Shanna K. Kim, DDS

Dr. Shanna Kim is a highly trained specialist in orofacial pain and sleep disorders with extensive experience in diagnosing and managing complex conditions such as TMJ disorders, chronic facial pain, and headaches and migraines. She completed her residency in Orofacial Pain & Dysfunction at UCLA Health, where she served as Chief Resident. Dr. Kim received her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from UCLA School of Dentistry and holds a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology.

Currently, Dr. Kim is an Associate Clinical Professor of Orofacial Pain at the University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine, where she teaches and mentors the next generation of healthcare professionals. Her academic appointments and commitment to education reflect her passion for advancing the field through research and collaborative care. In addition to her clinical role, Dr. Kim has a history of contributing to major research projects and has published in peer-reviewed journals such as The Journal of Orofacial Pain and Clinical Advances in Periodontics.

Dr. Kim’s dedication to excellence has been recognized by her peers, earning her the distinction of “Top Dentist in Orofacial Pain” by Phoenix Magazine. She is certified by the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and has advanced training in TMJ and facial pain therapies, including the use of neuromodulators.

With a practice located in Sparks, NV, Dr. Kim is proud to serve the Northern Nevada community and surrounding areas. Her approach to patient care is rooted in evidence-based protocols and a strong commitment to improving patients’ quality of life through compassionate and effective treatments.

Education:

• Residency, Orofacial Pain & Dysfunction, Chief Resident
  UCLA Health/UCLA School of Dentistry – Los Angeles, CA
• Doctor of Dental Surgery
  UCLA School of Dentistry – Los Angeles, CA
• Bachelor of Science in Anthropology, Cum Laude
  UCLA – Los Angeles, CA

Academic Appointments:

• Associate Clinical Professor of Orofacial Pain, UNR School of Medicine
• Past Clinical Instructor, UCLA Orofacial Pain and Dysfunction Residency Program, UCLA Health/UCLA School of Dentistry

Certifications:

• Mastery I and II Certified, American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine
• TMJ & Facial Pain Therapy, Botulinum Toxin and Dermal Filler Training
  Certificate of Completion
  American Academy of Facial Esthetics – Las Vegas, NV
• Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Level I and II Certificate
  American Academy of Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology – New Orleans, LA
• Diplomate, American Board of Orofacial Pain

Honors & Awards

• Phoenix Magazine Top Dentist (Orofacial Pain)
• American Academy of Craniofacial Pain Outstanding Student Award
• UCLA Regents Academic Merit Scholarship

Research Experience

• 2010 - 2011/ Research Coordinator for Allergan (Botox) Study
  UCLA Health and Neurological Associates of West LA - Los Angeles, CA
• 2000 - 2005/ Research Associate
  Department of Nuclear Medicine and Medical Pharmacology
  UCLA - Los Angeles, CA
• 1999 - 2000/ Undergraduate Lupus Research Assistant
  UCLA Health, Department of Rehabilitation Services
  UCLA - Los Angeles, CA

Publications

1. Patel, S., Kim, S.K., Allen C. "Metoprolol-Induced Pemphigus-Like Reaction." Clinical Advances in Periodontics. 2018;9(1):24-28.
2. Kim, S.K., Chang, M., Merrill R. "Case Report: An Orofacial Pain Patient with Spots on the Brain - Multiple Sclerosis Versus Central Systemic Lupus Erythematosus." Journal of Orofacial Pain. Vol 26, Number 3, pp. 240-243.
3. Kim, S.K., Auerbach M.A., Golden, J., et al. "Accuracy of PET/CT in the Characterization of Solitary Pulmonary Lesions." The Journal of Nuclear Medicine, pp. 214-220, 2007.
4. Silverman, D.H.S., Kim, S., Chang, C., et al. "Prognostic value of brain PET in patients undergoing dementia evaluation: comparison to a quantifying parameter of subsequent cognitive performance and to prognostic assessment without PET." Molecular Genetics and Metabolism, pp. 350-355, 2003.
5. Silverman, D.H.S., Gambhir, S.S., Huang, H.W.C., Schwimmer, J., Kim, S., et al. "Evaluating early dementia with and without assessment of regional cerebral metabolism by PET: a comparison of predicted costs and benefits." The Journal of Nuclear Medicine, pp. 253-266, 2002.

What is an orofacial pain specialist?

In March 2020, the American Dental Association® (ADA) officially recognized orofacial pain as its 12th dental specialty.

An orofacial pain specialist receives advanced didactic and clinical training following four years of dental school and earning their dental degree. Their training includes a multiyear residency program accredited by the American Board of Orofacial Pain, focusing on diagnosing and treating complex pain conditions affecting the face, mouth, and jaw. During their training, they acquire expertise in neuroscience, pain mechanisms, sleep disorders, and advanced diagnostic techniques to manage a wide range of conditions, including temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD), neuropathic pain, headaches, and sleep apnea. With a comprehensive knowledge of orofacial pain, origins, diagnosis, and treatment, orofacial pain specialists are well-equipped to provide an integrated approach to care. They employ various treatment modalities, such as physical therapy, medications, behavioral interventions, conservative non-surgical, and minimally invasive procedures to treat patients with chronic orofacial pain conditions that often elude conventional dental and medical approaches.