Oral and maxillofacial surgeons assess and treat problems, illnesses, injuries and anomalies of the mouth (oral), the jaws (maxilla) and the face (facial). This was the first dental specialty created following the establishment of general dental schools. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons specialize in surgery of the teeth, the jaw, facial muscles and bones, ranging from the most difficult tooth extractions to the most complicated fractures.

Treatment of severe infections of or injuries to the mouth, jaws and face, plastic and reconstructive surgery techniques now used in correcting a wide range of facial deformities.