Oral and maxillofacial surgeons
SOC Code: 29-1022
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons carries a 24% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk) and +4.1% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 6,100 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons (SOC 29-1022) carries an AI exposure score of 24%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 6,100 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +4.1% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Entry typically requires Doctoral or professional degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Administer general and local anesthetics.
- 2. Collaborate with other professionals, such as restorative dentists and orthodontists, to plan treatment.
- 3. Evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth to determine whether problems exist currently or might occur in the future.
- 4. Perform surgery to prepare the mouth for dental implants and to aid in the regeneration of deficient bone and gum tissues.
- 5. Remove impacted, damaged, and non-restorable teeth.
- 6. Treat infections of the oral cavity, salivary glands, jaws, and neck.
- 7. Remove tumors and other abnormal growths of the oral and facial regions, using surgical instruments.
- 8. Provide emergency treatment of facial injuries including facial lacerations, intra-oral lacerations, and fractured facial bones.
- 9. Treat problems affecting the oral mucosa, such as mouth ulcers and infections.
- 10. Restore form and function by moving skin, bone, nerves, and other tissues from other parts of the body to reconstruct the jaws and face.
Key Skills Required
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
- Social Perceptiveness
- Coordination
Knowledge Areas
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Biology
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Psychology
- Education and Training
- Chemistry
- Administration and Management
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Therapy and Counseling
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Oral and maxillofacial surgeons?
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons has an AI exposure score of 24%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Oral and maxillofacial surgeons?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Oral and maxillofacial surgeons is projected to grow by 4.1% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 6,100 workers.
What skills are needed for Oral and maxillofacial surgeons?
Key skills for Oral and maxillofacial surgeons include Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Reading Comprehension, and others. Typical entry-level education is Doctoral or professional degree.
How much do Oral and maxillofacial surgeons earn?
Wage data for Oral and maxillofacial surgeons varies by region, experience, and employer. The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes median wage estimates in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Oral and maxillofacial surgeons?
The typical entry-level education for Oral and maxillofacial surgeons is Doctoral or professional degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Internship/residency. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Oral and maxillofacial surgeons?
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).