University of Minnesota School of Dentistry

Dr. James Q. Swift, DDS, FACS, is a prominent figure in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery and a Professor in the Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, located at 515 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. He has a long and distinguished career, having served as the Director of the Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Minnesota for 25 years. He also held the position of Program Director of the Advanced Education Program in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and even served as Acting Dean for promotion and tenure matters. Dr. Swift's academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts degree (cum laude) from Cornell College (1976), a dental degree from the University of Iowa (1980), and oral and maxillofacial surgery training from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine (1985). He is a practicing oral and maxillofacial surgeon at the University of Minnesota, offering a full scope of services. His extensive research contributions focus on areas such as pain and pain management, inflammatory mediators, temporomandibular disorders (TMD), and dental implant research, including clinical trials and basic science studies. He has secured RO1 funding from the National Institute of Dental Research and authored over 100 manuscripts, articles, abstracts, and book chapters. In recognition of his profound impact, the James Q. Swift Professorship Endowment was established at the University of Minnesota in 2016. Dr. Swift is also a highly respected leader in numerous professional organizations. He served as President of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (2005) and the American Dental Education Association (2007-2008). He has held directorial roles on the boards of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Foundation and the Medical Professional Liability Association (MPL Association), serving as its Chair from 2020 to 2022. He is a Fellow of the International College of Dentists, the American College of Dentists, and the American College of Surgeons. His accolades include the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry Century Club Professor of the Year (2001), the Daniel M. Laskin Award (1999), the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Foundation's Ambassador Service Award (2004), the ADEA Distinguished Service Award (2009), and the AAOMS' R.V. Walker Distinguished Service Award (2015). Patients can schedule appointments with Dr. Swift and the oral and maxillofacial surgery team at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry by calling (612) 624-2495.