Department Spotlight

China's Top Departments: Stomatology at Air Force Medical University Stomatological Hospital

The PLA's only higher education institution of stomatology, founded in 1935. Home to the only National Science & Technology Progress First Prize in China's stomatology field. 500,000+ annual outpatient visits, 270 dental chairs, and world-renowned maxillofacial reconstruction techniques.

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ChinaMed Select Medical Team5 min read
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China's Top Departments: Stomatology at Air Force Medical University Stomatological Hospital

If you need complex dental care, maxillofacial surgery, or treatment for rare oral conditions, the Stomatological Hospital of Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University) is one of China's most distinguished dental institutions — and the only one of its kind in the People's Liberation Army.

Founded in 1935, this Grade 3A specialized hospital combines medical care, teaching, and research at the highest level. With 500,000+ annual outpatient visits, 270 dental chairs, 144 inpatient beds, and 111 professors and associate professors, it's a powerhouse of dental excellence.

But what truly sets this hospital apart is its world-renowned maxillofacial reconstruction program — the team that performed the world's first "Sunken Face Woman," "Missing Face Man," and "Facial Reconstruction" surgeries. If you have a complex maxillofacial condition that other centers can't handle, this is where you come.

At ChinaMed Select, we've helped international patients access this exceptional institution for everything from advanced dental implants to life-changing facial reconstruction. Here's what you need to know.

A Legacy of Military Precision and Innovation

The hospital's origins trace back to the National Nanjing Central University Dental School in 1935 — one of the earliest independently established dental education institutions in China. Today, it serves as:

  • The PLA's only higher education institution of stomatology — training military and civilian dental professionals
  • Designated unit for oral health care of central and military leadership — a testament to its quality and discretion
  • President of International Society of Military Dentistry — global leadership in military dental care
  • President of International Society for Maxillofacial Rehabilitation — pioneering facial reconstruction techniques

This military heritage means the hospital operates with exceptional discipline, precision, and attention to detail — qualities that matter when you're undergoing complex dental or facial surgery.

World-Renowned Clinical Strengths

Maxillofacial Defect Reconstruction — Global Pioneer

This is the department's crown jewel. The team has performed:

  • World's first "Sunken Face Woman" surgery — restoring facial structure for a patient with severe midface deficiency
  • World's first "Missing Face Man" surgery — reconstructing extensive facial tissue loss
  • World's first "Facial Reconstruction" surgeries — combining bone, muscle, and skin transplantation for complete facial restoration

These aren't just surgical achievements — they're life transformations for patients who had lost hope. The techniques developed here are now taught worldwide.

Giant Maxillofacial Neurofibroma Resection & Facial Plastic Surgery

The department has worldwide impact in removing massive facial tumors while preserving or restoring facial function and appearance. This requires extraordinary precision — millimeters matter when operating near critical nerves, blood vessels, and facial structures.

Tissue-Engineered Skin — Independently Developed Intellectual Property

The hospital has developed its own tissue-engineered skin technology — a breakthrough for patients needing extensive reconstruction after tumor removal or trauma. This proprietary technology offers better outcomes than commercially available alternatives.

Comprehensive Dental Services

Beyond maxillofacial surgery, the hospital offers full-spectrum dental care:

Dental Implants & Prosthodontics

  • Full-mouth immediate implant restoration
  • All-ceramic restoration & CAD/CAM digital technology
  • Immediate implant placement and restoration

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

  • Maxillofacial trauma management (military specialty, nationally leading)
  • Comprehensive treatment of maxillofacial tumors
  • Craniomaxillofacial deformity correction (orthognathic surgery, facial reconstruction)
  • Cleft lip and palate sequential treatment
  • Digital & 3D printing technology for jaw defect reconstruction

Endodontics & Periodontics

  • Microscopic root canal therapy
  • Treatment of pulp and periapical diseases
  • Periodontal aesthetic surgery
  • Water laser periodontal therapy
  • Teeth whitening, composite resin aesthetic restoration

Pediatric Dentistry

  • Children's dental disease treatment
  • Painless and comfortable pediatric dental care

Other Specialties

  • Minimally invasive painless tooth extraction
  • Orthodontic treatment (combined orthodontic-orthognathic surgery)
  • Temporomandibular joint disorder treatment

The Expert Team

The hospital's academic credentials are extraordinary:

CredentialCount
Professors & Associate Professors111
Doctoral Supervisors27
Master's Supervisors37
Changjiang Scholars3
State Council Special Allowance Recipients45
Members in International Academic Organizations8
Leadership Positions in National Specialty Societies20

This depth of expertise means you're not just seeing a dentist — you're seeing a team where many members are national and international leaders in their subspecialties.

Research Excellence

The hospital's research output is unmatched in Chinese stomatology:

  • National Science & Technology Progress First Prize — the only one in China's stomatology field
  • 3 National Science & Technology Progress Second Prizes
  • 12 Military & Provincial/Ministerial First Prizes
  • 532 SCI-indexed publications
  • 1 "973" Chief Scientist Project, 2 "863" Projects
  • 157 National Natural Science Foundation projects
  • Cumulative research funding exceeding 100 million RMB

This research directly translates to patient care. When you're treated here, you have access to techniques and technologies that may not be available elsewhere for years.

What International Patients Should Know

When to Consider This Hospital

  • Complex maxillofacial reconstruction after tumor removal, trauma, or congenital defects
  • Giant facial tumors that other centers have deemed inoperable
  • Full-mouth rehabilitation requiring advanced implant techniques
  • Cleft lip and palate repair (especially complex or revision cases)
  • Rare oral diseases requiring specialized diagnosis and treatment
  • Second opinion on complex dental or facial surgery

The Treatment Journey

  1. Initial Consultation: Submit medical records, imaging (CT scans, dental X-rays), and photos for remote review
  2. Treatment Plan: Receive detailed proposal including surgical approach, timeline, and costs
  3. Pre-operative Preparation: Additional imaging, dental impressions, and surgical planning
  4. Surgery: Duration varies (2-12 hours for complex procedures)
  5. Recovery: 1-4 weeks in hospital, 1-3 months in Xi'an for follow-up
  6. Return Home: Remote follow-up via video consultation

Cost Estimates

ProcedureEstimated Cost (USD)
Complex dental implant (per tooth)$1,500-3,000
Full-mouth implant restoration$25,000-50,000
Maxillofacial tumor resection$15,000-40,000
Facial reconstruction surgery$30,000-80,000
Cleft lip and palate repair$5,000-15,000
Orthognathic surgery$10,000-25,000
Root canal therapy (microscopic)$300-800
Periodontal surgery$500-2,000

Note: These are estimates for international patients. Actual costs depend on case complexity, materials used, and length of stay.

Location and Contact

  • Address: No. 145 Changle West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
  • Inquiry Hotline: +86-29-84776225
  • Website: Available in Chinese (translation services available)

Language Support

  • Mandarin Chinese is the primary language
  • English-speaking staff available in the international patient department
  • Professional medical interpreters can be arranged
  • Treatment plans and discharge summaries provided in English

How ChinaMed Select Can Help

Complex dental and maxillofacial treatment requires careful coordination. ChinaMed Select provides:

  • Case Review: Submit your dental records and imaging for pre-evaluation
  • Hospital Coordination: Direct communication with the international patient department
  • Interpreter Services: Professional medical interpreters for all consultations
  • Accommodation: Arrangement of housing near the hospital for extended stays
  • Post-operative Care: Coordination of follow-up appointments and dental care
  • Travel Logistics: Assistance with flights, visas, and local transportation

Contact ChinaMed Select for a free consultation about dental or maxillofacial treatment at Air Force Medical University Stomatological Hospital.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does this hospital compare to dental schools in the US or Europe?

A: The hospital's academic credentials are world-class — 111 professors, 27 doctoral supervisors, and the only National First Prize in Chinese stomatology. The maxillofacial reconstruction program is globally recognized. The key advantages are: significantly lower costs (60-80% less than US/Europe), access to pioneering techniques, and comprehensive care under one roof.

Q: I have a complex facial tumor that was deemed inoperable. Can this hospital help?

A: This hospital specializes in complex maxillofacial cases. The team has performed world-first surgeries for conditions other centers considered impossible. Submit your imaging and medical records for a second opinion — many patients are surprised to learn surgery is possible.

Q: How long do I need to stay in Xi'an after surgery?

A: For dental implants: 1-2 weeks for initial placement, return after 3-6 months for final restoration. For maxillofacial surgery: 2-4 weeks in hospital, 1-3 months in Xi'an for follow-up and rehabilitation.

Q: Is the hospital experienced with international patients?

A: Yes. The international patient department serves patients from many countries. Staff can arrange English-speaking coordinators and interpreters. Treatment plans are provided in English.

Q: Can I get a second opinion without traveling to Xi'an?

A: Yes. Submit your dental records, CT scans, and photos for remote review. The team can provide a treatment recommendation and cost estimate before you commit to travel.

Q: What about accommodation during extended treatment?

A: The hospital can recommend nearby hotels and serviced apartments. ChinaMed Select can arrange long-term accommodation with kitchen facilities for patients staying 1+ months.


Need complex dental care or maxillofacial reconstruction? Contact ChinaMed Select for a free consultation. We'll review your case, connect you with Air Force Medical University Stomatological Hospital's expert team, and coordinate your entire treatment journey — from medical record translation to post-operative follow-up.

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