A transoral retractor in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a handle, a retractor blade mount attached to the handle, a frame and a pivot mechanism to pivotally mount the frame to the handle. In another embodiment the frame includes side members and is configured with the side members at transverse locations that will be near or beyond the side of the patient's head. The frame and/or pivot mechanism are configured to locate a plane of the frame generally at or near the plane of the patient's oral commissaries, with the side members located below the plane of the oral commissaries.