James Mah

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Professor of Clinical Sciences, UNLV School of Dental Medicine
Program Director for Community Initiatives, UNLV School of Dental Medicine
Expertise: Dental growth and development, Orthodontic retainers, Biology of tooth movement, Forensic anthropological use of dental records

Biography

James Mah, an internationally recognized authority on the research and development of 3D facial imaging technology and modeling for diagnostic purposes, is a clinical sciences professor at the UNLV School of Dental Medicine. His research focuses on orthodontic aligners, treatment planning and therapeutics, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), intra-oral scanners, and the use of botulinum toxin for bruxism. He is also well-versed in the use of dental records for anthropology and forensics analysis.

In addition to research, Mah — who joined UNLV's faculty in 2005 — teaches courses on biomechanics, radiology, introduction to research, advanced biomedical sciences, craniofacial growth & development, and practice management within the orthodontic residency program. He is the program director for community initiatives, working to expand rural health services and collaborations that will improve the dental health of Nevadans. And Mah has also served as the UNLV dental school's dean and director of advanced education program in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. His academic career spans over 20 years, with prior academic appointments at the University of Southern California and Harvard School of Dental Medicine. 

Mah has authored numerous publications, textbooks, and book chapters and regularly presents nationally and internationally. He is an associate editor of the Journal of Aligner Orthodontics and a reviewer for the American Journal of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics, Journal of Clinical Orthodontics, and the Angle Orthodontist.

Education

  • BS, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
  • DDS, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
  • MS, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
  • DMSc, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA

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James Mah In The News

UNLV opens new dental clinic for special needs patients
K.S.N.V. T.V. News 3
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) School of Dental Medicine has launched its new Advanced Needs Dental Clinic, designed to cater to patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities, geriatric residents, and those with special needs, including children born with craniofacial anomalies such as cleft palates.
UNLV opens Advanced Needs Dental Clinic for special care patients
K.S.N.V. T.V. News 3
The UNLV School of Dental Medicine has officially opened its Advanced Needs Dental Clinic, providing essential care for newborns and children with cleft lips and palates, as well as other patients with special needs. The clinic, located at 1700 West Charleston Blvd., replaces a previous facility that closed during the pandemic due to a lack of state funding. Thanks to Senate Bill 280, which allocated $1.3 million for the project, the clinic is now equipped to offer services at reduced or no cost.
Officials mark opening of UNLV dental clinic that serves children with cleft lips, palates
Las Vegas Review Journal
Since the coronavirus pandemic, according to James Mah, the dean of UNLV’s School of Dental Medicine, it’s been difficult for families with children born with cleft palates and other craniofacial abnormalities to find care in Southern Nevada. That is, until this month when the school opened its new Advanced Needs Dental Clinic, which was renovated onto an existing dental school building at UNLV.
UNLV School of Dental Medicine celebrates opening of advanced needs clinic
K.S.N.V. T.V. News 3
The UNLV School of Dental Medicine celebrated the opening of a new clinic that will serve patients with specialty needs, including cleft lips and palates.
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Articles Featuring James Mah

New Dental Clinic Expands Care to Nevada's Most Vulnerable Populations
dental faculty and student working on a patient
Campus News | June 18, 2025

The first of its kind in the state, the facility is purpose-built to serve patients who use a wheelchair or gurney during dental treatments. The school is also expanding care for cleft palate and craniofacial anomalies.

Dentists Get Cracking on the Stem Cell Front
Dr. Karl Kingsley and Dr. James Mah hold a model of a tooth.
Research | October 3, 2017

UNLV researchers developed a method for extracting tooth root pulp that quadruples the number of stem cells that can be harvested and replicated to treat a variety of medical conditions.

All Articles Featuring James Mah