For Educators: Military Resources
Military Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Median Salary
135,294
Workforce Count
1,278
Overview
What are the responsibilities of this role?
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform surgery and related procedures on the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial regions to treat diseases and injuries, and improve function or appearance. These surgeons treat and repair oral and maxillofacial injuries sustained in combat. They also cover a much broader scope of practice, including cleft and craniofacial disorders, oral cancer, jaw reconstruction, snoring and sleep apnea, dental implants, and facial cosmetic surgery.
What is the work environment like?
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons work in hospitals and dental clinics on land and aboard ships.
How many people have this role in the Military?
1,278
Compensation
Understanding How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary
Base pay is the standard income you’ll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.
- Always fixed based on rank and service time.
- Distributed monthly.
What is the typical salary range?
Salary by Years of Service
$195,295
2 Years
$138,134
6 Years
$195,295
10+ Years
Median Salary
Military Details
What Service Branches offer this role?
Is this a staff or leadership role?
Officers are service members who plan, direct operations and manage enlisted personnel, developing a broad range of leadership-related skills.
Learn More About Enlisted and Officer PathsWhat does the training for this role entail?
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons have a doctorate degree in dental medicine or dental surgery. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons who participate in military-sponsored residency programs receive renowned education. All dentists in the Military gain exposure to nearly every major facet of dentistry in a wide range of healthcare environments. Like other healthcare officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, the military health system, and leadership development.
- Preventive dentistry
- Dental office procedures
- Radiology (X-ray) techniques
- Dental hygiene procedures
Education
What level of education do professionals in this role have?
Which college majors best prepare you for this role?
- Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery
Learn About How Military Can Pay for 100% of your College Degree
The Military has several programs that cover college costs — so you can pursue your education with little to no debt.
Learn More About Paying For CollegeSkills and Interest
What knowledge is essential to bring to the table?
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Psychology
- Customer and Personal Service
- Biology
- English Language
What personality traits help people thrive in this role?
Investigative
You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.
Realistic
You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.
Social
You love connecting with people, helping others and making a difference in your community.
RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.
Take the RIASEC Test