Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is a specialised field of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis and surgical treatment of conditions affecting the mouth, jaws, face and related structures.
It covers areas such as facial injuries, jaw conditions, oral surgery, facial infections and other conditions involving the oral and maxillofacial region.
Candidates should note an important point before choosing this field in JAMB: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is not generally listed as a separate undergraduate JAMB programme.
The usual undergraduate route is Dentistry and Dental Surgery. Students first complete professional dental training before moving into specialist training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
This means candidates interested in becoming Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons should use the JAMB admission requirements for Dentistry and Dental Surgery.
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JAMB Subject Combination for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 2027/2028
The general JAMB subject combination for candidates pursuing Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery through Dentistry and Dental Surgery is:
| Subject | Requirement |
|---|---|
| English Language | Compulsory |
| Biology | Required |
| Chemistry | Required |
| Physics | Required |
The complete JAMB subject combination is:
English Language, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Biology, Chemistry and Physics are the three required UTME subjects for Dentistry and Dental Surgery, while English Language is compulsory in JAMB.
Candidates should generally apply for Dentistry and Dental Surgery rather than searching for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery as a separate undergraduate course.
After completing the required dental degree and professional training, a graduate may proceed into specialised training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
O’Level Requirements for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Candidates interested in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery generally begin with Dentistry and Dental Surgery, so the relevant O’Level requirements are those for Dentistry.
The general requirement is five SSC credit passes in:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
A simple breakdown is shown below:
| O’Level Subject | Requirement |
|---|---|
| English Language | Credit required |
| Mathematics | Credit required |
| Biology | Credit required |
| Chemistry | Credit required |
| Physics | Credit required |
All five subjects are important for admission into Dentistry and Dental Surgery.
Candidates should also note that some universities may specify whether the required credits must be obtained in one sitting or may accept two sittings.
Since Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is generally a specialist field pursued after the basic dental degree, the most important step at the undergraduate level is to meet the admission requirements for Dentistry and Dental Surgery.
Direct Entry Requirements for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Candidates interested in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery generally enter through Dentistry and Dental Surgery, so the relevant Direct Entry requirements are those for Dentistry.
The general Direct Entry requirement is three A’Level passes in:
- Chemistry
- Biology or Zoology
- Physics
A simple breakdown is shown below:
| Direct Entry Subject | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Chemistry | Required |
| Biology or Zoology | Required |
| Physics | Required |
Some universities also accept other relevant qualifications for Direct Entry into Dentistry and Dental Surgery.
For example:
- University of Benin may accept relevant B.Sc. and professional health-related qualifications.
- University of Jos accepts IJMB or A’Level passes in Physics, Chemistry and Biology or Zoology, together with the required O’Level subjects.
- University of Lagos accepts JUPEB or A’Level passes in Physics, Chemistry and Biology and may also consider relevant medical-related degrees.
- Obafemi Awolowo University may consider a relevant B.Sc. degree in the Sciences, subject to its stated conditions.
- University of Port Harcourt accepts three A’Level passes through routes such as JUPEB, IJMB, GCE or HSC in Physics, Chemistry and Biology, together with the UTME entry requirements.
Because Direct Entry conditions differ from one university to another, candidates should confirm the exact Dentistry and Dental Surgery requirements of their preferred institution before applying.
The important point is that Direct Entry candidates do not usually apply straight into Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery as a separate undergraduate degree. They first enter through Dentistry and Dental Surgery.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Admission Requirements at a Glance
Candidates interested in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery generally begin with Dentistry and Dental Surgery, since Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is usually a specialist field rather than a separate undergraduate JAMB programme.
The main admission requirements are summarised below:
| Admission Category | General Requirement |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Route | Dentistry and Dental Surgery |
| JAMB UTME Subjects | English Language, Biology, Chemistry and Physics |
| O’Level Requirement | Five SSC credit passes |
| Required O’Level Subjects | English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics |
| Direct Entry | Three A’Level passes |
| Required A’Level Subjects | Chemistry, Biology/Zoology and Physics |
| Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery | Specialist field within Dentistry |
Special Consideration and University-Specific Requirements
Universities may apply different conditions for Direct Entry into Dentistry and Dental Surgery.
University of Benin
The University of Benin may accept relevant qualifications such as:
- B.Sc. in Biochemistry
- B.Sc. in Microbiology
- B.Sc. in Zoology
- B.Sc. in Botany
- B.Sc. in Anatomy
- B.Sc. in Physiology
- Nursing
- Optometry
- Pharmacy
The required degree classification or minimum qualification depends on the university’s stated admission conditions.
University of Jos
The University of Jos accepts IJMB or A’Level passes in:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology or Zoology
Candidates must also satisfy the required O’Level conditions in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology or Zoology.
University of Lagos
The University of Lagos accepts JUPEB or A’Level passes in:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
It may also consider candidates with a relevant medical-related first degree, subject to its admission requirements.
Obafemi Awolowo University
OAU may consider candidates with a relevant B.Sc. degree in the Sciences, provided they meet the required degree classification and other admission conditions.
University of Port Harcourt
The University of Port Harcourt accepts three A’Level passes through qualifications such as:
- JUPEB
- IJMB
- GCE A’Level
- HSC
The subjects should include:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
The university may also consider candidates with a relevant first degree in areas such as Anatomy, Physiology or Biochemistry, subject to its stated conditions.
Important Admission Note
Candidates should not assume that Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is selected directly in JAMB.
The usual undergraduate route is Dentistry and Dental Surgery. After completing the required dental degree and professional training, graduates can proceed into specialised training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
Before applying, candidates should confirm that their JAMB subjects, O’Level credits and Direct Entry qualifications match the exact Dentistry and Dental Surgery requirements of their preferred university.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Related Courses
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is closely connected with several dental, medical and biological science fields because it deals with conditions affecting the mouth, jaws, face and related structures.
Related courses and fields include:
- Dentistry and Dental Surgery
- Child Dental Health
- Oral Pathology
- Dental Technology
- Medicine and Surgery
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
The most important undergraduate route is Dentistry and Dental Surgery, since Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is generally pursued as a specialist field after professional dental training.
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- JAMB Subject Combination for Biochemistry 2027/2028
- JAMB Subject Combination for Zoology 2027/2028
- JAMB Subject Combination for Cell Biology and Genetics 2027/2028
Core Focus Areas in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery focuses on the surgical management of conditions involving the mouth, jaws, face and surrounding structures.
Common focus areas include:
- Dentoalveolar Surgery: Surgical procedures involving the teeth, gums and supporting structures of the jaws.
- Facial Trauma: Management of injuries and fractures involving the face and jaws.
- Jaw Conditions: Diagnosis and surgical treatment of conditions affecting the upper and lower jaws.
- Oral and Facial Infections: Management of infections involving the mouth, jaw and facial tissues.
- Oral and Facial Tumours: Assessment and treatment of abnormal growths affecting oral and facial structures.
- Craniofacial Conditions: Management of conditions involving the development and structure of the face and skull.
- Temporomandibular Joint Conditions: Treatment of certain problems involving the jaw joint and surrounding structures.
- Reconstructive Surgery: Surgical restoration of oral and facial structures following injury, disease or other conditions.
How Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Differs from Dentistry and Dental Surgery
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Dentistry and Dental Surgery are related, but they are not the same programme.
Dentistry and Dental Surgery is the main undergraduate professional degree. It provides broad training in oral health, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental conditions.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is a specialised surgical field within dentistry. It places greater emphasis on surgical conditions involving the mouth, jaws, face and related structures.
A candidate who wants to become an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon normally begins with Dentistry and Dental Surgery and completes the required professional dental training before moving into specialist surgical training.
For JAMB purposes, candidates should generally select Dentistry and Dental Surgery, not Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery as though it were a separate undergraduate degree.
Typical Career Paths
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is a specialist field, so the professional route usually begins with qualification in Dentistry and Dental Surgery before further specialist training.
Possible career paths include:
- Dental Surgeon: Provides general dental care and manages a wide range of oral and dental conditions.
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon: Specialises in the surgical management of conditions affecting the mouth, jaws, face and related structures after completing the required specialist training.
- Specialist Dental Consultant: Works in hospitals or specialist dental centres after completing recognised postgraduate clinical training.
- Academic Dentist: Teaches dental students and may take part in clinical instruction within universities and teaching hospitals.
- Dental Researcher: Conducts research into oral diseases, facial conditions, surgical techniques and other areas of dental science.
- Hospital Dental Practitioner: Provides dental and oral healthcare within hospitals and may work alongside other medical and surgical professionals.
Important Things to Know Before Choosing Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in JAMB
Candidates interested in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery should understand the academic route before completing their JAMB registration.
Important points include:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is generally not a standalone undergraduate JAMB programme. Candidates normally begin with Dentistry and Dental Surgery.
- The correct JAMB subjects are English Language, Biology, Chemistry and Physics for the Dentistry and Dental Surgery route.
- Mathematics is required at O’Level. Candidates generally need credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
- The general Direct Entry requirement is three A’Level passes in Chemistry, Biology or Zoology, and Physics.
- Some universities accept alternative Direct Entry qualifications. These may include JUPEB, IJMB or relevant first degrees, depending on the institution.
- Dentistry and Dental Surgery provides the basic professional training. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery comes later as a more specialised surgical field.
- Further specialist training is required to become an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon. Completing an undergraduate dental degree alone does not automatically make a graduate a specialist surgeon in this field.
- Admission requirements can differ by university. Candidates should check the exact Dentistry and Dental Surgery conditions of their preferred institution before applying.
The main point to remember is that candidates who want to become Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons should generally start by securing admission into Dentistry and Dental Surgery with the correct UTME and O’Level subjects.
FAQ About JAMB Subject Combination for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 2027/2028
What is the JAMB subject combination for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery?
Candidates interested in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery generally apply through Dentistry and Dental Surgery.
The JAMB subject combination is:
English Language, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Is Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery a separate course in JAMB?
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is generally not listed as a separate undergraduate JAMB programme.
It is a specialist field within dentistry. Candidates normally begin by applying for Dentistry and Dental Surgery.
What course should I choose in JAMB to become an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?
The appropriate undergraduate course is generally Dentistry and Dental Surgery.
After completing the required dental degree and professional training, a graduate can proceed into specialist training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
Is Mathematics required for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery?
Mathematics is not one of the three science subjects used alongside English Language in the general UTME combination for Dentistry and Dental Surgery.
However, candidates generally need an O’Level credit pass in Mathematics together with English Language, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
What are the O’Level requirements for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery?
Candidates following the Dentistry and Dental Surgery route generally need five SSC credit passes in:
English Language
Mathematics
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Some universities may also specify whether these credits must be obtained in one sitting or may be accepted in two sittings.
What are the Direct Entry requirements for the Dentistry route?
The general Direct Entry requirement for Dentistry and Dental Surgery is three A’Level passes in Chemistry, Biology or Zoology, and Physics.
Some universities may also accept qualifications such as JUPEB, IJMB or relevant first degrees under their own admission conditions.
Conclusion
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is a specialised area of dentistry that deals with surgical conditions affecting the mouth, jaws, face and related structures.
For undergraduate admission, candidates should generally apply for Dentistry and Dental Surgery, since Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is usually pursued as a specialist field after completing the basic dental degree.
The JAMB subject combination for the Dentistry and Dental Surgery route is:
English Language, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Candidates should also have O’Level credit passes in:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
For Direct Entry, the general requirement is three A’Level passes in Chemistry, Biology or Zoology, and Physics, although some universities may accept other recognised qualifications.
Candidates should also remember that completing Dentistry and Dental Surgery does not automatically make someone an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon. Further recognised specialist training is required.
Before applying for the 2027/2028 admission session, confirm the exact Dentistry and Dental Surgery requirements of your preferred university, especially its O’Level sitting rules and Direct Entry conditions.
If your long-term goal is Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the first step is gaining admission into Dentistry and Dental Surgery with the correct JAMB and O’Level subjects.