pass the licensing exam and get their license to start treating patients. Oral surgeons, though, must also complete a surgical residency, which can be anywhere from four to six years. Upon completion, the oral surgeon must take and pass specialized exams to become board-certified to practice. In all, an oral surgeon will complete 12 to 14 years of education and training after secondary school.
