Rachel Uppgaard, DDS

Dr. Rachel Uppgaard is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at University of Minnesota.

Dr. Uppgaard serves as a member of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the Minnesota Dental Association, and the American Dental Association. She has previously served in private practice, as well as a staff surgeon at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. She is currently a full-time attending Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon at the University of Minnesota and serves as the Interim School of Dentistry Public Health Liaison.

Dr. Uppgaard is an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon whose excellence is documented through her many awards, most recently including the 2022 ACOMS Elaine A. Stuebner Scholars Award and the 2021 Impact Influencer Award from the US Navy Talent Acquisition Group Northern Plains. Dr. Uppgaard is a dedicated educator with a legacy dating back to 2006, serving as a teaching assistant, leading to her current professorship in the division of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. Her interests include TMJ surgery, trauma surgery, orthognathic surgery, craniofacial surgery, pathology, dental implants and severe odontogenic infections. She currently leads research projects on Fanconi Anemia, LVADs, teaching local anesthesia, and odontogenic infections.  

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Residency
University of Minnesota School of Dentistry

Clark, R, Keesler R, Ali A, Macchietto M, Munro SA, Uppgaard R, Bradley E, Tasca A, Mansky K. (2025) Skeletal Site-Specific Variations in CD11b+ Cells: Insights from Single-Cell RNA Sequencing of the Mandible and Femur.  JBMR Plus, 9. DOI: 10.1093/jbmrpl/ziaf074

Uppgaard R, Nadeau R, Schiffman E, Stiharu T, Johnson K, Hodges J, Velly AM. (2024) Occurrence and predictors of postoperative preauricular and masticatory muscle pain symptoms after surgical removal of third molars: A single-blind randomized controlled trial comparing dental assistants supporting the mandible and the Restful Jaw device. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Johnson A, Huang B, Galina IC, Ngo A, Uppgaard R. (2023) Splatter generated by oral surgery irrigation and its implication for infection control.  Clinical Oral Investigations. DOI: 10.1007/s00784-023-05266-x

Thelen, R, Hormann J, Uppgaard R, Evans M, Flynn P. (2023) A comparison of simulation and traditional local anesthesia teaching methods among dental hygiene students. Journal of Dental Education DOI: 10.1002/jdd.13198

Uppgaard R et al. (2023) The effect of smartphone filming on student confidence in dental anesthesia techniques: A randomized trial. Journal of Dental Education. DOI: 10.1002/jdd.13168

Uppgaard, R. 2022 ACOMS Elaine A. Stuebner Scholars Award Winning Essay. (2022) Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology. DOI: 10.1016/j.oooo.2022.05.005

Katsoulas NG, Tosios KI, Lynch HA, Uppgaard R, Koutlas IG. Polymorphous adenocarcinoma, low grade variant, colliding with a neurofibroma. Head and Neck Pathology 2021. 

Uppgaard, R; Johnson A. (2021) Temporary paresthesia of the auriculotemporal nerve following injection with articaine.  Northwest Dentistry 100(1)37-38. 

Uppgaard, R. (2018) Addressing gender discrimination in oral and maxillofacial surgery via the social norms approach.  Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 76 (8)1604-1605.

Uppgaard R. (2017). Case Report: Retention of a Thermoplastic-Lined Dental Sleep Appliance. Journal of Dental Sleep Medicine, 4(1)19-20.

Uppgaard-Penaz R; Templeton RB. (2015) Maxillomandibular advancement for obstructive sleep apnea.  Operative Techniques in Otolaryngology, 26 (4) 197-202

Tiwana PS, Kademani D.  (2024) Atlas of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Edition 2. Elsevier. Chapter 10 Routine Extraction of Teeth

Uppgaard R; Brown B; Svoboda L.  (2014) Multiple facial fractures and lacerations in a growing patient. Approaches in Critical Care, 12:6-7. Role: primary research and writing of the paper

Author of OMSCORE Chapter (2020): Dentoalveolar injuries and Splinting Techniques

1/29/2026: Extracting Impacted Third Molars for Beginners

1/29/2026: Bone Grafting, Suturing and Surgical Management of Patients, Utah Dental Association

1/29/2026: Third Molar Evaluation, Utah Dental Association

10/25/2025: Advanced Oral Surgery (1 session), ADA Smilecon

10/24/2025: Advanced Oral Surgery (2 x 3 hour sessions), ADA Smilecon

10/23/2025: Third Molars for the General Dentist (2 3 hour sessions), ADA Smilecon

9/30/2025: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Considerations for Anesthesia, M Health Fairview CRNAs

9/24/2025: University of Minnesota Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Updates: CO2 Laser ablation, MRI and biopsy techniques, Fanconi Anemia Annual Meeting

7/18/2025: VR and Dental Education, University of Minnesota Faculty Development

7/15/2025: TMJ Surgical Management and Dental Trauma, lecture to Otolaryngology Department

6/30/2025: The Social Norms Approach to Address Gender Discrimination–International presentation to SurgeOn
 
5/22/2025: TMJ Indications for Surgical Management–Fairview Grand Rounds

3/22/2025: Oral Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Conference–Breakout Session leader, Managing dental and oral surgical needs following head and neck radiation

10/19/2024: Oral Surgery for the New Dentist, ADA Smilecon

10/18/2024: Oral Surgery for the Female Dentist (2 sessions), ADA Smilecon

10/17/2024: Oral Surgery for the New Dentist, ADA Smilecon

9/2024: AAOMS Annual Meeting On-Demand Lecture: Stronger Together with Dental Students (pre-recorded)

7/18/2024: Fairview Grand Rounds: Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

7/1/2024: University of Minnesota Faculty Development Speaker: Incorporating manikins and virtual reality into teaching 

5/31/2024: NWDDS meeting speaker (topics: medical emergencies, severe odontogenic infections, medicolegal issues, surgical extractions tips and tricks, postoperative complications) 

5/29/2024: AAOMS webinar: best teaching practices in predoctoral education 

5/2024: Oral Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Conference–Breakout Session leader, Oral Surgery after head and neck radiation

1/26/2024: Uppgaard, R. MRONJ and ORN Lecture to the HealthPartners Providers

2023: Oral Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Conference–Breakout Session leader, Osteoradionecrosis

10/15/2022: Uppgaard, R. 10 Things I wish I had learned earlier: a case based review of important lessons in surgery. MDA Women’s Retreat

6/9/2022: Lecturer AODR OMS Cases from the COVID Years

3/20/2022: Uppgaard, R. Opioids: University of Minnesota Experience. ADEA Annual Meeting

10/21/2021: Uppgaard, R. Complications in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Outreach Faculty CE

5/14/2020: Uppgaard, R. Return to Work from COVID19. Online Study Group.

5/8/2020: Uppgaard, R. Return to Work from COVID19. Online Study Group.

3/9/2020: Uppgaard, R. 10 Cases in OMFS to Scare Your Socks Off. St. Cloud Dental Society March meeting, St. Cloud, Minnesota

6/3/2019: Uppgaard, R. Common Challenges in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Outreach Faculty CE. Moos Tower, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

4/22/2016: Uppgaard, R. Complex Reconstruction Case: Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. Waite Lectureship. Rochester, Minnesota.

10/14/2015: Uppgaard, R. Mucormycosis, Case Presentation. Twin Cities Oral Surgery Club. Minneapolis, Minnesota.

4/9/2014: Uppgaard, R. Keratocystic Odontogenic Tumor of the Maxilla, Case Presentation. Twin Cities 
Oral Surgery Club. Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Project title: The Restful Jaw Device: A New Way to Support and Protect the Jaw During Third Molar Extractions (R44DE026663)

• External Agency: NIH/NIDCR
• Investigator status: Site Principal Investigator: 4/7/2020 – 8/31/2021
• Co-investigator: 9/1/2019 – 4/6/2020
• Direct costs $1,055,623

Project Title: Naproxen and Metformin for Prevention of Oral Cancer in Fanconi Anemia

• External Agency: Fanconi Cancer Foundation
• Investigator Status: Site Principal Investigator: 1/30/2026 – 1/29/2027
• Institution Amount: $92,500

Project title:  MRI for the Early Detection of Pathology in the Fanconi Anemia Patient

• Internal Funds: Frank W. Veden Endowment for Clinical Research Fund
• Investigator status: Principal Investigator
• Direct costs $30,000

Project title: Hydrogen Peroxide in the clinic to minimize the risk of COVID-19

•  Internal Funds: Frank W. Veden Endowment for Clinical Research Fund
• Investigator status: Principal Investigator: 06/2020-study terminated
• Direct costs $3,750

Project title: Manikins in use of teaching dental students local anesthesia techniques.

• Internal Funds: Technology Enhanced Awards for Teaching and Learning
• Investigator status: Principal Investigator: 12/2019
• Direct costs $4698.00

Johnson A, Uppgaard R. (2022) Metastatic small cell carcinoma of the mandible: a diagnostic challenge.  Accepted for publication 4/4/2022 on IAOMS website.

Gopalakrishnan R, Kaimal S, Wagner JE, MacMillan ML and Uppgaard RM. (2020) Spectrum of Oral Premalignant and Malignant Lesions in Fanconi Anemia Patients: Diagnostic and Management Challenges. International Association of Oral Pathology Annual Meeting. 

Hughes, P; Nazmul-Hossain, A; Gopalakrishnan, R; Rohrer, M;  Patel, K; Emamian, E; Rhodus, N; Uppgaard, R;  Moser, K.  (2009) Correlation of minor salivary gland biopsy focal score and unstimulated salivary flow rates in patients with primary Sjogren’s Syndrome, taking into consideration steroid use.  AAOMS Annual Meeting   

Uppgaard, R, Kaimal S, Gopalakrishnan, R.  CO2 Laser ablation in Fanconi Anemia patients with oral premalignant epithelial dysplasia.  9/25/2025.  Fanconi Anemia Scientific Meeting, Minneapolis, MN

Uppgaard R, Kaimal S, et al. Fanconi Anemia: Increased Risk of Non-Oral Malignancies in Patients with Oral Dysplasia and Malignancy. 5/2025 American Academy of Oral Medicine/European Association of Oral Medicine Annual Conference 2025

Johnson, A. Uppgaard R. (10/2024) Severe odontogenic infections.  American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Annual Meeting.  

Tran NQH, Lovinger C, Huang B, Uppgaard R.  (4/28/2023) Evaluation of 3D Virtual Reality Local Anesthesia Injection Simulation Software for Dental Student Pre-Clinical Training. Star of the North Table Clinics, Minnesota.

Lynn S, Johnson A, Uppgaard R.  (5/5/2022) The Use of Smartphone Recording Technology for Self-Evaluation by Health Profession Students During Preclinical Education. Virtual presentation.

Johnson A, Uppgaard R.  (2022) Metastatic small cell carcinoma of the mandible: a diagnostic challenge. Virtual presentation. 
 
Sethi N; Gopalakrishnan R, Uppgaard R. (2021) A rare case of oral cavity soft tissue perineurioma in a pediatric patient.  American Association of Pediatric Dentistry Conference.

Johnson A; Ho, D; Uppgaard, R. (2021) Evaluation of splatter distribution of irrigation methods to minimize spread of SARS-CoV-2.  International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons NextGen Online Conference.
 
Uppgaard, R. Correlation of Minor Salivary Gland Biopsy Focal Score and Unstimulated Salivary Flow Rates (2010), Star of the North Table Clinics, Minnesota

Uppgaard, R. Correlation of Minor Salivary Gland Biopsy Focal Score and Unstimulated Salivary Flow Rates (2010), Midwest Dental Student Research Conference, Iowa City, Iowa

Uppgaard, R. Correlation of Minor Salivary Gland Biopsy Focal Score and Unstimulated Salivary Flow Rates (2010), Dean’s Day, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry

Uppgaard, R. Correlation of Minor Salivary Gland Biopsy Focal Score and Unstimulated Salivary Flow Rates (2009), AAOMS Annual Meeting, Toronto, Canada