Profile
Mitra Elisha Simanian, D.D.S., M.P.H.
- (310) 825-5278
UCLA School of Dentistry
10833 Le Conte Ave.
Box 951668
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1668
Dr. Mitra Simanian serves as a Health Sciences Clinical Assistant Professor in the Division of Diagnostic & Surgical Sciences, Section of Interdisciplinary and Diagnostic Dentistry at the UCLA School of Dentistry. With over two decades of experience in clinical practice, academia, and public health, Dr. Simanian is a committed educator, researcher, and practitioner dedicated to advancing oral health through interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative research.
Dr. Simanian completed all academic degrees at UCLA, earning a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) in 1996, a Master of Public Health (MPH) in 2023, and a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology & Cell Immunology in 1985. This educational foundation has informed a career spanning private practice, community health leadership, and academic mentorship. Dr. Simanian has held leadership roles, including Group Practice Director in the UCLA pre-doctoral clinic, where her teaching contributions extend to multiple didactic and clinical courses, such as Clinical Treatment Planning, Multidisciplinary Treatment Planning & Patient Management, and Population Health Principles, focusing on integrating public health perspectives into dental education.
Dr. Simanian is a dedicated researcher, currently leading a project titled "Using Salivary Biomarkers for Detecting Chronic Inflammation Due to Mental Disorders and Immunocompromised Conditions," funded by the Dean’s Faculty Research Innovation Seed Grant. This research aims to bridge oral health and microbiological disciplines to explore the impact of mental health and social determinants of health on oral health outcomes. Additionally, she has co-led retrospective studies, including an analysis of patient retention among HIV-infected individuals in the Ryan White Oral Health Program before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Simanian has been a member of the California Dental Association, where she has also served as a judge for table clinic research competitions.