Some facts for clarification.

An Oral Surgeon and a Maxilofacial Surgeon are the same thing.

Both are dentists.

A Surgeon has continued his dental education past the 4 years that he/she did to become a general dentist. Obviously this time is spent learning in more detail, what they learned in dental school. However, it is all about things related to oral surgery.

A general dentist is allowed by law to provide any treatment that a specialist can provide, but would have less expertise and experience in that area. For example, a general dentist can do root canlas, orhtodontics, periodontal (gum) treatment and do any kind of surgery. They can do biopsies, too. However, as in any profession, specialists have more training and many people feel more comfortable going to a specialist.

Also, a surgeon will probably have been exposed to more patients with oral cancer than a general dentist because patients are referred to them for diagnosis and treatment. This doesn't mean that a general dentist can't find or diagnose oral cancer. Most however, will probably choose not to treat it, though.