Career Development Grid

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are dental specialists who perform surgical procedures on the mouth, jaw, and face. They are responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of a range of conditions, including facial injuries, jaw disorders, and oral cancer.
Education and Training:
To become an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon in Nigeria, you must first complete a bachelor’s degree in dentistry. After that, you will need to complete a residency program in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, which typically takes 4-6 years. During this time, you will receive extensive training in surgical procedures, anesthesia, and emergency medicine.
Typical Job Duties and Responsibilities:
As an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, your job duties and responsibilities will include performing surgical procedures, such as tooth extractions, jaw surgery, and facial reconstruction. You will also be responsible for diagnosing and treating conditions such as oral cancer, TMJ disorders, and cleft lip and palate. Additionally, you may be called upon to provide emergency care for patients who have suffered facial injuries.
Earning Potential:
In Nigeria, the earning potential for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons varies depending on experience and location. As a new graduate, you can expect to earn around ₦250,000 – ₦350,000 per month. However, with experience and specialization, you can earn up to ₦1,000,000 per month or more.
Opportunities for Career Advancement:
As an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, you may have opportunities for career advancement by specializing in a particular area of surgery, such as orthognathic surgery or reconstructive surgery. You may also be able to advance to a leadership position within a hospital or dental practice.
Challenges and How to Overcome Them:
One of the biggest challenges facing Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons is the risk of complications during surgery. To overcome this, it is important to have extensive training and experience in surgical procedures, as well as a thorough understanding of anesthesia and emergency medicine. Additionally, it is important to have strong communication skills to ensure that patients understand the risks and benefits of surgery.
Gaining Experience and Building a Network:
To gain experience and build a network in this field, you can participate in internships or residency programs, attend conferences and workshops, and join professional organizations such as the Nigerian Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.
Job Prospects and Future

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are highly trained dental specialists who perform surgical procedures on the mouth, jaw, and face. To become an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, one must complete the following education and training:
1. Bachelor’s Degree: A four-year undergraduate degree in a science-related field is required to pursue a career in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
2. Dental School: After completing a bachelor’s degree, one must attend dental school for four years to earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree.
3. Residency Program: After completing dental school, aspiring oral and maxillofacial surgeons must complete a four to six-year residency program in oral and maxillofacial surgery. This program provides extensive training in surgical procedures, anesthesia, and patient management.
4. Licensure: After completing the residency program, oral and maxillofacial surgeons must obtain a license to practice in their state. This involves passing a written and practical examination.
5. Board Certification: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons can become board-certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS) by passing a rigorous examination process. Certification is not mandatory but is highly recommended for professional development and recognition.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are specialized dental professionals who diagnose and treat conditions related to the mouth, jaws, face, and neck. Their job duties and responsibilities may include:
1. Performing surgical procedures: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons perform surgeries on the mouth, jaws, face, and neck to treat a variety of conditions, such as impacted wisdom teeth, jaw misalignment, facial trauma, and oral cancer.
2. Diagnosing and treating diseases and injuries: They diagnose and treat diseases and injuries of the mouth, jaws, face, and neck, including infections, tumors, cysts, and fractures.
3. Providing anesthesia: They administer local and general anesthesia to patients before performing surgical procedures.
4. Managing post-operative care: They monitor patients after surgery and provide post-operative care and instructions to ensure proper healing.
5. Collaborating with other healthcare professionals: They work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as dentists, orthodontists, and plastic surgeons, to provide comprehensive care to patients.
6. Educating patients: They educate patients on oral health and hygiene, and provide information on how to prevent oral diseases and injuries.
7. Conducting research: They may conduct research to improve surgical techniques and develop new treatments for oral and maxillofacial conditions.
Overall, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons play a critical role in the healthcare industry by providing specialized care to patients with complex oral and facial conditions.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are highly skilled medical professionals who specialize in surgery of the face, mouth, and jaw. The earning potential for this career is generally high, both in the short and long term.
In the short term, during the residency period, oral and maxillofacial surgeons may earn a moderate salary. However, once they complete their training and become licensed, their earning potential increases significantly. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for oral and maxillofacial surgeons in the United States is $237,570 as of May 2020.
In the long term, oral and maxillofacial surgeons can potentially earn even higher salaries as they gain more experience and build their reputation in the industry. Many oral and maxillofacial surgeons also have the opportunity to open their own private practices, which can lead to even greater earning potential.
It’s important to note that the earning potential for oral and maxillofacial surgeons can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and specialty. However, overall, this career has a high earning potential both in the short and long term.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are specialized dental professionals who perform surgical procedures on the mouth, jaw, and face. They diagnose and treat various conditions such as facial trauma, oral cancer, and other abnormalities of the mouth and jaw.
The opportunities for career advancement in this field are quite significant. After completing the required education and training, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons can work in private practice, hospitals, or clinics. They can also choose to specialize in a particular area such as facial reconstruction or cosmetic surgery.
Additionally, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons can pursue academic careers as professors or researchers in dental schools or medical institutions. They can also become involved in research and development of new surgical techniques and technologies.
Overall, the field of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery offers a wide range of opportunities for career advancement and growth.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are highly skilled medical professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, injuries, and defects of the head, neck, face, jaws, and oral cavity. Some of the biggest challenges that people in this career face include:
1. Extensive education and training: Becoming an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon requires a significant amount of education and training, including completion of a four-year dental program, a four-year residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and often additional fellowship training. This can be a long and challenging process that requires a lot of dedication and hard work.
2. High-stress work environment: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons often work in high-stress environments, dealing with patients who may be in pain or distress. This can be emotionally taxing and require a high level of emotional resilience.
3. High liability risks: As with any medical profession, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons face a high level of liability risk. They must be extremely careful and precise in their work to avoid any potential complications or malpractice claims.
To overcome these challenges, individuals pursuing a career in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery should:
1. Be prepared for a long and challenging education and training process. This requires a strong work ethic, dedication, and a passion for the field.
2. Develop strong emotional resilience and coping skills to manage the stress of working in a high-pressure environment.
3. Focus on developing excellent communication skills to build strong relationships with patients and minimize the risk of misunderstandings or errors.
4. Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field and continue to pursue ongoing education and training to maintain their skills and knowledge.

Here are some ways to gain experience and build a network in the field of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery:
1. Education: The first step towards becoming an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon is to complete a degree in dentistry. After that, you will need to complete a residency program in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Make sure to choose a reputable school and program to gain the best education and experience.
2. Internships and shadowing: Look for opportunities to shadow an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon or intern at a dental clinic. This will give you hands-on experience and allow you to observe the daily tasks of a surgeon.
3. Volunteer work: Volunteering at a dental clinic or hospital can help you gain experience and build connections in the field. You can also participate in medical mission trips to gain experience and help people in need.
4. Networking events: Attend conferences and events related to Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery to meet professionals in the field and learn about the latest advancements. Join professional organizations such as the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons to connect with other professionals and stay up-to-date on industry news.
5. Online presence: Create a professional online presence on platforms such as LinkedIn to connect with professionals in the field and showcase your skills and experience. You can also start a blog or social media account to share your knowledge and expertise with others in the field.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are highly specialized medical professionals who diagnose and treat conditions related to the mouth, jaw, and face. They perform surgical procedures such as tooth extractions, corrective jaw surgery, and cleft palate repair. They also treat oral cancer and other diseases that affect the mouth and facial structures.
The job prospects for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are currently good, with a projected job growth rate of 7% from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to an aging population that will require more dental and medical care, as well as advances in technology that make surgical procedures more efficient and less invasive.
However, the competition for admission to Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery residency programs is intense, and the training required to become an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon is long and rigorous. Additionally, the cost of education and training can be high.
In the future, the demand for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons is expected to continue to grow due to the aging population and advances in medical technology. However, changes in healthcare policies and insurance reimbursement may affect the job prospects for all medical professionals, including Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons need to possess the following skills and qualities to succeed in their career:
1. Strong Communication Skills: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons need to have excellent communication skills to effectively communicate with their patients, staff, and other healthcare professionals.
2. Attention to Detail: They must have a keen eye for detail to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
3. Manual Dexterity: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons must have good hand-eye coordination and motor skills to perform delicate surgical procedures.
4. Problem-Solving Skills: They must be able to think critically and make quick decisions when faced with unexpected situations during surgery.
5. Compassion and Empathy: They must have a caring and empathetic nature to connect with their patients and provide emotional support during their treatment.
6. Patience and Perseverance: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons must have the patience and perseverance to work for long hours and handle complex cases.
7. Leadership Skills: They must have strong leadership skills to manage their team and oversee the surgical procedures.
8. Continuous Learning: They must stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in their field and continuously learn new techniques and technologies.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are in demand in the following sectors or industries:
1. Healthcare: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are an integral part of the healthcare industry and work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
2. Dental: Since oral and maxillofacial surgery deals with the mouth, teeth, and jaws, the dental industry is another sector where oral and maxillofacial surgeons are in demand.
3. Academic and Research: Oral and maxillofacial surgeons can also work in academic and research institutions, teaching and conducting research in the field.
4. Government: Oral and maxillofacial surgeons can work for the government in public health programs, military hospitals, and other government-run healthcare facilities.
5. Veterinary: Some oral and maxillofacial surgeons specialize in veterinary care and work in veterinary clinics or animal hospitals.

Common misconceptions about Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons include:
1. They are only dentists: While Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are trained in dentistry, they also have extensive surgical training. They are licensed to perform surgeries on the mouth, jaw, and face.
2. They only perform tooth extractions: While tooth extractions are a common procedure for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, they also perform complex surgeries such as jaw reconstruction, cleft palate repair, and facial trauma surgery.
3. They only work in dental clinics: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons can work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and private practices.
The reality is that Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are highly skilled professionals who have completed extensive education and training. They are licensed to perform a wide range of surgical procedures on the mouth, jaw, and face. They work in various settings and are an essential part of the healthcare team. It is important to understand the scope of their practice and the significant impact they have on their patients’ lives.