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How to Choose an Oral Surgeon: 6 Factors to Consider

Are you looking for a local oral surgeon? Don’t contact just any oral surgery practice. Finding the right specialist to perform your procedure requires careful research, thought and consideration.

How to Choose an Oral Surgeon: 6 Factors to Consider

Surgery is a life-changing experience, and you want to make sure you’re getting the best care and treatment possible. To that end, in choosing your oral surgeon, keep the factors below in mind.

1. Training and Education

For oral surgeons — as with any specialist — the correct levels of training and education are crucial. Graduation from an accredited dental school is a must, as is an additional four to six years of surgical and anesthesia training. Continuing education courses are also important for staying up to date on the latest techniques.

2. Procedural Experience

Choosing an oral surgeon with extensive experience in the type of procedure you need will give you the best chance at a good outcome.

So whether you need tooth extraction, corrective jaw surgery, dental implants, bone grafting or any other type of oral surgery, seek out a specialist with a solid track record in successfully performing that procedure.

3. Professional Affiliations

Affiliation with professional organizations demonstrates that an oral surgery specialist is committed to the highest standard of care.

Look for a board-certified surgeon with distinctions and memberships in the leading industry associations. These include the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS) and the Utah Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (UAOMS).

4. Practice Reputation

Any top-notch surgeon should have a professional practice with a good reputation.

In selecting a specialist, look for a well-established oral and maxillofacial surgery practice — one that has served the local area for several years. The atmosphere should be professional, comfortable and orderly.

5. Insurance and Payment Plans

If your surgery addresses a medical condition, insurance may provide coverage. If not, you’ll have to pay for the treatment.

Out-of-pocket costs don’t have to be a financial burden, however. As you look for a local oral surgeon, find out about their payment options. For easier budgeting, you may want to choose a practice that offers a monthly payment plan for selected services.

6. Communication and Comfort

For a positive surgical experience, you need to find a specialist with a great bedside manner.

The surgeon you choose should communicate well, taking the time to answer all your questions and explaining your surgical plan in a way you can understand. Look for a specialist who treats you with kindness and makes you feel comfortable.

Are you searching for a board-certified oral surgeon in the greater Salt Lake City area? Dr. Partridge and Dr. Maxfield at Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Utah have extensive experience, and both are trained in a full range of oral surgery procedures.

The Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Utah team is committed to providing the best standard of care to every patient. And with three convenient northern Utah offices in Cottonwood Heights, South Jordan and Tooele, visiting us couldn’t be easier or more convenient. If you’re looking for a compassionate, friendly and experienced local oral surgeon, contact us to schedule a consultation today.

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