Justin Curtin

Dr. Justin Curtin is an Associate Professor in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, with dual qualifications in medicine and dentistry, Specialist Surgical qualification and a research PhD. He completed specialist surgical training in oral and maxillofacial surgery at The University of Hong Kong, followed by sub-specialty training in cleft lip and palate surgery.

Formal training and qualification in nutritional and environmental medicine underpins his comprehensive, systems-based approach to patient care, research and education.

As an educator, Dr. Curtin is actively involved in curriculum development and mentorship across all levels—from undergraduate students to advanced surgical trainees.

Since 2000, Dr. Curtin has provided charitable facial reconstructive surgery across Asia and continues to support community health through the education of dentists and general medical practitioners.

Dr Curtin continues to provide specialist surgical services at the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital Service to the people of Far North Queensland.   

Dr. Curtin’s research is translational in focus, addressing clinical challenges through foundational science. His PhD in cancer cell biology explored circulating tumour cells in oral cancer, contributing to the understanding of metastasis and prognostication.

He has supervised award-winning research and contributed to the Oxford Textbook of Medicine series. He serves as Reviewer for the International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and BMJ Clinical Pathology.

Initiating an international collaborative project centered at James Cook University, Dr Curtin leads a team investigating the epigenetic influences underlying the aetiology of cleft lip and palate, with the goal of identifying prenatal biomarkers to detect at-risk parents and enable early intervention.