Vero Beach Oral Surgeons: Dentists Practicing Oral Surgery in Indian River County
Colgan, J Andrew DDS
Edwards Donald DMD
General & Implant Dentistry
Martowski Phillip J DDS
Rubinski Edward W DDS
Salomon Israel DDS PA
Shumate & Benson - US 1
Vero Beach Surgical Arts
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a regional specialist surgeon treating the anatomical area of the mouth,
jaws, face, skull, as well as associated structures.
Oral & maxillofacial surgeons are usually initially qualified in dentistry and have undergone further surgical
training. Some OMS residencies integrate a medical education as well & an appropriate degree medicine (MBBS or
MD or equivalent) is earned, although in the United States there is legally no difference in what a dual degree
OMFS can do compared to someone who earned a four year certificate. Oral & maxillofacial surgery is universally
recognized as a one of the nine specialties of dentistry. However also in the UK and many other countries OMFS
is a medical specialty as well culminating in the FRCS (Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons). Regardless,
all oral & maxillofacial surgeons must obtain a degree in dentistry (BDS, BDent, DDS, or DMD or equivalent) before
being allowed to begin residency training in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
They also may choose to undergo further training in a 1 or 2 year fellowship to expand the scope of practice to areas such as:
* Head and neck cancer - microvascular reconstruction
* Cosmetic facial surgery
* Craniofacial surgery/Pediatric Maxillofacial surgery
* Cranio-maxillofacial trauma
The popularity of oral and maxillofacial surgery as a career for persons whose first degree was medicine,
not dentistry, seems to be increasing. Integrated programs are becoming more available to medical graduates
allowing them to complete the dental degree requirement in about 3 years in order for them to advance to
subsequently complete Oral and Maxillofacial surgical training.
