You know, you are right, but not entirely. It depends on if you want to do things in a hospital. Getting priviledges for cosmetics, craniofacial and other types of in hospital procedures that aren't traditional OMS is a lot easier if you have the MD. Scope of training in a four year program might be good, but the hospitals call the shots on who does what. I have seen four year guys doing neurosurgery for pete's sake. BUT..........If you want to do cosmetics in your office, you should be fine. Cleft lip and palate generally you have to have priviledges at a hospital and it can get pretty tough. Cancer is absolutely out in some places if you aren't an ENT. So, in some places, yes, there are two types of oral surgeons. Actually, the distinction is more that there are a few OMS types (MD and not) that really do full scope in private practice, and generally they are MD trained. Most OMS guys seem to sit in their office, shuck thirds, place implants and dabble in cosmetics. Some get more adventurous and do breasts. I know some people up in the Northeast and in California that really have trouble because they don't have an MD and want to do certain procedures. Oh, and just my two cents, I don't think that the MD really helped me to understand sick patients that much better. It justs helps you figure out when and how to consult that much sooner.