Rate My Professor Paul Major

Dr. Paul Major, DDS, MSc, FRCD(C), is Professor and Chair of the Mike Petryk School of Dentistry and Senior Associate Dean (Dental Affairs) in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry at the University of Alberta. An alumnus of the University of Alberta, he completed his Bachelor of Science in 1978, Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) in 1980—graduating first in his class with a gold medal for outstanding academic achievement—orthodontic specialty training in 1986, and Master of Science (MSc) degree in 1988. He joined the University of Alberta dental faculty in 1989, serving as Director of the postgraduate Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)/Orofacial Pain Program from 1991 to 2001 and Director of the Orthodontic Graduate Program from 2001 to 2010. In January 2010, he assumed the role of Chair of the School of Dentistry, a position he continues to hold alongside ongoing clinical teaching and graduate student research supervision.

Dr. Major's research specializations encompass orthodontic biomechanics, ultrasound imaging, 3D craniofacial imaging, precision health design, and the role of upper airway obstruction in craniofacial growth. He has authored over 300 peer-reviewed publications, supervised the research of more than 75 graduate students, and delivered numerous lectures at national and international forums. His scholarly impact is evidenced by over 15,000 citations. Major has received the University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry Excellence in Mentoring Award, the Canadian Association of Orthodontists Award of Merit in 2021, and the University of Alberta Dental Alumni Outstanding Alumni Award in 2025. He served as President of the Canadian Association of Orthodontists from 2012 to 2013. As a certified orthodontist, he leads initiatives in dental education, research, and clinical innovation at the institution.