The Maxillofacial Restoration Program at Naval Medical Center San Diego combines globe-leading clinical expertise, advanced engineering, and patient-centered innovation to rebuild faces and restore function for service members and TRICARE beneficiaries. Using 3D modeling and virtual surgical planning, the team performs complex jaw and facial reconstructions in a single operation—shortening recovery times and providing unprecedented patient outcomes. Through collaboration across sixteen services and specialties, the program embodies the Defense Health Agency’s commitment to patient-centered care, innovation, and readiness for future conflicts.. (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jason Afable)

Maxillofacial Program at NMCSD Restores Form, Function, and Readiness
SAN DIEGO — Members of the Maxillofacial Restoration Program team at Naval Medical Center San Diego restored the jaw and medical readiness of Army Spc. Grant Dickerson through a complex jaw-in-a-day surgery after a benign tumor destroyed nearly two-thirds of his mandible. Dickerson’s condition, a central giant cell granuloma, was first identified at Evans Army Community Hospital at Fort Carson, Colorado. After imaging revealed the extent of the tumor, he was referred to NMCSD’s Maxillofacial Restoration Program, one of the Military Health System’s leading centers for advanced maxillofacial restoration. Using virtual surgical planning, 3D-printed guides, and a transplant from the patient’s leg, Navy surgeons rebuilt Dickerson’s jaw and provided immediate dental rehabilitation—compressing what is typically an 18- to 24-month, multi-stage process into a single operation. The approach restores form, function, and readiness faster than traditional methods, and fulfills DHA’s mission to improve health and build readiness. For Dickerson, who has wanted to be a Soldier since childhood, the outcome means he can return to his unit and his Army career. The case highlights the Military Health System’s commitment to high-reliability health care, cross-service collaboration, and restoring the human weapons system through advanced surgical innovation. (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jason Afable)

The New Face of Readiness: One Soldier’s Story of Restoration and Return to Duty

Overview

The Maxillofacial Restoration Program at Naval Medical Center San Diego is leading the way in comprehensive maxillofacial restoration, offering a groundbreaking approach to treating a wide range of conditions affecting the mouth, face, and jaws. Our program, established in November 2020, utilizes nine integrated clinical care pathways and a team of over 125 specialists to achieve exceptional outcomes for our patients with complex facial injuries, congenital conditions, and disease-related defects. 

Our patient-centered program takes a revolutionary approach, focusing on complete restoration, not just basic reconstruction. We understand that recovery involves more than just surgery; it includes regaining function, aesthetics, and your overall well-being.

Our Unique Approach: Restoration, Not Just Reconstruction

Unlike traditional reconstruction, which may focus solely on surgical repair, our program emphasizes complete restoration. We integrate surgical, dental, and therapeutic interventions from day one, considering long-term functional outcomes, aesthetics, and the psychological and social aspects of recovery. Our team plans for optimal dental rehabilitation, speech function, and a complete return to normal activities.
 

Who Is Eligible for Care?

The Maxillofacial Restoration Program treats:
  • Active-duty service members from all branches
  • TRICARE-eligible beneficiaries
  • Veterans

Our Multidisciplinary Care Team

Care is delivered through a coordinated, multidisciplinary team that may include: This team-based approach supports continuity of care from initial evaluation through recovery and rehabilitation.
 

Referrals and Appointments

Referrals

Patients must have a referral to be evaluated by the Maxillofacial Restoration Program. Referrals are typically initiated by a primary care manager or specialty provider.

Appointments

Once a referral is received and reviewed, clinic staff will contact the patient to coordinate appointments and next steps.
 

FAQ

Contact Us

Dental Clinic: (619) 532-8600
Location: Building 1, 2nd Floor
 

Multidisciplinary Departments

Mental Health: (619) 532-5761 / (619) 532-9225
Nurse Case Management and Care Coordination: (619) 531-1434 (Medical Support Assistant)
​​​​​​​Pain Medicine: (619) 532-8937
Physical and Occupational Therapy: (619) 532-7100
Plastic Surgery: (619) 532-6950, ext.1

 

Learn More About What We Do

Logo for NMCSD Naval Medical Center San Diego
34800 Bob Wilson Drive
San Diego, CA 92134

Need to Submit a Claim?

Send it to the correct claims address.

Need Technical Help?

Find the right contact info for the help you need.

DHA Address

7700 Arlington Boulevard
Suite 5101
Falls Church, VA 22042-5101

mhs Logo

Logo for NMCSD Naval Medical Center San Diego
34800 Bob Wilson Drive
San Diego, CA 92134

Logo for NMCSD Naval Medical Center San Diego
34800 Bob Wilson Drive
San Diego, CA 92134

How can I see my authorization for services after getting a referral for network care?

All of your referrals and authorizations can be managed through your account at http://www.tricare-west.com/. Click “HERE” to learn more.


 

CONTACT

GME Department Head:
Mike Simons, 619-532-7936, Michael.d.simons2.civ@mail.mil
Assistant Department Head:
Rose Sifuentes, 619-532-5998, rose.a.sifuentes.civ@mail.mil
Financial:
Angelique Stewart, angelique.m.stewart.civ@mail.mil

LOCATION
Graduate Medical Education
Naval Medical Center San Diego
34800 Bob Wilson Drive
San Diego, CA 92134

HOURS
7:00 am – 3:00 pm

1. For Verification of Training, please send request to corresponding Residency Program Manager. Contact information can be found by visiting the respective program page under the SPONSORED PROGRAMS drop down link on the left side of the screen.

2. Navy Medicine & Readiness Training Command San Diego does not participate in the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). In order to apply you must be an Active Duty member of the United States Armed Forces and utilize the Medical Operational Data System (MODS) application in accordance with  BUMED NOTICE 1524. 
 

Training Verification

Please send request to corresponding Residency Program Manager. Contact information can be found by visiting the respective program page under the SPONSORED PROGRAMS drop-down menu on the left side of the screen.