Updated April 09, 2014.

Definition: Maxillofacial is the area of surgery that deals with problems of the face, head, neck, jaw and sinuses. Maxillofacial surgeons are typically trained in oral surgery as well, so some surgeons are referred to as Oral & Maxillofacial specialists.

Unique in the world of surgery, oral and maxillofacial surgeons may be educated as doctors of dentistry or doctors of medicine, depending on the country of practice.

Also Known As: oral surgery, oral surgeon, facial surgery, Oral and maxillofacial, maxillo-facial,

Common Misspellings: maxilofacial, maxilo-facial,

Examples: A maxillofacial surgeon was called to help reconstruct the face of a patient whose facial bones were fractured in a severe car crash.