Dr Winston Tan Kwong Shen is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. He received his Bachelor of Dental Surgery and his Masters of Dental Surgery in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery from the National University of Singapore, and is a Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore and of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons.
He previously served as an academic staff member in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. His clinical areas of interest include dental implants, facial reconstruction and orthognathic surgery, and his practice is based at Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre.
Clinical focus
Oral & maxillofacial surgery.
Qualifications (as publicly listed)
BDS (National University of Singapore), MDS (National University of Singapore), FAMS (OMS), FRACDS.
Where they practise
- Clinic / practice: Winston Tan Oral Maxillofacial Surgery — Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, Irrawaddy Road
- Hospital / training affiliation(s): Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre
Getting to the clinic
Winston Tan Oral Maxillofacial Surgery is based at Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre on Irrawaddy Road, in the Novena medical cluster. The most convenient way to arrive by public transport is the MRT: Novena station (NS20 on the North-South Line) is a short walk away, and the area is well served by sheltered links to nearby medical buildings. From the station you can reach the specialist centre on foot in a few minutes.
Several bus services run along Thomson Road and Irrawaddy Road with stops near the hospital. If you are driving or taking a taxi, Mount Elizabeth Novena has a sheltered drop-off and a paid visitor car park; ride-hailing and taxis can set you down at the entrance, which is helpful if you are attending for surgery or sedation and need someone to accompany you home. Allow extra time during weekday peak hours, when the Novena health-care precinct is busy.
What oral and maxillofacial surgery covers
Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a surgical specialty bridging dentistry and medicine, dealing with the mouth, jaws and face. It covers a wide range of procedures, from the removal of impacted wisdom teeth and difficult tooth extractions to the surgical placement of dental implants, including cases needing bone grafting or sinus procedures. It also includes the management of jaw and facial conditions.
In this practice the stated areas of interest include dental implants, facial reconstruction and orthognathic (corrective jaw) surgery. Orthognathic surgery repositions the upper or lower jaw to correct bite problems and facial proportions, often working alongside an orthodontist. Facial reconstruction may address injuries, deformities or defects of the facial skeleton. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons also assess and manage cysts, lesions and other conditions affecting the jaws and surrounding tissues.
What to expect at a consultation
A first consultation usually starts with a discussion of your concerns and your dental and medical history, including any medications and previous surgery. The surgeon will examine your mouth, teeth, jaws and facial structures, and will often review or arrange imaging such as dental X-rays, a panoramic radiograph or a 3D cone-beam scan to plan treatment accurately.
The surgeon will then explain the diagnosis and the surgical and non-surgical options, including what each procedure involves, the type of anaesthesia or sedation that may be used, the expected recovery and the possible risks. For planned procedures such as jaw surgery or implants, treatment is usually staged and coordinated with your dentist or orthodontist. You will have the opportunity to ask questions before deciding on a plan.
Preparing for your appointment
To help the surgeon assess your situation, bring the following:
- Photo identification and any insurance or corporate details.
- Any referral letter from your dentist or doctor, plus recent X-rays, scans or reports.
- A current list of medications and supplements, including blood thinners, and any drug allergies.
- Details of medical conditions and previous operations or anaesthetic experiences.
- A written list of symptoms and questions, for example pain, swelling, difficulty chewing or interest in implants or jaw correction.
If sedation or general anaesthesia is likely, you may be advised to arrange for someone to accompany you home, so it is worth planning ahead.
After your consultation and follow-up
After surgery, follow-up visits allow the surgeon to check healing, remove any stitches and monitor your recovery. For staged treatment such as implants or orthognathic surgery, there will be a planned series of appointments, sometimes coordinated with your dentist or orthodontist. Reports can be shared with your referring practitioner for continuity of care.
You will usually be given specific aftercare instructions covering diet, oral hygiene, pain relief and activity. If you experience significant bleeding that does not settle, increasing swelling, fever, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or severe uncontrolled pain after a procedure, seek urgent medical attention. If you are weighing up elective surgery, you are entitled to seek a second opinion before proceeding.
Booking, referrals and fees
As a private specialist clinic, appointments can usually be made directly, though a referral from your dentist or doctor is common for surgical care. In Singapore, MediSave may be used towards certain surgical procedures such as wisdom tooth surgery within set withdrawal limits, and Integrated Shield Plans or other insurance may apply to eligible inpatient surgery. Routine consultations are generally paid out of pocket. Confirm the expected fees, MediSave eligibility and any insurance coverage directly with the clinic, and ask for a written estimate for surgery.
Common questions
What is the difference between a dentist and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon?
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a specialist who has completed additional surgical training to manage more complex procedures involving the mouth, jaws and face, including surgery under sedation or general anaesthesia.
Will wisdom tooth removal be done under sedation?
It depends on the complexity of the case and your preference. Options range from local anaesthesia to sedation or general anaesthesia, and the surgeon will discuss what is suitable for you.
Can MediSave be used for my surgery?
MediSave can often be applied to certain surgical procedures within set limits. The clinic can advise on eligibility and the amounts that may be claimable for your specific treatment.
How long is recovery after jaw surgery?
Recovery from orthognathic surgery is staged and varies between individuals. Your surgeon will explain the expected timeline, dietary adjustments and follow-up schedule for your particular procedure.
Related guides
Sources & verification
- Dr Winston Tan Kwong Shen – Foundation Healthcare profile
- Winston Tan Oral Maxillofacial Surgery – clinic site
See also: our editorial directory of dentists & dental specialists in Singapore and our shortlist of dental clinics.
This is an independent, factual profile compiled from the public sources listed above — not a paid listing, advertisement or endorsement. Details can change; always verify a dentist’s current registration on the Singapore Dental Council (SDC) register and confirm specifics directly with the clinic. This page is general information, not dental advice or a recommendation of any individual practitioner. See our editorial policy.
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