Oral and maxillofacial surgery

The Maxillofacial Surgery Unit operates across Footscray and Sunshine Hospitals, with a primary focus on the management of:

• facial trauma
• corrective jaw surgery to correct skeletal malformation
• temporomandibular joint surgery
• craniofacial surgery in conjunction with the Royal Children’s Hospital
• surgery involving teeth and surrounding bone
• special needs dentistry in association with the Royal Dental Hospital.

Please note: We do not offer routine dental services.

All special needs dentistry patients requiring inpatient stays are treated at Western Heath under control of the unit. For this service, the unit has won an 'Inspire Award’ through Western Health and the 2017 Victorian Public Healthcare Award, Safer Care Victoria compassionate care award.

Some conditions require assessment within the emergency department and should not wait for an outpatient appointment.

As the only public maxillofacial service in Melbourne’s West, the unit serves a large and rapidly growing population. It remains committed to providing timely, safe and specialist care, while supporting surgical training and improving access to specialist care across the West.

The team consists of 9 Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, supported by registrars and junior medical staff. The unit plays an active role in the Victorian OMFS training program, providing supervision and teaching for trainees at various levels.

Our surgeons coordinate multidisciplinary care, working closely with ENT, Plastics, ICU and Emergency teams. Elective operating is conducted weekly, and the unit provides emergency cover 7 days a week.

Our team manages a specialist clinic for patients who require outpatient assessment and management. 

We accept referrals from GPs and health professionals. All referrals must be directed to our Head of Unit, Stephen Austin. Please read our referral guidelines for more information.

Oral Maxillofacial Surgery Registrar

Phone: (03) 8345 6666