Specialty overview

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons treat patients who experience diseases, injuries and defects in the head, neck, face and jaw, as well as in the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region.

Clinical practice

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals and medical specialists to optimise the treatment of major conditions such as jaw and congenital facial disproportion, facial disproportion, facial trauma, salivary gland disease, temporo-mandibular joint disorders and head, neck or oral cancers.

Key statistics

2026 QLD Training program selections(first year)

22
eligible

0
selected

This doughnut chart shows the proportion of applications recieved vs applicants selected. Eligible applications received is 22, Applicants selected is 0.

Number of Queensland and Australian specialists

59

Number of QLD specialists

246

Number of Australian specialists

Number of Queensland and Australian new fellows

1

Number of QLD new fellows

7

Number of Australian new fellows

Number of Queensland trainees and average work hours

12

Number of QLD trainees

45.9

Average weekly hours

Information on specialists

  • 59

    Number of QLD specialists

  • 1

    Number of QLD new fellows

  • 45.9 hours

    Average weekly hours QLD

  • 49 years

    Average age QLD

  • Specialists over 60

    This donut chart shows that 16% of specialists are aged over 60 years.

  • Specialist intending to retire by 2033

    This donut chart shows that 35% of 2023 workforce intend to retire by 2033.

  • Location in QLD

    This donut chart shows the percentage of specialists by their location: 21.6% are located in regional QLD, 78.4% are in major cities, and 0.8% are in remote regions. The chart highlights that a vast majority of specialists are based in major cities.

  • Proportion Female/Male - QLD

    7.8%
    female

    92.2%
    male

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 91.8%, Females are 8.2%.

  • Public vs Private

    72.5%
    private

    27.5%
    public

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of public and private specialists. Private is 77.6%, Public is 22.4%.

Information on trainees

  • 12

    Number of QLD trainees

  • 0

    Number of new QLD trainees

  • 53

    Number of Australian trainees

  • 8

    Number of new Australian trainees

  • Proportion female/male trainees in QLD

    78%
    male

    22%
    female

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 78%, Females are 22%.

  • 2026 QLD Training program selections (first year)

    22
    eligible

    0
    selected

    This doughnut chart shows the number of 2026 QLD Training Program Selections (First Year). 22 Eligible applications were received, 0 of those were selected.

Number of QLD trainees 2016-2026

This line chart shows the trend of the number of QLD trainees from 2016 to 2026. The data points are: 2016 - 8 trainees, 2017 - 8 trainees, 2018 - 14 trainees, 2019 - 9 trainees, 2020 - 8 trainees, 2021 - 8 trainees, 2022 - 8 trainees, 2023 - 9 trainees, 2024 - 11 trainees, 2025 - 13 trainees, 2026 - 12 trainees.

What our staff have to say

Testimonial icon

Dr Nicole Milham

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Registrar
Townsville University Hospital

A career in oral and maxillofacial surgery challenges my mind and my surgical skills. Whether putting together the jigsaw puzzle that is someone’s facial fractures or carefully removing pathology from a high-risk area, I am rewarded with restoring a patient’s facial aesthetics, relieving their pain and improving their quality of life.

Training information

College

Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (RACDS)

Length of training

4 years full-time

Method of allocation

College-selected trainees may be allocated to a training post by:

  • College

Training and assessment summary

For detailed information in relation to training and assessment requirements, please contact RACDS.

Training program overview

Oral and maxillofacial surgery training incorporates both basic and advanced training, with clinical education and training predicated on trainees undertaking surgery with increasing levels of independence and incremental complexity. Upon completion of all requirements of the training program, trainees may apply for admission to Fellowship in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons - FRACDS(OMS).

Eligibility

Applicants must hold a dental degree with full registration to practice dentistry in either Australia or New Zealand, hold a medical degree with full registration to practice medicine in either Australia or New Zealand; hold citizenship or permanent resident status of Australia or New Zealand; and have completed a full year of surgery in general (SIG) rotations with a minimum of 9 months in related surgical disciplines (e.g. otolaryngology head and neck surgery, orthopaedic surgery, neurosurgey, ophthalmology, general surgey, plastic and reconstuctive surgery).

Flexibility

Minimum 50% of full-time commitment. Training must be completed within 8 years.

Interrupted training

Allowed however a period of continuous interruption exceeding 2 years will necessitate a period of additional training.

Training locations

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Last updated: May 2026

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