Diana V. Messadi

Diana V. Messadi is a Professor at the UCLA School of Dentistry, where she has held numerous leadership roles including Chair of the Section of Oral Medicine and Orofacial Pain (2002–2018), Associate Dean for Education and Faculty Development (2015–2018), and Academic Dean (2015–2023). She is a Fulbright Program Specialist (2024) and serves on the Medical Board of the International Pemphigus & Pemphigoid Foundation.

Education:

• B.D.S., D.D.S. (with distinction), Alexandria University, 1979
• M.M.Sc., Harvard School of Dental Medicine, 1985
• Certificate in Oral Pathology and Oral Medicine, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, 1985
• D.M.Sc., Harvard School of Dental Medicine, 1987
• Certificate, UCLA Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, 2003
• Certificate, Medical Education Fellowship, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, 2017

Research Focus: Dr. Messadi’s research spans oral cancer early detection, chemoprevention, telehealth delivery in underserved populations, and growth factor effects on wound healing. Her work integrates biomedical and clinical sciences, with a strong emphasis on translational research in oral oncology.

Publications & Trends: She has authored over 75 peer-reviewed articles, 15 book chapters, and 92 abstracts. Her recent work emphasizes molecular mechanisms in head and neck cancer, telehealth utilization, and e-cigarette impacts on oral cells.

Honors & Awards:

• 2023 Egyptian American Organization Outstanding Achievement Award
• 1987 Harvard School of Dental Medicine James Shaw Award

Grants & Mentorship: Funded by NIH and private foundations, she has led studies on apoptosis in keloid formation and oral cancer risk. She also mentors undergraduate, predental, and postdoctoral students in research.

Affiliations & Committees: She is a member of numerous professional societies including the American Academy of Oral Medicine, American Dental Education Association, and International Association for Dental Research. She has served on UCLA committees such as P&T, FEC, and the Global Advisors Council.