How Many Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Were There in the US in 2016?
In 2016, the estimated number of active, clinically practicing oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMS) in the United States was approximately 4,700. This crucial healthcare profession fills a vital role in treating complex craniofacial conditions and injuries.
The Scope of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, injuries, and defects involving both the functional and aesthetic aspects of the mouth, jaws, face, and skull. OMS requires extensive surgical training beyond dental school, typically a four- to six-year hospital-based residency. This rigorous training equips surgeons to perform a wide range of procedures.
The Vital Role of OMS Professionals
OMS professionals play a critical role in healthcare, addressing issues that impact patients’ quality of life, from relieving pain to improving aesthetics. Here are some key areas where they contribute:
- Corrective Jaw Surgery: Addressing skeletal and dental irregularities to improve chewing, speaking, and breathing.
- Facial Trauma: Repairing fractures and soft tissue injuries resulting from accidents or violence.
- Dental Implants: Replacing missing teeth with permanent, functional implants.
- Extraction of Impacted Teeth: Removing wisdom teeth and other impacted teeth that can cause pain and infection.
- Treatment of Oral Cancer: Diagnosing and surgically removing cancerous and precancerous lesions in the mouth and jaws.
- TMJ Disorders: Managing temporomandibular joint disorders, which cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint.
- Cleft Lip and Palate Repair: Correcting congenital deformities affecting the face and mouth.
Estimating the Number of Surgeons in 2016
Pinpointing an exact, official number for the number of OMS professionals in a specific year requires compiling data from multiple sources. While there isn’t a single, publicly accessible database that provides this specific figure with 100% accuracy, estimations can be derived from professional organizations like the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) and relevant workforce studies.
The AAOMS membership data, coupled with analyses of practicing dentists who are board-certified in oral and maxillofacial surgery, provides a solid basis for estimation. Government statistics and research studies on healthcare workforce demographics further contribute to a more accurate understanding. Based on available data and projections, a reasonable estimate for how many oral and maxillofacial surgeons were there in the US in 2016 is approximately 4,700.
Factors Influencing Surgeon Numbers
Several factors influence the number of practicing OMS professionals in any given year. These include:
- Graduation Rates: The number of surgeons completing residency programs each year.
- Retirement Rates: The number of surgeons retiring from practice.
- Career Changes: Surgeons leaving clinical practice for other roles in academia, research, or administration.
- Geographic Distribution: The distribution of surgeons across different regions of the country, which can impact access to care.
- Immigration and Emigration: The movement of surgeons into and out of the United States.
Importance of Accurate Workforce Data
Having reliable data on the number of OMS professionals is crucial for:
- Workforce Planning: Ensuring an adequate supply of surgeons to meet the needs of the population.
- Resource Allocation: Allocating resources effectively to support training programs and research initiatives.
- Policy Development: Developing policies that promote access to oral and maxillofacial surgical care.
- Healthcare Delivery: Optimizing the delivery of care to patients with complex craniofacial conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the main governing body for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons in the United States?
The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) is the primary professional organization representing OMS in the United States. It provides resources, education, and advocacy for its members and plays a vital role in setting standards for the specialty.
How does one become an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?
Becoming an OMS requires completing a four-year dental degree (DDS or DMD), followed by a hospital-based residency program in oral and maxillofacial surgery, lasting four to six years. This residency provides extensive surgical training in all aspects of the specialty.
What is the difference between a dentist and an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?
While both are dental professionals, OMS require significantly more training than general dentists. General dentists focus on routine dental care, while OMS are specialized in surgical procedures of the mouth, jaws, face, and skull.
Why might someone need to see an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?
Patients may be referred to an OMS for a variety of reasons, including impacted teeth, corrective jaw surgery, facial trauma, dental implants, oral cancer treatment, and TMJ disorders. They possess the surgical expertise to handle these complex conditions.
Are there any sub-specialties within Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery?
Yes, some OMS may pursue further training in sub-specialty areas such as:
- Craniofacial Surgery
- Cosmetic Facial Surgery
- Head and Neck Oncology
How has the number of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons changed since 2016?
While pinpointing an exact number requires updated data, the number of OMS likely increased modestly since 2016, reflecting ongoing graduation from residency programs, balanced against retirements and career changes.
What is the average salary for an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon in the US?
The average salary for an OMS is significantly higher than that of a general dentist, reflecting the extensive training and specialized skills required. Salary ranges vary based on experience, location, and practice setting, often exceeding $300,000 per year and sometimes significantly higher.
Where can I find a qualified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon in my area?
The AAOMS website provides a search tool to help patients find qualified OMS in their local area. You can also ask your general dentist for a referral.
Are Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons board-certified?
Many OMS are board-certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS). Board certification demonstrates a surgeon’s commitment to meeting high standards of clinical competence and professionalism.
What is the role of technology in modern Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery?
Technology plays an increasingly important role in OMS, with advances in imaging (CT scans, cone beam CT), surgical techniques (computer-guided surgery, minimally invasive approaches), and materials (dental implants, bone grafts) enhancing treatment outcomes.
How important is research in advancing the field of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery?
Research is crucial for advancing the field, leading to new treatments, improved surgical techniques, and a better understanding of craniofacial diseases and injuries. OMS often participate in research studies to improve patient care.
How does the number of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons impact access to care?
The number and distribution of OMS directly impact access to care for patients with complex craniofacial needs. Areas with a shortage of OMS may experience longer wait times and limited access to specialized surgical services. Addressing how many oral and maxillofacial surgeons were there in the US in 2016, and in subsequent years, is fundamental to ensuring adequate care.