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Oral And Maxillofacial Radiologist - Career Profile |
Career OverviewThe career of an oral and maxillofacial radiologist focuses on the correct techniques for using radiology in the assessment and treatment of conditions relating to the maxillofacial region. This can include but is not limited to conditions of the teeth, jaws, neck and face.
Usually these conditions are either genetic in nature or are caused by some sort of trauma or injury. The role of the oral and maxillofacial radiologist is to utilize all forms of imagining technology to minimize any unnecessary exposure to radiation to the patient.
The oral and maxillofacial radiologist may utilize such techniques as digital imagining, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed or plain tomography. The oral and maxillofacial radiologist works in conjunction with the dentist or treatment team to help provide the necessary information on the condition and structure of the hard tissue in the troubled area of the patients head, mouth and neck.
The oral and maxillofacial radiologist usually works in a laboratory or in a medical or dental facility. They are highly specialized individuals, much different than the radiology technicians that many dentists employ.
The oral and maxillofacial radiologist is able to use the various techniques and technologies to literally allow the treatment team to see all aspects of the patient’s hard tissues. The oral and maxillofacial radiologist may work on call or may have standard business hours, depending on the type of work that they do.
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Career RequirementsAn oral and maxillofacial radiologist must have a DDS or DMD as well as complete a two year additional training that will end with either a PhD or Masters in Science degree, depending on the program itself.
The oral and maxillofacial radiologist will be required to complete standard residency and hospital training to help with the diagnosis of head and neck injuries, while the radiology and imaging training is done in a classroom setting as well as during the internship. Currently there are only 7 accredited training universities for oral and maxillofacial radiologists in both Canada and the United States.
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Job OutlookWith an increase on preventative dentistry as well as corrective treatments the demand for trained oral and maxillofacial radiologists continues to increase across the United States.
The demand is considered to be above average for the dental sector, but with the additional training requirements there are usually not enough individuals graduating to fill already vacant positions. As current practitioners retired it is estimated that the demand for training oral and maxillofacial radiologists will continue to increase.
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Career TrackQualified oral and maxillofacial radiologists work as part of a treatment team, and can easily move into management positions within government agencies. Many universities and research facilities hire oral and maxillofacial radiologists to train new students and to supervise training programs within the facility. Private practice and consultant options are also available for oral and maxillofacial radiologists with experience.
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CompensationThe salary for an oral and maxillofacial radiologist is variable due to years of experience, level of training and experience. A relatively inexperienced oral and maxillofacial radiologist with less than three years of work experience usually earns between $175,000 and $225,000, with those with more experience earning significantly more. A very experienced oral and maxillofacial radiologist with a private practice can earn $350,000 to $425,000 per year.
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