Michael Nedjat-Haiem, DDS, M. Dent. Sc.
Michael Nedjat-Haiem (Orthodontist)
Orthodontic and Craniofacial Orthopaedics Specialist
Michael Nedjat-Haiem, a Beverly Hills native, pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. He then embarked on his dental education at the UCLA School of Dentistry, where he demonstrated exceptional leadership by serving as the President of the Class of 2020, a role he was re-elected to for all four years of his dental education.
Michael’s passion for orthodontics led him to further specialize in Orthodontics and Craniofacial Orthopaedics, beginning his residency training at the prestigious University of Connecticut (UConn). Throughout his academic journey, he has been actively engaged in research, volunteering, and teaching, contributing significantly to the field of healthcare and dental education.
Research Contributions
Michael has been deeply involved in research, particularly within the UCLA Division of Growth and Development. He proposed and conducted a retrospective study analyzing the effects of miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expanders (MARPE) on the internal nasal valve angle and nasal septal deviation, assessing their impact on nasal airflow resistance and function. His pioneering research has been presented at several esteemed conferences, including the International Association of Dental Research (IADR) annual session in Canada and the American Association of Dental Research (AADR) conference.
In addition to orthodontic research, Michael contributed to studies on the predoctoral orthodontic curriculum across the U.S. and conducted research on Huntington’s Disease, leading to a publication in the renowned CNS Neuroscience and Therapeutics Journal. He has served in key leadership roles, including Vice President of the National Student Research Group and Chair of the ASDA Research Committee at UCLA.
Community Engagement and Leadership
Michael has been a dedicated advocate for community service and outreach. He coordinated the Dental Education Outreach Program across the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and the Salvation Army, organizing school visits and health fairs to promote oral health awareness.
Further extending his contributions globally, Michael represented the United States and UCLA as an ambassador in international exchange programs in Japan and South Korea, fostering cross-cultural collaborations and advancing global dental education.
Honors and Awards
Throughout his time at UCLA, Michael was recognized for his outstanding achievements and received multiple scholarships, including:
Dean’s Scholarship
Awarded at the beginning of dental school.
Dental Foundation of California Endowed Scholarship
Earned consecutively for four years.
Personal Interests
Outside of his professional pursuits, Michael enjoys playing basketball, socializing with friends, and mentoring dental students, demonstrating his passion for fostering the next generation of dental professionals.
Michael Nedjat-Haiem’s dedication to academic excellence, research, and community service continues to drive his commitment to advancing the field of orthodontics and providing exceptional patient care.