What is the Role of an Advanced Practice Provider? A Survey Through the American Academy of Craniomaxillofacial Surgeons of Roles, Responsibilities, and Practice Patterns.

Authors

Suzanne Greenleaf Martin, Meghan La Vigne

Published in

Journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery : official journal of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Aug 10, 2026. Epub Aug 10, 2026.

Abstract

Advanced practice providers (APPs) are now eligible to become associate fellows of the American Academy of Craniomaxillofacial Surgeons (AACMFS) as of 2024. As APPs have joined the organization, there was recognition that APPs within oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) have a wide range of roles and responsibilities.
The purpose of this study was to assess and describe the roles, responsibilities, training, and practice patterns of APPs within OMS in the United States. A survey was utilized as the research methodology to collect data from APPs currently practicing within OMS.
A cross-sectional descriptive study utilized a survey to assess APP roles, responsibilities, and practice patterns within OMS in the United States. Eligible participants included APPs currently practicing who were identified through the AACMFS membership network during the study period.
Not applicable.
These variables include demographics (state of practice, APP type, and years in practice), practice characteristics, scope of practice, practice productivity, and onboarding characteristics.
None.
Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were used to summarize survey responses.
Twenty-three eligible participants received the survey, and 14 completed responses were analyzed (response rate 60.9%). Respondents were equally divided between nurse practitioners (n = 7, 50%) and physician assistants (n = 7, 50%). Seven respondents (50%) practiced exclusively in adult care, while 5 respondents (35.7%) practiced exclusively in pediatrics. The most common subspecialties were head and neck oncology (n = 5, 35.7%), followed by pediatric craniomaxillofacial surgery (n = 3, 21.4%).
The role of the APP varies across specialties. Within OMS, particularly among AAMCFS affiliated practices, there is variability in APP roles, responsibilities, and scope of practice across institutions. Further studies evaluating APP roles beyond AACMFS and longitudinal assessment of role development are warranted.

PMID:
42668138
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 30 Aug 2026.

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