Most people see their dentist regularly and never need to go further. But some dental conditions require a level of surgical expertise that sits well beyond general dentistry. If your dentist has referred you to a specialist, or you are trying to understand the difference between the two, this guide explains what oral surgeons do, how they train, the procedures they perform, and when a referral makes sense.
What Does an Oral Surgeon Do in New Zealand?
An oral surgeon is a registered dental specialist trained to diagnose and surgically treat conditions affecting the teeth, jaws, mouth, and surrounding structures. Think of them as the surgical specialists of the dental world. Where your general dentist manages your ongoing oral health, an oral surgeon steps in when a condition requires advanced surgical skill, specialist equipment, or a higher level of anaesthesia than a dental clinic can provide.
In New Zealand, oral surgeons work within two recognised specialties: Oral Surgery and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS). Both are registered specialties under the Dental Council of New Zealand and require substantial postgraduate training beyond a standard dental degree.
Difference Between Dentist and Oral Surgeon in NZ
This is one of the most common questions patients ask when they receive a referral. The short answer is that a general dentist and an oral surgeon have fundamentally different scopes of training and practice.
A general dentist completes a five-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery and is trained to manage the full range of routine dental care: fillings, crowns, root canals, hygiene, and straightforward extractions. An oral surgeon completes all of that, then goes on to complete several additional years of specialist postgraduate training focused entirely on surgical procedures.
| General Dentist | Oral Surgeon | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary qualification | Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) | BDS + specialist postgraduate degree |
| Total training | 5 years | 8 to 12 years |
| Scope of practice | Fillings, crowns, root canals, routine extractions | Complex extractions, implants, bone grafting, jaw surgery, pathology |
| Anaesthesia | Local anaesthetic | Local, IV sedation, and general anaesthesia |
| NZ registration | General dental registration | Specialist registration with Dental Council of NZ |
In short, your dentist handles the majority of your dental care throughout your life. An oral surgeon is called upon when a case requires a higher level of surgical precision, specialist assessment, or procedures that carry greater complexity or risk.
How Are Oral Surgeons Trained and Qualified in New Zealand?
Oral surgeons in New Zealand complete some of the most rigorous specialist training in the dental profession. After graduating with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Otago, New Zealand's only dental school, they must complete further years of postgraduate specialist study before they can register as a specialist with the Dental Council of New Zealand.
Oral Surgery: University of Otago Pathway
The primary postgraduate pathway for Oral Surgery is the three-year Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (DClinDent) in Oral Surgery at the University of Otago. This is a full-time residential programme and is accredited by the Dental Council of NZ as a prescribed qualification for specialist registration. It combines:
- Clinical training across a wide range of oral surgery cases
- Didactic learning grounded in surgical science and patient management
- Original doctoral research conducted under specialist supervision
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: RACDS Pathway
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons follow an even more extensive programme through the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (RACDS), the leading provider of OMS training across Australia and New Zealand. Requirements include:
- Completion of both a dental degree and a medical degree
- A minimum of five years of accredited surgical training
- Clinical rotations through hospitals and specialist settings across Australasia
- Primary and Fellowship examinations set by the RACDS
Our NSOMS Team
TheNSOMS oral surgeons bring this depth of training to every patient:
- Dr Sam Goldsmith completed his Doctorate of Clinical Dentistry in Oral Surgery at the University of Otago after nine years of study and research in Dunedin
- Dr Rajiv Rajpal trained across both the University of Otago and the University of Sydney, completing close to ten years of specialist training before establishing his practice in Auckland
- Dr Han Choi holds a BDS, MBChB and MDS with distinction, all from the University of Otago, and is one of the most experienced All-on-4 surgeons in New Zealand
All three of our doctors are fully registered specialists with the Dental Council of New Zealand, so you are in safe hands.
What Oral Surgery Procedures Are Performed in Auckland?
Not every dental problem looks the same, and neither does oral surgery. The proceduresNSOMS oral surgeons perform range from single-appointment surgical extractions through to complex, multi-stage treatments involving bone reconstruction and full mouth rehabilitation.
When a Tooth Cannot Be Saved
Some teeth reach a point where they cannot be restored through conventional dental treatment. Whether due to severe decay, a failed root canal, a fractured root, or an impacted wisdom tooth pressing against surrounding teeth and nerves, surgical removal is sometimes the most clinically appropriate outcome.Tooth extractions andwisdom teeth removal performed by an oral surgeon are carried out with a level of precision and anaesthetic management that general dental settings are not always equipped to provide.
When Missing Teeth Need to Be Replaced
Tooth loss affects more than appearance. It can impact jaw bone density, bite function, and quality of life over time. Oral surgeons placedental implants to restore individual missing teeth, and performAll-on-4 implant procedures for patients who have lost most or all of their teeth and want a fixed, permanent solution. Where bone volume has been lost, bone grafting is performed first to rebuild the foundation for successful implant placement.
When Something Needs to Be Investigated
Not all oral surgery is planned in advance. Oral surgeons also assess and treat conditions that develop within the jaws and surrounding tissue, including cysts, benign tumours, and lesions that require biopsy or surgical removal. Identifying and treating these conditions early is an important part of long-term oral health. A full list of oral surgery services available at NSOMS can be found on our treatments page.
When Does a Dentist Refer You to an Oral Surgeon?
Your dentist will refer you to anoral surgeon when your condition requires surgical expertise, specialist assessment, or a level of care that falls outside the scope of a general dental practice. This is standard practice across New Zealand and reflects the tiered structure of dental and specialist care.
Common reasons for a referral to an oral surgeon include:
- Wisdom teeth that are impacted, partially erupted, or positioned close to the inferior alveolar nerve
- Teeth that require surgical extraction due to root anatomy, bone involvement, or proximity to anatomical structures
- Dental implant treatment, particularly cases that require bone grafting or sinus lifting before implant placement
- Suspected cysts, lesions, or bony pathology requiring specialist assessment and possible biopsy
- Complex cases where IV sedation or general anaesthesia is clinically appropriate
- Patients with medical conditions that require a higher level of clinical monitoring during dental procedures
A Referral Is a Sign You Are Getting the Right Care
Receiving a referral can feel unexpected, but it is not a cause for concern. It means your dentist has identified that your situation would benefit from specialist input, and they are making sure you receive exactly that. Oral surgeons work closely with referring dentists throughout your treatment, and your general dental care continues with your regular dentist once the surgical phase is complete.
Speak to a Specialist Oral Surgeon at NSOMS
If you have been referred to an oral surgeon, or your dentist has raised a concern that may require specialist assessment, the team at NSOMS is here to help. Based on Auckland's North Shore and Newmarket, we provide the full scope of oral surgery services in a dedicated specialist environment. Request a booking so we can support your care.
