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Military Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Military Career

General Information

Description

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform surgery and related procedures on the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial regions to treat diseases, injuries, or defects, and to improve function or appearance. They treat various conditions in the head, neck, face, and jaw. These surgeons treat and repair oral and maxillofacial injuries sustained in combat. They also cover a much broader scope of practice, including cleft and craniofacial disorders, oral cancer, jaw reconstruction, snoring and sleep apnea, dental implants, and facial cosmetic surgery.

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Work Environment

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons work in hospitals and dental clinics on land and aboard ships.

Workplace at a Glance

What you can expect to experience while on the job

  • Responsibility
  • Exposure to job hazards
  • Physical activity
  • Decision making
  • Repetitiveness
  • Level of competition
  • Time pressure

Comparable Industries

  • Health Science

Related Military Careers

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Military Outlook

Service Branches

Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.

Military Status

  • Officer
    • Managerial/professional
    • College degree required

Military Workforce

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons in the Military

724

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Salary

Average Salary

$106,373

What makes up a military salary?

Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.

They also offer:

  • Housing allowances
  • Subsistence allowances
  • Special and incentive pays
  • Cost-of-living allowances
  • Hazardous-duty pay
  • Bonuses

Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator

Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits

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Education

Most Common Education Levels

People in this career achieve this level of education.

  • Post-doctoral training 72%
  • Doctoral degree 19%
  • First professional degree 7%
  • High school 0%
  • Some college 0%
  • Master's degree 0%
  • Bachelor's degree 0%
  • Associate's degree 0%
  • Post baccalaureate 0%
  • Less than high school 0%
  • Post-master's certificate 0%
  • Post-secondary certificate 0%

Military training

Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons have a doctorate degree in dental medicine or dental surgery. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons who participate in military-sponsored residency programs receive renowned education. All dentists in the Military gain exposure to nearly every major facet of dentistry in a wide range of healthcare environments. Like other healthcare officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, the military health system, and leadership development. Preventive dentistryDental office proceduresRadiology (X-ray) techniquesDental hygiene procedures

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Military training

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Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons have a doctorate degree in dental medicine or dental surgery. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons who participate in military-sponsored residency programs receive renowned education. All dentists in the Military gain exposure to nearly every major facet of dentistry in a wide range of healthcare environments. Like other healthcare officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, the military health system, and leadership development.

  • Preventive dentistry
  • Dental office procedures
  • Radiology (X-ray) techniques
  • Dental hygiene procedures

Knowledge

  • Medicine and Dentistry
  • Psychology
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Biology
  • English Language

Skills at a Glance

Skills helpful in this career

  • Verbal skills
  • Critical thinking & problem solving
  • Equipment operation & maintenance
  • Math & science skills
  • Technology design & control
  • Leadership
No Information for this section

Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.