William P. Leavitt

William P. Leavitt is an Associate Professor-in-Residence and Director of the Dental Surgery Program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) School of Dental Medicine, where he has taught since 2009. He serves as laser safety officer for UNLV’s Shadow Lane Campus, senior senator in the Faculty Senate, and chair of the Public Safety Advisory Committee.

His academic credentials include:

• Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from University of the Pacific, San Francisco, CA
• Master of Public Administration (MPA) from University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from Brigham Young University, Provo, UT

Dr. Leavitt specializes in advanced partial removable prosthodontics and laser dentistry, developing instructional materials including a diode laser DVD tutorial and chair-side clinical guide. His work focuses on practical applications for dental procedures, billing code integration, and post-operative care protocols. As chair of the American Dental Educators Association's Lasers in Dentistry Special Interest Group, he advances laser proficiency standards approved by the Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners.

He teaches third-year dental students and supervises clinical care for second through fourth-year students, emphasizing hands-on training in prosthodontics and laser applications. His committee service spans Health and Safety, Bylaws, Student Progress, Information Technology, and Faculty Sabbatical committees.

Dr. Leavitt integrates public administration expertise from his MPA into dental education leadership, focusing on safety protocols and institutional governance within academic dentistry.