James Hartsfield Jr.

Dr. James Hartsfield Jr. is a Professor at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry, jointly appointed in Oral Health Science and affiliated with the Markey Cancer Center and Cancer Prevention and Control Research Program. His work bridges genetics, dentistry, and cancer research.

• Doctor of Philosophy, University of South Florida (1993)
• Master of Science, Harvard University (1987)
• Residency Certificate in Medical Genetics, University of South Florida College of Medicine (1987)
• Doctor of Dental Medicine, University of South Carolina (1981)

His research focuses on genomic markers linking dental agenesis (e.g., hypodontia) with cancer susceptibility, particularly epithelial ovarian and colon cancers. Collaborations include investigating familial non-medullary thyroid cancer and HPV-related oral cancer.

Recent publications highlight clinical applications of genetics in dentistry, computational modeling of surgical outcomes, and orthodontic pathology. Key projects involve susceptibility patterns for periodontitis and 3D maxillary superimposition techniques.

• Center for Clinical and Translational Science Mentor Award (2012)
• Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year (2004)
• Caring and Sharing Award for Dental Needs (2013)
• Recognition of 17 Years of Research Contributions (2025)
• Diana Tamari Sabbah Scholars Visiting Scholar (2018)

As co-director of the Hereditary Genomics Laboratory, he explores early cancer screening via dental anomalies and mentors multidisciplinary collaborations. Grants include NIH/NIDCR-funded studies on periodontitis susceptibility and orthognathic surgery outcomes.