Melissa Luna, DDS, joined the West Virginia University School of Dentistry in the fall semester as an assistant professor in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
Dr. Luna’s interest in oral pathology and oral medicine started early in dental school when she was exposed to rare oral diseases that represented a significant challenge for general dentists. Her career interests and her connection to the Mountain State drew her to WVU.
“Dr. Bouquot is one of the biggest names in oral pathology and I couldn’t miss the opportunity of working with him,” she said of working alongside longtime faculty member and world-renowned oral pathologist Dr. Jerry Bouquot. “Also, my father-in-law is from West Virginia, went to WVU and even played football for WVU. I felt like WVU was already an important part in our family, and it would make me, and them, proud if I joined the faculty at WVU.”
Luna is a diplomate of the American Board of Oral Maxillofacial Pathology, fellow of the American Academy of Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology and member of the American Academy of Oral Medicine and International Association of Dental Research.
She recently completed the three-year Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Certificate program and earned a Master of Science in Oral Sciences at The State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. She also completed an Oral Medicine Internship at Case Western Reserve University.
A native of Peru, Luna earned a bachelor’s degree in stomatology and professional degree in dental surgery at Antenor Orrego Private University in Trujillo, Peru, and worked in private practice prior to moving to the United States.
In addition to educating students enrolled in the WVU School of Dentistry, Luna provides patient care at WVU Dental, including histopathology diagnostic services to identify diseases. WVU Dental is the clinical practice component of the WVU School of Dentistry offering care from faculty, resident and student dentists.
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jw/11/14/24
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