What Is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a dental specialist trained to diagnose and surgically treat conditions affecting the mouth, jaw, face, and neck. This specialty combines elements of both dentistry and medicine, allowing these surgeons to manage a wide range of functional and aesthetic concerns involving the facial region.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons complete extensive education and training beyond dental school. After earning a dental degree, they undergo an additional four to six years of hospital-based surgical residency. This training includes experience in anesthesia, general surgery, and emergency medicine, equipping them to perform complex procedures and manage a variety of patient needs. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, oral and maxillofacial surgeons are the surgical specialists of the dental profession, uniquely qualified to treat conditions involving the face, mouth, and jaws.
The scope of practice for an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is broad. Common procedures include wisdom teeth removal, dental implant placement, bone grafting, corrective jaw surgery, and the treatment of facial injuries. These specialists are also trained to diagnose and manage oral diseases, including oral cancer. Their expertise allows them to address both routine and complex cases with a high level of precision and care. The American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery notes that this specialized training prepares surgeons to treat diseases, injuries, and defects involving both the hard and soft tissues of the oral and facial regions.
Dr. Russell’s educational and professional background reflect this high level of specialized training. He earned his undergraduate degree from Weber State University before completing his Doctor of Dental Surgery at Virginia Commonwealth University. He then went on to complete his oral and maxillofacial surgery residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, where he received extensive hospital-based surgical training. Following his residency, he remained on as a faculty member, contributing to the training of future surgeons before transitioning into private practice.
Institutions such as Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Mississippi Medical Center are well-regarded for their comprehensive clinical training and rigorous surgical curricula, providing residents with hands-on experience in anesthesia, trauma care, and complex facial procedures. This type of advanced training is designed to prepare surgeons to manage a wide spectrum of conditions with a high level of skill and clinical judgment.
If you have been referred to an oral surgeon or have questions about a potential procedure, the team here at Elevated Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is available to help guide you through the process and determine the best course of care for your individual needs.