Oral and maxillofacial (OMF) surgery is a specialized branch of dentistry and medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the teeth, mouth, jaw, face, and neck. These specialists complete advanced hospital-based surgical training after dental school and are qualified to treat complex conditions involving the mouth, jaws, face, and neck — including impacted teeth, facial trauma, congenital craniofacial malformations, TMJ disorders, and oral pathologies that general dentists are not trained to manage.
OMF surgeons treat patients with impacted teeth, facial trauma from accidents, congenital craniofacial malformations, TMJ disorders, oral cancers, and other conditions requiring surgical intervention of the head and neck region.
OMFS vs OMS: What's the Difference?
OMFS and OMS are both commonly used abbreviations for oral and maxillofacial surgery, the recognized dental specialty that diagnoses and treats conditions of the mouth, jaw, face, and neck. Usage varies by institution and region, but both terms usually refer to the same surgical specialty.
The abbreviation OMFS (Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery) is more commonly found in medical literature, hospital credentialing, and international practice contexts. OMS is used interchangeably by many practices and professional organizations to refer to the same specialty.
For patients searching for care or practices marketing their services, using the full term “oral and maxillofacial surgery” is generally recommended because it signals the broadest scope of expertise and aligns with how the specialty is formally recognized by professional boards.
What Procedures Do Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Perform?
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions affecting the head, neck, and oral cavity. The scope of oral surgery includes everything from routine tooth extractions to complex facial reconstruction, cancer resection, and corrective jaw surgery.
Common procedures include:
- Diagnosis and removal of impacted teeth or difficult tooth extractions
- Diagnosis and removal of cysts, tumors, etc.
- Diagnosis and treatment of oral & head and neck cancer
- Diagnosis and treatment of congenital craniofacial malformations (craniofacial surgery)
- Diagnosis and treatment of TMJ disorders.
- Diagnosis and treatment of incorrect bite
- Treatment of facial trauma from an accident
For practices looking to optimize their dental implant workflow, having the right surgical software in place can streamline everything from case planning to post-operative follow-up.
What Technology Do OMS Practices Really Need?
Running a modern oral surgery practice requires more than clinical skill. The technology stack an OMS practice chooses directly affects patient experience, staff efficiency, and practice revenue. Purpose-built oral surgery software integrates EHR, practice management, imaging, and patient communication into a single workflow.
Essential technology categories for oral surgery practices:
- Electronic Health Records (EHR): Purpose-built OMS-specific EHR systems that capture anesthesia records, vitals monitoring data, surgical notes, and medical history in a single platform
- Practice Management Software: Scheduling, insurance verification, billing, and reporting tools designed for the unique workflow of oral and maxillofacial surgery. Oral surgery practice management solutions like MaxilloSoft streamline front-office and clinical workflows into one system.
- Digital Imaging Integration: Seamless connection with CBCT scans, panoramic X-rays, intraoral scanners, and 3D surgical planning tools
- Patient Communication Platforms: Automated appointment reminders, treatment plan presentation tools, and secure messaging for pre- and post-operative instructions
- Revenue Cycle Management: Medical billing for OMS-specific procedures, insurance claim tracking, and denial management. Learn more about OMS software ROI beyond just time savings.
For those interested in starting an oral surgery practice, choosing the right technology from day one can dramatically improve both efficiency and patient outcomes. Purpose-built OMS software like MaxilloSoft integrates these capabilities into a single platform, eliminating the need for multiple disconnected systems.
Maxillofacial Business Management Solution
MaxilloSoft is a business management software designed to make the collection of electronic health records easier for medical staff and patients alike. Efficiently collect data across multiple platforms including information from the anesthesia and vitals machines.
From solo practices to large multi-location groups, MaxilloSoft is custom configured to your practice. Make a great first impression. The patient’s name, reason for visit, and who their GP is always right at your fingertips. MaxilloSoft increases oral surgery practice efficiency for your practice.
Ready to streamline your OMS practice? Request a demo of MaxilloSoft to see how purpose-built oral surgery software improves clinical workflows, patient care, and practice efficiency.
