Dr Ricky Kumar, Specialist Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

Dr Ricky Kumar is a Specialist Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon at Collins Street Specialist Centre, with degrees in both medicine and dentistry. He practises the full scope of the specialty, including removal of impacted teeth, dental implants, oral pathology and facial trauma, and has sub-specialty interests in paediatric maxillofacial surgery, corrective jaw surgery and surgery of the jaw joint (TMJ). He consults on Level 8 of the Manchester Unity Building, 220 Collins Street, Melbourne. To arrange an appointment, call (03) 9650 2726.

Qualifications

Dr Kumar's qualifications, as they appear on our team page:

• BHB (Auck)
• MBChB (Auck)
• BDS (Otago)
• FRACDS (OMS)

His medical qualifications come from the University of Auckland and his Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Otago. FRACDS (OMS) is the specialist fellowship in oral and maxillofacial surgery awarded by the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons after the College's Part II examinations.

Surgical training and fellowships

Dr Kumar completed his oral and maxillofacial surgical training in Adelaide. During that training he was awarded the F.G. Christensen medal for the Part I examinations, and he went on to pass the Part II examinations and receive his fellowship.

He then spent 12 months as a fellow at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, concentrating on paediatric maxillofacial surgery and corrective jaw surgery. A further 12 months as a clinical fellow at Oxford University Hospitals in the United Kingdom added training in paediatric maxillofacial surgery and surgery of the temporomandibular joint, the hinge joint in front of each ear that connects the lower jaw to the skull.

Hospital appointments and teaching

Dr Kumar is a consultant surgeon at The Royal Melbourne Hospital, the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne and Monash Health (Clayton and Dandenong Hospitals), and an honorary consultant at the Royal Children's Hospital of Melbourne. Through these appointments he takes part in training future surgeons and dentists.

He is the secretary of the Victorian branch of ANZAOMS, the Australian and New Zealand Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, and since 2012 he has been chief organiser of yearly charity oral and maxillofacial operating missions to Fiji.

What Dr Kumar treats

At Collins Street Specialist Centre, Dr Kumar sees patients for:

• dentoalveolar surgery, such as removal of wisdom teeth and other teeth that have not come through properly
• implantology, including assessing and preparing the jaw for dental implants
• oral pathology, the investigation of ulcers, lumps and other changes in the lining of the mouth or the jaw bones
• facial trauma, including injuries to the jaws and facial bones
• paediatric maxillofacial surgery for children and adolescents
• corrective jaw surgery, where the position of the upper or lower jaw is changed to improve the bite
• TMJ surgery, for selected jaw joint problems that have not settled with other care

More detail on these procedures is on our oral and maxillofacial surgery page. Surgery is only one option for many of these conditions; Dr Kumar will talk through the alternatives, the possible complications and the expected recovery so you can make an informed choice.

Checking Dr Kumar's registration

Dr Kumar appears on the AHPRA register under registration number DEN0001411504 as a Registered Dentist, Specialist, with specialist registration in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. The register is free to search at ahpra.gov.au.

Preparing for your appointment

It helps to arrive with:

• any X-rays, OPG or cone beam CT scans already taken by your dentist
• a letter from your dentist or doctor, if you have one
• details of your general health, medicines and allergies
• your private health fund card

If new images are needed, our technology page explains the X-ray and 3D imaging available in our rooms. For a jaw joint problem, it can help to note when the pain or clicking happens and what makes it better or worse.

Our oral and maxillofacial surgery team

Dr Kumar shares the surgical work at our practice with A/Prof. Patrishia Bordbar, Specialist Oral & Craniomaxillofacial Surgeon. Corrective jaw surgery usually involves an orthodontist before and after the operation, and implant cases often involve a prosthodontist or periodontist, so having these specialists at the one address makes joint planning simpler.

Frequently asked questions

What is TMJ surgery and who needs it?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) lets the lower jaw open, close and move sideways. Most jaw joint pain or clicking is managed without an operation, using measures such as splints, physiotherapy or medication. Surgery is considered for a smaller group of patients with specific joint problems, after a careful assessment and imaging.

Does Dr Kumar see children?

Yes. Paediatric maxillofacial surgery is one of his sub-specialty interests, developed through fellowships at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne and Oxford University Hospitals. For children, please confirm any referral requirements when you book, and bring any reports or images from your child's dentist.

Is wisdom tooth removal done under general anaesthetic?

Not always. Depending on the position of the teeth, your medical history and your preference, wisdom teeth may be removed under local anaesthetic, with sedation, or under general anaesthetic in hospital. Dr Kumar will recommend an approach after reviewing your X-rays and explain the reasons for it.

Can I book without a referral?

Our published guidance is that adults do not need a referral to see our specialists. A letter from your dentist is still useful because it explains the history and can save repeating X-rays. Please mention any letter or scans when you call so our team can add them to your file.

Related pages

• Oral and maxillofacial surgery
• A/Prof. Patrishia Bordbar
• Our team
• Our technology
• Our location
• Payment plans
• Contact us

Collins Street Specialist Centre at a glance

• Registered specialists in oral and maxillofacial surgery, endodontics, orthodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics and paediatric dentistry, in one practice.
• Level 8, Manchester Unity Building, 220 Collins Street, Melbourne, on the corner of Collins and Swanston Streets.
• Payment plans through Payright, TLC and Supercare, subject to eligibility.
• Call (03) 9650 2726 or email theteam@collinsstreetspecialistcentre.com.au.

Contact Collins Street Specialist Centre

Every patient is different, so results, recovery times and potential risks vary from person to person. This information is general in nature and is not a substitute for a consultation. Seek advice from an appropriately qualified, AHPRA-registered practitioner before proceeding with treatment.