Dr Jimmy Phan — Oral Medicine Specialist

About Oral Medicine

Oral Medicine is a dental specialty recognised by the Dental Board of Australia that bridges the gap between medicine and dentistry. Oral Medicine Specialists are uniquely trained to diagnose and manage a broad range of conditions affecting the mouth, jaws and face — particularly those that are medically complex, have systemic connections, or require a multidisciplinary approach.

Unlike oral surgeons, Oral Medicine Specialists focus primarily on non-surgical diagnosis and management, working at the interface of oral health and general medical care. Their expertise is particularly valuable for patients with conditions that affect the oral mucosa, those on complex medications that impact oral health, patients with orofacial pain, and those who require specialist assessment of unusual or persistent oral symptoms.

Conditions Managed by Oral Medicine

Dr Phan's specialist expertise encompasses the assessment and management of a wide range of oral medicine conditions, including:

Oral Mucosal Diseases

• Oral lichen planus and lichenoid reactions
• Recurrent aphthous ulcers (mouth ulcers)
• Pemphigus vulgaris and other autoimmune blistering conditions
• Oral candidiasis and fungal infections
• Leukoplakia, erythroplakia and other potentially malignant oral disorders
• Oral manifestations of systemic diseases

Orofacial Pain

• Burning mouth syndrome
• Trigeminal neuralgia and neuropathic orofacial pain
• Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) — medical management
• Atypical facial pain
• Headaches with orofacial components

Medically Complex Dental Patients

• Assessment and management of patients with complex medical histories
• Oral health management for patients on anticoagulants, bisphosphonates, immunosuppressants and other medications with oral implications
• Liaison with medical specialists for integrated care

Dry Mouth & Salivary Conditions

• Xerostomia (dry mouth) assessment and management
• Salivary gland disorders
• Sjögren's syndrome — oral management

Why Oral Medicine?

Many patients experience oral symptoms that their general dentist cannot fully explain or manage with routine dental care — persistent ulcers, unexplained pain, unusual lesions or oral changes associated with systemic illness or medications. An Oral Medicine Specialist is trained specifically for these challenging presentations.

Dr Phan's practice at Collins Street Specialist Centre gives patients access to specialist-level care for complex oral conditions, in a multidisciplinary environment where collaboration with other dental specialists and medical practitioners is seamlessly facilitated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions does an Oral Medicine Specialist treat? Oral Medicine Specialists diagnose and manage a wide range of conditions including oral mucosal diseases (ulcers, lichen planus, blistering conditions), orofacial pain (burning mouth, neuropathic pain, TMD), salivary gland disorders, oral manifestations of systemic disease, and the complex oral health needs of medically compromised patients.

How is Oral Medicine different from Oral Surgery? Oral Surgery involves surgical procedures in and around the mouth, jaw and face (such as extractions, implants and jaw surgery). Oral Medicine focuses on the non-surgical diagnosis and management of oral diseases, with a particular emphasis on conditions at the interface of dentistry and medicine.

Do I need a referral to see Dr Phan? Please contact the practice on 13 13 96 to enquire about referral requirements and appointment availability.

Where does Dr Phan consult? Dr Phan consults at Collins Street Specialist Centre and Smile Solutions, Level 8, Manchester Unity Building, 220 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD.

Book an Appointment

Collins Street Specialist Centre / Smile Solutions Level 8, Manchester Unity Building 220 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD VIC 3000 📞 13 13 96

Smile Solutions is Australia's largest single-location private dental practice, housing an exceptional team of dental specialists and general dentists under one roof in the heart of Melbourne's CBD.