Kyle S. Ettinger, M.D., D.D.S.

Kyle S. Ettinger, M.D., D.D.S., is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, who cares for people facing complex diseases, disorders, and structural conditions affecting the head and neck. He approaches every interaction with compassion and clarity, helping individuals and families navigate diagnoses that often feel overwhelming.

Dr. Ettinger works across every stage of surgical care, providing a seamless experience and coordinated approach from one connected team. Whether care involves treating cancer, rebuilding facial features, or helping restore important functions like speaking, chewing, and swallowing, he guides individuals through time-sensitive decisions with clarity and a calm, reassuring presence.

Areas of Expertise

Dr. Ettinger designs surgical care around each person’s unique anatomy, long‑term goals, and daily function. His clinical focus includes:

• Head and neck tumor removal: Surgical management of benign and malignant tumors involving the skin, face, mouth, jaws, throat, and salivary glands.
• Microvascular free tissue transfer: Reconstruction of the head and neck using microvascular free flaps to restore structure and function in a single, coordinated surgical plan.
• Head and neck cancer care: Management focused on long-term survivorship, quality of life, and functional restoration after resection.
• Advanced reconstructive techniques: Use of virtual surgical planning, computer-aided modeling, and patient-specific 3D-printed titanium implants to ensure precision and reduce delays in time-sensitive surgical care.
• Cranial nerve reconstruction: Micro-neurosurgical techniques to repair injuries and treat conditions affecting cranial nerves of the head and neck.
• Comprehensive reconstruction with dental implants: Integration of dental implant surgery with free tissue transfer to support full oral rehabilitation for head and neck cancer patients.

Research and Education

Dr. Ettinger is committed to advancing surgical care through research aimed at improving outcomes and elevating the standard of care for people with head and neck conditions. His work includes numerous scientific publications and authorship of textbook chapters on head and neck cancer management, virtual surgical planning/computer guided surgery, individualized surgical care, sarcomas, facial trauma, and principles of local, regional, and free flap reconstruction.

As an educator, he mentors residents in oral and maxillofacial surgery and other surgical disciplines, reflecting Mayo Clinic’s dedication to shaping future surgical leaders

As Director of Innovation for the Department of Surgery, Dr. Ettinger fosters strategic collaborations that advance surgical techniques, drive technological innovation, and translate research into clinical impact.