1. State-licensed individual who specializes in surgical procedures involving the teeth and surrounding oral tissues. Operative dental surgeon restores teeth that have been damaged. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons specialize in surgical reconstruction of facial malformations caused by diseases of or trauma to mouth, face, head, or neck. Exodontists limit their practice to surgical removal of teeth. Oral surgeons specialize in surgical removal of teeth and surrounding oral tissues. 2. Under the Medicare program, a dentist for purposes of reimbursement is paid only with respect to surgery related to the jaw or any structure contiguous to the jaw or the reduction of any fracture of the jaw or facial bone.