Maxillofacial Surgeons, sometimes called Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (OMFS or OMS), are trained to handle a wide variety of conditions, deformities, and injuries that affect the facial region which includes the head, neck, jaw, and the mouth which differ from an Oral Surgeon who limits their practice to the compounds of the oral cavity.

OMF Surgeons are initially educated in Dentistry before obtaining a clinical residency like other surgical disciplines or a postgraduate training in the full scope of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgey with the incorporation of medical education. Currently, it is common for clinicians to pursue a medical qualification over and above their dental qualification to supplement the deficiencies in broad clinical knowledge and hospital care as well as further academic studies resulting to advanced degrees related to the discipline thereafter completing a certifying board in OMFS. Furthermore, a fellowship training in a number of subspecialties may be chosen to enhance clinical practice and improve patient outcome.

Maxillofacial Surgeons are actively involved in hospital services and perform most surgeries in the operating theater as well as outpatient or day-surgery facilities.