How to Become A Maxillofacial Surgeon In South Africa

Maxillofacial Surgeons are specialists with advanced training and expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of various head and neck conditions and injuries.

Can a dentist be a maxillofacial surgeon?

The maxillofacial surgeon: a specialist dentist

Maxillofacial surgeons are specialist dentists who are certified to perform surgery on teeth, jaw bones and the face. They are trained to treat disorders, diseases, injuries and abnormalities in these parts of the body.

What does maxillofacial surgeon do?

Maxillofacial surgeons, sometimes called oral and maxillofacial surgeons, are trained to handle a wide variety of conditions and injuries that affect the head, neck, mouth, jaw, and face.

What does maxillofacial surgery include?

Oral and maxillofacial surgery encompasses a variety of procedures that involve surgery of the mouth (oral), jaw (maxilla), and face (facial). Some people regard oral and maxillofacial surgery as an “upgraded” form of dental surgery, but the practice extends far beyond what a dentist can perform.

Below are steps to Become A Maxillofacial Surgeon In South Africa

The following steps show you how you can become an oral and maxillofacial surgeon:

1. Earn your bachelor’s degree

All prospective dental and medical students must earn an undergraduate degree. A bachelor’s programs in pre-med studies or one that focuses heavily on biology, physiology, anatomy, microbiology, chemistry and mathematics can help prepare you for dental school and surgical training.

2. Take and pass the Dental Admissions Test (DAT)

Before enrolling in dental school, you must take and pass the DAT, which evaluates your abilities in biological and physiological subjects, along with your logical reasoning, comprehension and math skills. Once you pass the exam, you’re eligible to enroll in dental school.

3. Complete dental school

Your dental education program can take up to four years to complete and focus on general dental practice, treatment methods and other aspects of the field. Many programs require students to participate in internships, where they work with dental patients and apply their skills.

At the end of your dental program, you receive your Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) degree. Both allow you to practice dentistry, however, to become an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, you need to complete advanced training to obtain your medical degree.

4. Complete an approved surgical residency

Completing an approved residency advances your training in oral and maxillofacial surgery and awards you with your medical degree, which you need in addition to your DDS or DDM to practice.

Oral and maxillofacial surgical residencies can last anywhere from four to six years, with at least two years dedicated to obtaining your medical degree. Additionally, oral and maxillofacial surgeons complete clinical rotations that help them apply their training and knowledge and prepare them for entering their careers.

Tips for developing your career as maxillofacial surgeon

Developing in your career as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon can help you overcome challenges, build supportive relationships and succeed in your role. Consider the following tips for supporting your career development:

Take part in research and innovations in dentistry. Advance your career and support your knowledge of topics in your field by finding and contributing to research opportunities, collaborating with dental and surgical teams and attending workshops that help you deepen your expertise.

Involve your surgical teams in patient evaluations. Aspiring surgeons and surgical assistants can benefit from observing patient exams and evaluations, as this involvement provides learning opportunities that can help your team advance in their careers.

Develop your customer service skills. Customer service skills are highly useful in fields other than sales, and your ability to connect and build relationships with your patients can ensure your practice maintains a positive reputation and public image.

Below are Duties of a Maxillofacial Surgeon In South Africa

Removing impacted, damaged and unrestorable teeth

Performing reconstructive surgery to areas of the mouth, face, neck or jaw following injuries, medical procedures or other conditions

Treating and evaluating patients for temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)

Treating infections in the jaw, neck, salivary glands and overall oral cavity, including mouth ulcers and cysts

Performing jaw realignment surgeries to improve health and appearance

Performing cosmetic dental procedures like cheekbone and chin enhancements

Collaborating with surgical teams to improve processes and ensure positive outcomes for patients

How many years does it take to become a Maxillofacial surgeon In South Africa?

Typical training for an oral and maxillofacial surgeon includes: Two to four years undergraduate study (BS, BA, or equivalent degrees). Four years dental study (DMD, BDent, DDS or BDS). Four to six years residency training (six years includes two additional years for acquiring a medical degree).

How do I become an oral surgeon in South Africa?

A Maxillofacial and Oral Surgeon is a healthcare provider that has completed a five-year dentistry degree followed by a four-year postgraduate hospital-based registrar or residency training program.

How do you become a Maxillofacial surgeon In South Africa?

How to become an oral and maxillofacial surgeon

Earn your bachelor’s degree. All prospective dental and medical students must earn an undergraduate degree.

Take and pass the Dental Admissions Test (DAT)

Complete dental school.

Complete an approved surgical residency.

Apply for state licensure.

How long do you study to become an oral surgeon In South Africa?

In most cases, it takes at least six years for oral surgeons to complete both degrees and their surgical residency. As expected, the workload is intense, but afterwards, students graduate with both DDS and MD after their name.

Is a maxillofacial surgeon an MD In South Africa?

Education and Training

Maxillofacial surgeons are medical doctors who are specifically trained in the field of maxillofacial surgery. The six-year potential period includes spending an additional two years to receive a medical degree in addition to their dental degree.

Is Maxillofacial Surgery medical or dental In South Africa?

Maxillofacial surgery is a unique specialty that merges medical and dental science. This branch of surgery encompasses procedures that treat trauma and diseases affecting the head and neck, with the exception of the brain. The maxilla is the major bone of the middle face which forms the upper jaw.

How long does it take to be a maxillofacial surgeon in South Africa?

In South Africa, MChD in Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery is at least a 4-year program which is open to candidates who have obtained the BChD and/or MBChB degree or equivalent qualification at least 1 year previously and passed the Advanced Trauma Life Support Course [19].

How long does it take to be a maxillofacial surgeon in South Africa?

In South Africa, MChD in Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery is at least a 4-year program which is open to candidates who have obtained the BChD and/or MBChB degree or equivalent qualification at least 1 year previously and passed the Advanced Trauma Life Support Course [19].

How much money does a maxillofacial surgeon make In South Africa?

Salary Recap

The average pay for an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon is AUD 356,016 a year and AUD 171 an hour in Sydney, South Africa. The average salary range for an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon is between AUD 238,703 and AUD 467,612.