In the world of contemporary health care, oral and maxillofacial surgery has emerged as one of the most specialized and fast-growing areas of medical science. With greater awareness about facial malformations, trauma treatment, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), and congenital syndromes, there is a heightened need for cultured, patient-focused, and minimally invasive treatments in this discipline.

Especially in a nation like India where facial trauma due to accidents, undiagnosed congenital malformations, and delayed diagnosis of joint problems are commonplace oral and maxillofacial surgery is essential in restoring both function and form. Dr Tofiq Bohra, who is a well-known Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon practicing in Mumbai, has not only seen this change but is in fact contributing towards it. His professional life has been guided by one question, “How can we treat facial conditions with the minimum surgical burden, with long-term efficacy, and patient comfort”?

His journey to find an answer has driven him to acquire unusual skills in the field of TMJ Arthroscopy, a subspecialty that fills the essential gap between conservative management and invasive surgery. Dr Tofiq Bohra is one of only two or three surgeons in India trained to perform TMJ arthroscopy, a testament to the niche expertise he brings to the field.

He became interested in the subject when he was a fellow at cleft and craniofacial surgery, where he had the privilege of dealing with complicated congenital cases such as cleft lip, cleft palate, and other craniofacial syndromes. He noticed that most children with facial asymmetry actually had underlying TMJ pathology, despite being either misdiagnosed or not managed well. This void encouraged him to search for less invasive options, eventually introducing TMJ arthroscopy procedures in India.

A Journey Fueled by Purpose & Precision

Dr Tofiq Bohra received his post-graduate education from M.A. Rangoonwala College and Research Center in Pune, with an intensive fellowship in cleft and craniofacial surgery from the Comprehensive Cleft Institute in Zurich. These formative years exposed him to the complexity of congenital syndromes and cultivated his passion for longterm facial rehabilitation.

He also undertook a head and neck cancer surgery fellowship, which gave him early exposure to complex oncologic facial reconstruction. In addition, he completed technical training in Germany, a step that even inspired him to learn the German language, deepening his understanding of European surgical protocols and innovations.

Motivated by the limited advanced TMJ solutions available in India, he secured a placement in TMJ Arthroscopy and Total Joint Replacement Surgery at the University of Maryland, USA, making him one of the very few Indian surgeons with this specialized training.

Further strengthening his multidisciplinary expertise, he earned certifications in Interventional Pain Management and Pain Medicine from the British Pain Society, enabling him to offer a comprehensive approach to chronic orofacial pain and TMJ dysfunction. He is also a member of the Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland, and the American Society of TMJ Surgeons. To complement his clinical acumen with administrative insight, he completed an MBA in Healthcare and Hospital Management from D.Y. Patil University, positioning him as a leader not only in the OT but also in institutional and patient care planning. In recognition of his clinical excellence and academic rigor, he has passed India’s demanding three-tier oral and maxillofacial board exam, making him an Indian Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon. The rigorous examination includes 100 MCQs, presentation of two surgical cases, and a comprehensive viva, signifying a high level of competence and commitment.

What I have achieved is not mine alone, it is a collective effort of my mentors, my family, and the countless patients who trusted me

Technology, Technique & Building Teamwork

As the Head of Department at multiple hospitals and Director of the Comprehensive Cleft Centre, Dr Tofiq Bohra leads a highly trained multi-disciplinary team. He believes that excellence in outcomes stems from structured care and precision tools. Toward this goal, he has adopted 3D surgical planning and CT-based skull reconstruction, whereby digital DICOM data is used to simulate results long before a scalpel touches the skin. These computer assisted tools, combined with his emphasis on minimally invasive methods, have positioned Indian maxillofacial surgery on par with international benchmarks.

One of his notable advancements is in Total Joint Replacement (TJR) surgery. Where earlier approaches required two incisions one near the ear and one on the neck, he now completes the procedure through a single incision, using angled endoscopes and precision-guided tools. His drive to improve technique has even led him to design surgical instruments, including one that enhances visualization and control in the TMJ space during arthroscopy. “What stood out was how clearly he explained every step of the process before, during, and after the procedure. It made all the difference in reducing my anxiety”, patient comments.

Future Vision

Dr Tofiq Bohra’s long-term goals are rooted in a strong passion to revolutionize the field of maxillofacial treatment using minimally invasive surgical methods. Having spent years of advanced training, he has directly seen the way that early treatment and precision-based techniques can have a dramatic bearing on patient outcome particularly in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pathology and facial trauma in children. Drawing from years of advanced training, he now focuses on promoting early intervention and spreading awareness about arthroscopy, endoscopy, and advanced imaging among clinicians and the public.

Awards & Recognition:

•Nominated by CIOLOOK Magazine India as one of the “Top Surgeons to Look Out for in 2023”
•Featured in The Indian Express for performing a total TMJ joint replacement in a complex case of bony ankylosis, showcasing his cutting-edge surgical approach
•Publications
•1.“TMJ Arthroscopy: a Clinical Guideline” – Conceptual paper co-authored with Saurabh Shah, published in Acta Scientific Dental Sciences, Volume 8, Issue 10 (October 2024)
•2.“PRF: A Novel Acumen for Managing Post Surgical Defects After Removal of Mandibular Third Molars – A Case Report” – Published in the Journal of Head & Neck Physicians and Surgeons (2015)