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Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Fellowship  

At Carolinas Center for Oral & Facial Surgery, we’re dedicated to advancing the field and training the next generation of exceptional oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

Our 12-month fellowship pairs you with nationally recognized surgeons for hands-on learning, mentorship, and clinical experience across the full scope of oral surgery in both high-volume private practice and hospital environments. 

Fellowship Overview

Our Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Fellowship Program offers an elite opportunity to advance your surgical expertise alongside an experienced team of highly specialized surgeons and specialists.

During our year together, you’ll gain knowledge and experience across the full spectrum of oral and maxillofacial procedures, from complex extractions and advanced implant and full-arch techniques to major reconstructive cases, orthognathic procedures, TMJ treatment, cosmetic facial surgery, and cleft and craniofacial cases.

As a CCOFS fellow, you’ll gain significant exposure to major surgeries as first assistant, while experiencing a truly patient-centered approach to care and a commitment to clinical excellence. You’ll grow both personally and professionally, gaining the skills and confidence to set yourself apart as a leader in your specialty.

Our intensive 12-month program runs from July 1 through June 30 and provides robust training on consultations, diagnosis, interdisciplinary treatment planning, and comprehensive patient management.

Fellows participate in several hundred cases annually, gaining hands-on experience across a complete range of oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures. In addition to surgical training, fellows take calls at local hospitals and engage in various functions that prepare them to thrive in independent practice.

A person presents oral surgery data to a group in medical attire, seated around a conference table with laptops and charts.

Ready to See What Sets Us Apart?

Schedule a practice visit to experience our day-to-day operations and discover if CCOFS is the perfect fit for your fellowship training.

Fellowship Requirements:

  • Unrestricted North Carolina dental license or medical license, and a South Carolina dental license
  • Obtain hospital privileges
  • Full-time commitment from July 1–June 30

Our proven track record speaks for itself: we’ve successfully trained over 20 fellows who have gone on to become leaders in full-scope oral surgery practice across the United States.

Five people smiling indoors, standing before a wall with "Carolinas Center for Oral & Facial" signage, wearing professional attire and scrubs.

Surgical Case Mix & Training Volume

Exceptional training comes from exceptional case exposure. With over 70,000 procedures performed annually across our practice network, our fellows experience an unparalleled diversity of surgical cases, from routine pathology to the most complex reconstructive procedures.

Our team of highly skilled oral and maxillofacial surgeons provides comprehensive training in our community-based AAAHC-accredited surgical facilities and state-of-the-art operating rooms, creating an ideal learning environment where you’ll develop the skills and confidence needed to excel in full-scope practice.

Table presenting "Expected Yearly Volume" of dental procedures, including orthognathic, infections, trauma, TMJ, and implants, with corresponding numerical values.

 

 

“This fellowship was, without question, the most important training I’ve received in my career as an orthognathic surgeon. To this day, I continue to conduct consults, plan cases, and operate based on the principles I learned during my fellowship year.

I’ve never encountered a more supportive teaching or mentoring environment in any fellowship. The culture at CCOFS doesn’t just train you to be a skilled surgeon—it also prepares you to be an effective educator and communicator with staff, colleagues, and patients alike.”

 

Wendall Mascarenhas, DDS, MD, FRCD(C)
Oral Surgeon at University of Toronto; Four Corners Oral Surgery

 

 

A person in a checkered shirt and blazer smiles confidently against a plain background, conveying a professional and approachable demeanor.

Fellowship Leadership & Mentorship

Our fellowship program is led by Dr. Brian Farrell; an internationally recognized orthognathic surgeon whose expertise draws aspiring surgeons from across the country and around the world.

What makes our program truly distinctive is our collaborative mentorship model, where you’ll learn from multiple generations of surgical expertise.

Meet Our Fellowship Director

Dr. Brian Farrell, DDS, MD, FACS

Dr. Farrell is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon with over 20 years of surgical experience and a reputation for advancing outpatient orthognathic surgery.

As a pioneer in office-based corrective jaw surgery, Dr. Farrell has developed innovative techniques that set CCOFS apart from practices nationwide.

His expertise extends beyond the operating room, as he lectures across the country on orthognathic surgery techniques and has co-authored multiple articles and book chapters on dental and facial deformities.

Dr. Farrell’s commitment to education through surgical observation programs and fellowship training has shaped countless surgical careers, making him one of the most respected mentors in the field. 

Brian Farrell, DDS, MD, FACS, an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon in Charlotte, NC
Medical team in surgical attire performs operation in hospital operating room under bright surgical light, with various surgical instruments on table.

Why Choose CCOFS for Your OMS Fellowship

Choosing the right fellowship program is a pivotal decision that will shape your entire surgical career.

At Carolinas Center for Oral & Facial Surgery, we’ve designed our program to provide the most comprehensive, real-world training experience available.

Our unique combination of high case volume, exceptional mentorship, and private practice settings creates an unmatched learning environment that prepares you for immediate success and leadership in your future practice.

Real-World Private Practice Training

Our private practice setting offers real-world insight into what your future career will actually look like. Unlike hospital-based programs, you’ll gain hands-on experience with insurance processes, practice management, and the day-to-day operations that define successful private practice. This practical knowledge gives our fellows a significant advantage when transitioning to independent practice.

Multidisciplinary Specialist Network

Learn from our comprehensive network of specialists, including a board-certified anesthesiologist, prosthodontists, and orofacial pain specialists. This collaborative environment exposes you to diverse expertise in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery, broadening your clinical perspective and enhancing your ability to provide comprehensive patient care.

Unmatched Case Volume and Diversity

With exposure to several hundred cases annually, you’ll experience a case mix and volume unrivaled by other programs. From routine wisdom tooth extractions to complex orthognathic surgery, our diverse patient population ensures you’ll be thoroughly prepared for the full spectrum of oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Learn from Industry Leaders

Train alongside nationally recognized oral surgeons who are actively shaping the future of our field. Working side-by-side with these renowned specialists, you’ll learn cutting-edge techniques and gain insights from some of the most respected names in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Compensation & Benefits

We are committed to providing our fellows with a competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits that support both professional development and personal well-being.

Our program offers financial security and resources so you can focus on advancing your oral and maxillofacial surgery expertise while maintaining balance and wellness.  

Annual Salary & Benefits
  • $120,000 for the 12-month fellowship period
  • Family health insurance
  • Malpractice insurance
  • Medical and dental license fees
  • Cell phone expenses
  • Relocation support up to $1,500
Paid Time Off
  • 2 weeks paid vacation
  • 5 days paid sick leave
  • 5 days paid time off for CME or board certification exam

 

 

“This is one year of your life you will never regret. The friendships, connections, and surgical experience developed are unparalleled. Other fellowships that I considered had limited major surgical cases and no opportunities for implants, wisdom teeth extractions, sedation, trauma, or infections. This fellowship provides extensive training, preparing you for academics or private practice.”

 

John Wessel, DMD, MS
CCOFS Oral Surgeon

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Our Fellows: Past & Present

Meet the exceptional surgeons currently advancing their expertise through our fellowship program. Our current fellows bring diverse backgrounds and ambitious goals as they train alongside our renowned faculty to become the next generation of oral and maxillofacial surgery leaders. 

Fellowship Alumni

We’re proud of the accomplished surgeons who have completed our fellowship program and gone on to make significant impacts in oral and maxillofacial surgery across the United States. Their success is a testament to the comprehensive training and mentorship they received at CCOFS.

Fellow YearName & CredentialsCurrent Position
2024-2025Kelly McElroy, DDS Oral Surgeon - Advanced Oral & Facial Surgery of the Triad
2024-2025 Danielle Ploussard, DDS Oral Surgeon - Skyline Oral Facial and Dental Implant Surgery
2023-2024 Matthew Dailey, DDS, MD Oral Surgeon – Arnett Gunson Facial Reconstruction
2023-2024 Chad Dammling, DDS, MD, FACSOral Surgeon – Carolinas Center for Oral & Facial Surgery
2022-2023 Kimiko Agari, DDS, MD Oral Surgeon – Kaiser Permanente
2022-2023 Romeo Luo, DMD Oral Surgeon – Berks Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center
2021-2022 Michelle Zoccolillo, DDS, MD Oral Surgeon – Carolinas Center for Oral & Facial Surgery
2021-2022 Michael Courtney, DMD, MD Oral Surgeon – Capitol Center Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
2020-2021 Wendall Mascarenhas, DDS, MD, FRCD(C) Oral Surgeon - University of Toronto; Four Corners Oral Surgery
2020-2021 Adam Fagin, DMD, MD Oral Surgeon – Peninsula Oral and Facial Surgery
2019-2020 Peter Dennis, DMD, MD, FACS Oral Surgeon - Cascade Oral & Facial Surgery; Assistant Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry at Oregon Health & Science University
2018-2019 Andrew Henry, DMD, MD, FACS Oral Surgeon; Assistant Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM); Associate Director of Residency Training
2017-2018 Philipp Kupfer, DMD, MD Oral Surgeon - Skyline Oral Facial and Dental Implant Surgery
2016-2017 Jim Howell, DMD Oral Surgeon – Carolinas Center for Oral & Facial Surgery
2015-2016 John Wessel, DMD, MD Oral Surgeon – Carolinas Center for Oral & Facial Surgery
2014-2015 Peter Franco, DMD, FACS Oral Surgeon – Carolinas Center for Oral & Facial Surgery
2013-2014 Megan Robl, DDS, MD Oral Surgeon – San Antonio Oral Surgery & Dental Implants
2012-2013 Christopher Choi, DDS, MD, FACS Oral Surgeon – Inland Empire Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
2011-2012 Samuel Bobek, DMD, MD, FACS Oral Surgeon – Seattle Jaw Surgery
2010-2011 Travis Kern, DDS, MD Oral Surgeon – Austin Oral Surgery
2009-2010 Craig Norbutt, DDS, MD Oral Surgeon – Oral & Facial Surgery of Pittsburgh
2008-2009 Erik Reitter, DDS Oral Surgeon – Carolinas Center for Oral & Facial Surgery
2007-2008 Matthew Dudziak, DDS, MD, MBA Oral Surgeon – Inland Empire Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

How to Connect

If you are interested in applying or want to learn more about our OMFS fellowship program, connect with our team using our fellowship interest form today.