Dr. Nima Missaghian, DMD, MD, MS

Meet Dr. Nima, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon at Carolina Surgical Arts

Dr. Nima Missaghian, known to his patients simply as Dr. Nima, is a dual-degree oral and maxillofacial surgeon with advanced training in medicine, dentistry, and biomedical research. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and his Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. Dr. Nima also holds a Master of Science (MS) from the Illinois Institute of Technology, reflecting his strong foundation in scientific research and innovation.

He completed a comprehensive six-year Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery residency at the University of Pennsylvania Health System, one of the nation’s leading academic medical centers. Through this rigorous hospital-based training, Dr. Nima developed advanced expertise in dental implants, wisdom teeth removal, bone grafting, corrective jaw surgery, and the treatment of complex oral and maxillofacial conditions.

Dr. Nima is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and has contributed to research published in leading oral surgery and dental journals. Patients appreciate his thoughtful, detail-oriented approach and his commitment to providing safe, precise surgical care in a comfortable and supportive environment.

Education

  • Doctor of Medicine (MD)
    University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine

  • Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)
    University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine

  • Master of Science (MS)
    Illinois Institute of Technology

  • Bachelor of Science (BS)
    Northeastern Illinois University

  • Bachelor of Science (BS)
    Baha’i Institute for Higher Education 

Surgical Residency

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
University of Pennsylvania Health System
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

This intensive six-year hospital-based program provided advanced training in the full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery, including:

  • Dental implants and bone grafting

  • Wisdom tooth removal

  • Facial trauma surgery

  • Oral pathology and jaw reconstruction

  • Orthognathic (jaw correction) surgery

  • Medically complex patient care

Licensure

  • Pennsylvania Dental License

  • Graduate Medical Trainee License

Professional Memberships

Dr. Missaghian is actively involved in several professional organizations dedicated to advancing dental education, research, and surgical care.

  • American Dental Association

  • American Dental Education Association

  • American Student Dental Association

  • American Association for Dental Research

  • American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

  • American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

  • Osteo Science Foundation

  • Pennsylvania Dental Association 

Honors & Awards

Dr. Missaghian has received numerous academic and research awards throughout his education and surgical training, including:

  • Graduate College Dean’s Fellowship

  • Dean’s List Honor

  • Mossadegh Leadership Scholarship

  • Award of Merit for Outstanding Research

  • APEX Scholarship

  • Summa Cum Laude Honors

  • Dean’s Scholarship

  • Alpert Scholarship

  • Shabahang Scholarship

  • ADA Foundation Dental Student Award

  • Delaware Valley Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Award

  • University of Pennsylvania Honors in:

    • Oral Surgery

    • Community Oral Health

    • Research

Research & Publications

Dr. Missaghian has contributed to several peer-reviewed publications and research initiatives related to oral health, inflammation, and surgical technology.

Selected publications include:

  • Are Bacteria Just Bystanders in the Pathogenesis of Inflammatory Jaw Conditions? — Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

  • Deep Learning Automatic 3D Segmentation of Mandible from Cone Beam CT for Preoperative Planning — Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

  • Effect of Aging on Periodontal Inflammation, Microbial Colonization, and Disease Susceptibility — Journal of Dental Research

  • Akt1 Regulates Dendritic Cells in Periodontal Inflammation — Journal of Dental Research

Additional research has explored molecular biology, bacterial photoreceptors, and periodontal disease mechanisms.