The Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost announces the appointment of Dr. James K. Mah as the dean of the UNLV School of Dental Medicine, effective May 1, 2024. Dr. Mah has served as interim dean since September 2022, during which time he has demonstrated exemplary leadership and commitment to the school’s mission of excellence in education, patient care, and research.

Under Dr. Mah’s stewardship, the School of Dental Medicine has seen significant advancements in faculty and staff recruitment, community engagement, and research innovation. His efforts have ensured the continuation of high-quality educational programs and have strengthened the school’s contributions to dental health within Southern Nevada and beyond.

“Dr. Mah’s visionary leadership has been instrumental in navigating the School of Dental Medicine through a pivotal period,” said President Keith E. Whitfield. “His dedication to academic innovation, combined with his extensive experience in dental education and research, make him the ideal person to lead the school into the future.”

During his tenure as interim dean, Dr. Mah has been a driving force behind the improvement of operational efficiencies, enhancement of student and faculty engagement, and expansion of the school’s outreach initiatives, earning him the support of faculty, staff, and students and also the community of dental professionals. His leadership has been characterized by a commitment to fostering an environment of inclusivity and collaboration, and aligning the school with UNLV’s Top Tier 2.0 strategic initiative.

Executive Vice President and Provost Chris L. Heavey added, “Dr. Mah’s contributions as interim dean have been remarkable. He is not only a respected educator, clinician, and researcher but also a leader who has earned the admiration of his peers, school community, and the broader dental community. I am confident that under his ongoing leadership, the School of Dental Medicine will continue to excel in its mission to educate future leaders in dental medicine and serve our community with integrity and distinction.”

In response to his appointment, Dr. Mah expressed his gratitude and vision for the future. “I am deeply honored and excited to continue leading the UNLV School of Dental Medicine. Together with our talented faculty, staff, and students, I look forward to building upon our achievements and further advancing our school as a leader in dental education and patient care. Our collective efforts will ensure that we not only meet but exceed the expectations of our community and the dental profession.”

He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and an orthodontics certificate from the University of Alberta, and later, a Doctor of Medical Science degree from Harvard Medical School. He also holds B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees from the University of Alberta. His experience includes faculty and administrative roles at the University of Alberta and the University of Southern California.

In addition, Dr. Mah is nationally licensed by the American Dental Association and the National Dental Examination Boards in Canada. He is also recognized as a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontists.

Dr. Mah’s distinguished career, commitment to excellence, and innovative approach to dental education and research have positioned him as a leader in the field. The university looks forward to the continued growth and success of the School of Dental Medicine under Dean Mah’s leadership.