7 Dental Surgery Books That Will Sharpen Your Expertise

Discover Dental Surgery Books authored by Arthur H. Jeske DMD PhD, Robert Reti, S. M. Balaji, and other leading authorities shaping surgical practice and education

Updated on June 25, 2025
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What if I told you mastering dental surgery hinges not just on hands-on experience but on diving into the right literature? Dental surgery today faces evolving challenges—from complex anatomical considerations to pharmacological management—that demand precise knowledge and confident decision-making. These seven books stand out as pillars in the discipline, authored by clinicians and educators who have shaped how surgery is taught and practiced.

Authors like Arthur H. Jeske, who specializes in dental pharmacology, and Robert Reti, an oral surgeon blending clinical practice with academic rigor, provide foundational insights and advanced techniques. Their works, along with titles by S. M. Balaji and James R. Hupp, have influenced generations of dental professionals by offering detailed, practical knowledge essential for patient safety and surgical success.

While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific background, skill level, and surgical focus might consider creating a personalized Dental Surgery book that builds on these insights. This approach bridges general expertise with your unique learning path, accelerating your progression in this demanding field.

Best for dental pharmacology details
Arthur H. Jeske, DMD, PhD, is a prominent researcher and author in dental pharmacology whose work has significantly shaped understanding of drug interactions in dental practice. His extensive background lends authority to this handbook, which distills critical drug information into an accessible, chairside-ready format. This resource reflects Jeske's commitment to enhancing patient safety and supporting dental professionals with precise pharmacological guidance tailored to oral healthcare.
Mosby's Dental Drug Reference book cover

by Arthur H. Jeske DMD PhD··You?

2021·1440 pages·Dental Surgery, Pharmacology, Drug Interactions, Patient Safety, Dental Pharmacology

Arthur H. Jeske, DMD, PhD, brings decades of expertise in dental pharmacology to this essential handbook, crafted to support dental professionals in making safe medication decisions. You gain access to over 800 drug monographs that detail everything from dosages and contraindications to interactions specific to dental care, such as effects on oral health and implications for dental procedures. This book is especially useful if you need quick, reliable drug information chairside, whether you're a dentist, hygienist, or assistant. Chapters include focused sections on managing medically compromised patients and appendices that cover common issues like medication errors and drugs causing dry mouth, making it a practical companion during patient care.

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Robert Reti, DDS, FACS, combines private practice expertise with academic roles at ATSU Missouri School of Dentistry and Washington University School of Medicine. His extensive background in oral and maxillofacial surgery grounds this study guide, designed to fill a preparation gap for the ABOMS oral boards. His clinical insight and teaching experience shape a resource that guides candidates through essential topics and complex cases, reflecting real-world exam challenges.

Drawing from extensive clinical practice and academic roles, Robert Reti and Damian Findlay crafted this guide to address the lack of focused preparation materials for the challenging oral board exam in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. You’ll find concise chapters that break down patient workups, critical questions, diagnostic tests, and stepwise case scenarios that escalate in complexity, mirroring real exam conditions. The book distinguishes itself by including debated and advanced topics, providing a spectrum from essential knowledge to nuanced clinical dilemmas. If you’re preparing for these boards or refining your surgical judgment, this book offers targeted content that sharpens both recall and critical thinking relevant to the specialty.

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Best for personalized surgical plans
This AI-created book on dental surgery is designed specifically for you, based on your current skills and surgical interests. By sharing your background and goals, the book is crafted to focus on the techniques and knowledge that matter most to your practice. Personalizing the learning experience helps you navigate the complexities of dental surgery efficiently, providing a clear path through intricate procedures and patient care tailored just for your needs.
2025·50-300 pages·Dental Surgery, Surgical Techniques, Anatomical Landmarks, Patient Assessment, Operative Procedures

This tailored book delves into mastering dental surgery techniques by focusing on your unique background, skill level, and specific goals. It explores essential surgical principles, detailed procedural steps, and critical anatomical considerations, all woven together in a way that matches your interests and learning needs. You’ll gain a deep understanding of operative methods, patient management, and complication avoidance, supported by a personalized pathway through complex content. This approach ensures you engage effectively with the material most relevant to your practice and aspirations, making your learning journey both efficient and inspiring.

Tailored Guide
Surgical Technique Focus
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for surgical technique mastery
S. M. Balaji is a recognized leader in oral and maxillofacial surgery with extensive clinical and academic experience. His authoritative background shapes this textbook into a rich resource that spans basic to advanced surgical concepts, supported by thousands of clinical images and diagrams. Driven by a commitment to advancing patient care and surgical education, Balaji crafted this work to serve practitioners aiming to deepen their expertise and refine their techniques in oral surgery.
Textbook of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, 3e book cover

by S. M. Balaji, Padma Preetha Balaji··You?

S. M. Balaji brings his deep expertise in oral and maxillofacial surgery to this extensive textbook, crafted to cover everything from routine procedures to complex surgical interventions. You’ll find over 2700 detailed clinical photographs and radiographs that clarify surgical concepts, alongside 500 anatomical diagrams that guide you through each step. The book also addresses foundational topics like anesthesia and infection management, while dedicating chapters to advanced areas such as temporomandibular joint surgery and maxillofacial trauma. This makes it an ideal reference whether you're a general practitioner wanting to enhance your surgical skills or a specialist seeking an authoritative resource.

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Best for quick clinical insights
A. Omar Abubaker DMD, PhD is a recognized leader in oral and maxillofacial surgery education, with extensive contributions to the field. His dedication to advancing surgical practices shines through in this book, which offers a practical, question-and-answer approach to mastering the complexities of oral surgery. Abubaker’s expertise ensures readers access reliable, up-to-date clinical information, making this text a valued companion for dental students and practicing surgeons alike.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Secrets book cover

by A. Omar Abubaker DMD PhD, Din Lam DMD MD, Kenneth J. Benson DDS··You?

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Secrets draws on the expertise of A. Omar Abubaker, Din Lam, and Kenneth Benson to deliver a focused Q&A guide tailored for dental surgeons and residents. The book’s unique Secrets® format breaks down over 2,300 questions and answers, covering topics from basic principles to advanced procedures like cosmetic facial surgery and recent clinical advances. You’ll find concise explanations and practical tips, such as evaluating the aging face and performing rhinoplasty, making it a handy reference during rotations or practice. This resource suits those seeking quick recall and deep understanding in oral and maxillofacial surgery essentials rather than broad theoretical coverage.

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Best for practical surgical skills
James R. Hupp is a distinguished educator and author in oral and maxillofacial surgery, holding advanced degrees including DMD, MD, JD, and MBA. His extensive expertise and leadership in dentistry inform this comprehensive guide, designed to advance your surgical skills and clinical knowledge in oral surgery.
Contemporary Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery book cover

by James R. Hupp DMD MD JD MBA, Myron R. Tucker DDS, Edward Ellis DDS MS··You?

James R. Hupp's extensive background in oral and maxillofacial surgery, combined with his medical, legal, and business expertise, shapes this authoritative text. You gain practical skills in patient evaluation, diagnosis, and surgical management, enhanced by detailed chapters on anesthesia and advanced implant procedures. The book balances foundational techniques like surgical tooth extraction with updated insights on sinus disease management and facial cosmetic surgery. Whether you're a dentistry student or a practicing clinician, this resource equips you with both the technical know-how and clinical judgment needed for effective patient care.

Selected for Doody’s Core Titles® 2024
Expert Consult eBook included
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Best for rapid skill improvement
This AI-created book on surgical precision is tailored to your skill level, background, and specific goals in dental surgery. You share exactly which skills and techniques you want to enhance, and the book focuses on guiding you step by step to refine those abilities. By personalizing the learning journey, it helps you target your practice efficiently and accelerates your progress in this demanding surgical field.
2025·50-300 pages·Dental Surgery, Surgical Fundamentals, Anatomical Precision, Instrument Handling, Technique Refinement

This tailored book offers a focused pathway to enhance your dental surgical skills within 30 days. It covers essential concepts and techniques, emphasizing hands-on refinement through carefully sequenced steps that match your existing knowledge and surgical interests. By aligning expert insights with your personal goals, it creates a learning experience that dives deep into precision, control, and efficiency in dental surgery. The content examines procedural nuances, anatomical considerations, and skill drills designed to accelerate your progress while addressing your unique challenges and aspirations. This personalized approach ensures you engage with material that directly supports your rapid improvement in surgical precision.

Tailored Guide
Precision Training
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for instrument knowledge
Carmen Scheller-Sheridan, Lecturer in Dental Nursing at Dublin Dental University Hospital, brings her deep practical and educational expertise to this book. Responsible for nursing education and author of a previous guide on dental materials, she crafted this resource to provide clarity and comprehensive knowledge on dental instruments. Her background ensures that the book is both authoritative and accessible for those involved in dental surgery, nursing, and patient care settings.
Basic Guide to Dental Instruments book cover

by Carmen Scheller-Sheridan··You?

2011·304 pages·Dental Surgery, Instrument Care, Dental Implants, Sterilization, Hospital Dentistry

Carmen Scheller-Sheridan draws on her extensive experience as a Lecturer in Dental Nursing at Dublin Dental University Hospital to present a detailed inventory of instruments essential for dental surgeries. This book goes beyond mere identification; it explains the specific functions, variations, and correct usage of each instrument, including new additions for dental implants and updated burs. You’ll also find clear photographs and setups tailored to different dental disciplines, making it a practical reference whether you’re in general practice, hospital settings, or specialized care. While the book embraces flexibility in naming conventions, it also highlights potential instrument confusions and underscores the importance of proper care and sterilization, ensuring you gain both technical knowledge and practical insights.

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Best for career and mentorship insights
Dr. Cathy Hung, a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon with a psychology background from UC Berkeley and dental degree from Columbia, brings a multifaceted perspective to this guide. With her experience spanning cultures and healthcare roles, she combines clinical expertise with storytelling to address diversity and inclusion in oral surgery. Her passion for mentoring women surgeons and sharing candid career experiences makes this book a valuable companion for those navigating this specialty.

Dr. Cathy Hung’s extensive journey from Taipei to becoming a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon in New Jersey shapes this unique guide that merges surgical expertise with personal narrative. You’ll explore not only clinical strategies for oral surgery but also candid discussions on mentorship, leadership, and balancing family life within a demanding specialty. Through stories from female surgeons, the book sheds light on navigating challenges in a traditionally male-dominated field while offering practical tips for residency and career advancement. This book suits dental students, residents, and practicing surgeons seeking both technical knowledge and inspiration from diverse career paths.

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Conclusion

The collection of seven books highlights three key themes: precise pharmacological knowledge, surgical technique refinement, and the human side of dental surgery careers. If you're preparing for board exams or clinical practice, start with the focused guidance in "Oral Board Review for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery" paired with Jeske's detailed drug reference to secure your foundational knowledge.

For those aiming to enhance hands-on skills and patient management, "Contemporary Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery" and Balaji’s textbook offer rich surgical insights and clinical imagery. Meanwhile, "Behind Her Scalpel" adds valuable perspective on mentorship and career development, especially for navigating complex professional landscapes.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Dental Surgery book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. These books can help you accelerate your learning journey and deepen your impact in dental surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "Oral Board Review for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery" if you're preparing clinically or for boards. For pharmacology, "Mosby's Dental Drug Reference" is invaluable. These provide solid foundations before exploring in-depth surgical texts.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Dental Surgery?

While some texts target specialists, books like "Basic Guide to Dental Instruments" and "Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Secrets" offer accessible entry points for beginners seeking practical knowledge.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with foundational pharmacology and instruments knowledge, then move to clinical practice guides and surgical technique textbooks. Finish with career insights like "Behind Her Scalpel" to round out your understanding.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

"Textbook of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, 3e" balances theory and practice richly, while "Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Secrets" prioritizes practical, clinical Q&A for quick learning.

Are any of these books outdated given how fast Dental Surgery changes?

These books include recent editions and updates reflecting current standards. For the latest advances, pairing them with ongoing education or personalized resources is recommended.

Can personalized Dental Surgery books complement these expert texts?

Yes! Expert books provide authoritative knowledge, and personalized books tailor that insight to your background and goals, making learning more efficient and relevant. Consider creating your own tailored Dental Surgery book to bridge general expertise with your needs.

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