OMFS History
A Legacy of Leadership and Care in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
The origins of OMFS Services date back to the early 1940s, when Dr. John Piercey, a naval dentist, narrowly escaped tragedy aboard the HMAS Sydney. he remained in Melbourne to pursue a new path in medicine. That fateful twist led him to become one of the earliest Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons in Victoria. He progressed to become Senior Oral Surgeon at the Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) a role that evolved to Head of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit and would be continuously held by surgeons in our practice.
Dr. Piercey was joined by Dr. Bob Cook in 1958, forming a legacy of mentorship and excellence that shaped the next generations. Over the decades, the practice evolved and grew —from the early rooms on Royal Parade, to the establishment of CLM at Lewis House 766 Elizabeth Street Melbourne in 1975, when Bob was joined by Bruce Levant and Ian MacFarlane eventually forming OMFS Services Pty Ltd in the late 1980s.
Through it all, a consistent theme emerged: dedication to patient care, education, and surgical leadership. Our practice has proudly contributed four Heads of OMS at RMH, two Heads at RCH, three Presidents of ADA Victoria, a President of IAOMS, a President of ANZHNCS, two Board Chairs of the RACDS and two Members of the Order of Australia
Honouring Professor David Wiesenfeld AM
One of the most influential figures in the history of OMFS Services is Professor David Wiesenfeld AM, who recently retired after more than 40 years of specialist practice. David was not only a surgeon of exceptional skill, but a respected mentor, teacher, and leader within both our team and the broader surgical community.
In recognition of his outstanding service to Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Professor Wiesenfeld was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division as part of the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours list. This is an exceptional national achievement, reflecting his lifelong dedication to patient care, surgical education, and the advancement of his specialty.
David joined OMFS Services in 1985, and for the next four decades helped shape the practice into what it is today—an internationally respected centre for surgical excellence, training, and leadership.
Throughout his career, David's clinical interests spanned a wide scope, including oral cancer care, dentoalveolar surgery, management of impacted teeth, dento-facial deformity correction, and dental implants.
He graduated in Dentistry from the University of Melbourne in 1976, completed specialist training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in 1980, and undertook three years of additional training in the UK—first in Glasgow as a Commonwealth Supernumerary Registrar, then in London. He commenced specialist practice in 1983.
David held numerous senior clinical and academic appointments, including:
- Lead, Research and Education for the Head and Neck Tumour Stream at the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre
- Head of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and Director of the Head and Neck Tumour Stream at the Royal Melbourne Hospital
- Honorary Clinical Professor at The University of Melbourne
- Visiting Professorships at the Universities of Bristol, Texas, Nebraska, and Cleveland
- He has authored over 100 scientific publications and contributed to four textbooks, influencing generations of clinicians and researchers in the field of maxillofacial surgery. His passion for education and professional development also saw him involved at high levels in both national and international professional associations.
- Reflecting on his time with the practice during his retirement speech, David said:
- "Group practice is not for everyone. You must learn to listen, absorb and compromise—just like the Three Musketeers: all for one, and one for all. I consider myself extremely lucky to join the practice and stay for 40 years with great friends, trusted colleagues, and wonderful staff."
- David’s deep knowledge of the specialty’s history and his own legacy as a mentor, innovator, and leader remain central to the identity of OMFS Services.
- We are proud to honour Professor Wiesenfeld’s enormous contributions and continue the values he exemplified: integrity, collaboration, surgical excellence, and a commitment to shaping the speciality of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
We also wish to reassure patients that Professor Wiesenfeld’s ongoing patients and referrals are being carefully managed by our team, ensuring seamless continuity of care. His patients remain in expert hands.
