What Exactly Does Board‑Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Entail? Inside Dr. Dashow’s Credentials

 

Introduction

Embarking on the journey to understand the scope of board‑certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery can seem daunting, but thanks to specialists like Dr. Jason E. Dashow, DDS, MD, Alaskans have access to world‑class care right here at home. As an Alaska Oral Surgeon, Dr. Dashow combines rigorous training, recognized board certification, and a patient‑first philosophy to deliver comprehensive surgical solutions for both adults and children. In this deep dive, we’ll explore what it truly means to be board‑certified in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, unpack Dr. Dashow’s impressive credentials, and demonstrate why All Alaska Oral & Craniofacial Surgery stands out as the premier choice for your facial and dental surgical needs.

Defining Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery is a distinct surgical specialty that bridges the fields of dentistry and medicine to address conditions affecting the mouth, jaw, facial structures, and even parts of the skull. Surgeons in this specialty are trained to manage a broad spectrum of issues, including:
- Complex tooth extractions (such as impacted wisdom teeth)
- Dental implant placement
- Bone grafting and facial reconstruction
- Corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery)
- Treatment of facial trauma and infections
- Pathology and tumor removal
- Pediatric craniofacial anomalies, such as cleft lip and palate

What sets board‑certified surgeons apart is not only their deep procedural expertise but also their ability to administer anesthesia safely in an office or hospital setting—ensuring patient comfort from consultation through recovery.

The Significance of Board Certification

Board certification by the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS) is a rigorous, voluntary process that goes well beyond state licensure. To achieve this distinction, a surgeon must:
1. Complete Accredited Training
   - At least four years of residency in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, often integrated with medical school training
2. Pass Comprehensive Written and Oral Exams
   - Demonstrating mastery across all facets of the specialty
3. Commit to Continuing Education
   - Ongoing learning to stay current with emerging techniques and technologies

These requirements ensure that certified surgeons maintain the highest standards of patient safety, surgical proficiency, and ethical practice.

Dr. Dashow’s Educational Foundation

Dr. Jason E. Dashow’s path to board certification exemplifies the gold standard in training:
- Dental Degree: University of Washington
- Medical School & OMS Residency: University of Michigan
- General Surgery Internship & Anesthesia Training: University of Michigan
- Subspecialty Fellowship: Two‑year cleft and craniofacial surgical fellowship at LSU Hospital, Shreveport

This layered educational framework equips Dr. Dashow to manage everything from routine oral surgeries to highly complex craniofacial reconstructions.

Licenses, Memberships, and Global Outreach

Beyond his ABOMS certification, Dr. Dashow holds active medical and dental licenses in Alaska, Louisiana, and Michigan, plus a dental license in Washington State. He’s a respected member of:
- American Medical Association (AMA)
- American College of Surgeons (ACS)
- American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS)
- American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons (ASMS)
- American Cleft Palate Association (ACPA)
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
- American Dental Association (ADA)

He also contributes to global surgical outreach through Free to Smile, bringing life‑changing care to underserved communities worldwide.

A Closer Look at Clinical Expertise

Dr. Dashow’s practice encompasses both pediatric and adult patient populations, with specialties that include:
- Pediatric Craniofacial Surgery (e.g., craniosynostosis, choanal atresia)
- Cleft Lip & Palate Repair
- Orthognathic (Corrective) Jaw Surgery
- TMJ Evaluation and Treatment
- Wisdom Tooth Extraction
- Dental Implant Placement
- Complex Facial Trauma Management
- Oral Pathology and Biopsy

This breadth ensures that every patient—whether they need routine tooth removal or advanced facial reconstruction—receives care tailored to their unique anatomy and health goals.

Midway through your research on advanced oral surgery services, you may come across terms like Anchorage Oral Surgery, underscoring the depth of specialized care available right here in the community. Whether you’re seeking relief from TMJ discomfort, exploring jaw alignment options, or simply looking to restore missing teeth with implants, Dr. Dashow’s expertise delivers outcomes that enhance both function and confidence.

Patient‑Centered Philosophy

What truly distinguishes Dr. Dashow is his unwavering commitment to patient experience. He encourages families to arrive at consultations with questions, ensuring that every concern is addressed. His motto—Caring, Compassionate, Affable, Able, Available—reflects a practice culture where time spent listening is as valued as time spent operating.

Advanced Anaesthesia and Comfort

Understanding that anxiety can be a barrier to necessary care, All Alaska Oral & Craniofacial Surgery offers a full spectrum of sedation options:
- IV Sedation
- Oral Sedatives
- Nitrous Oxide (“laughing gas”)

These techniques allow for comfortable, outpatient procedures—minimizing disruption to your day and maximizing peace of mind.

Integrating Technology and Innovation

Dr. Dashow leverages computer‑aided design and 3D surgical planning for orthognathic cases, ensuring precision in jaw alignment. This commitment to innovation reduces operative time, speeds recovery, and optimizes long‑term stability of results.

Navigating Insurance and Financing

While cost shouldn’t stand in the way of exceptional care, oral surgery can involve significant investment. The team at All Alaska Oral & Craniofacial Surgery works closely with patients to navigate insurance benefits, offer flexible payment plans, and identify financing options—making cutting‑edge treatment accessible to as many Alaskans as possible.

Conclusion: Your Path to Exceptional Care

At All Alaska Oral & Craniofacial Surgery, we understand that trusting your face, jaws, and smile to a surgeon is a deeply personal decision. Dr. Jason E. Dashow’s board certification, fellowship training, extensive memberships, and devotion to patient‑centered care create a unique blend of skill and compassion. Whether you require routine oral surgery or complex craniofacial reconstruction, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. As your dedicated Alaska Oral Surgeon, we can help you achieve lasting health, function, and confidence through expertly delivered surgical care.