Keith Mays, DDS, MS, PhD

Dr. Mays earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Morgan State University, a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and completed a one-year General Practice Residency at the University of Michigan Hospital and Clinics.

He then received a certificate and a Master of Science in prosthodontics from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland Dental School. He practiced general dentistry as an associate and co-owner of his own practice and has maintained a faculty practice while in academics.

Dr. Mays’s academic career has included student advising, faculty private practice and service as the assistant director of the University of Maryland General Practice Residency Program. He served as the Division Director of Prosthodontics at East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine and as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the University of Minnesota, School of Dentistry.

Dr. Mays brings a pragmatic approach to management, a keen sensitivity to the needs of individuals and an appreciation for the dynamic relationship between patient care and student education.   

Dr. Mays’s several research interests have included clinical and educational research. Clinical research interests focus on improving oral motor function, specifically investigating compensatory movements of the tongue and jaw during speech, swallowing and mastication. Educational research interests focus on community-based dental education, student well-being, improving the academic environment, the use of CAD/CAM as an assessment tool in pre-clinical dental education and enhancing service-learning during community based dental experiences for students. His advocacy for better oral health as a pathway to improving overall health has shaped his research interest in the role of oral health in interprofessional education and collaborative practice.

Dr. Mays is an active mentor of students and student organizations. He currently serves as the faculty advisor for the Student National Dental Association and as a thesis committee member for master’s student candidates in dental specialty training programs. In addition, he has served as a research mentor for students and an ADEA faculty advisor for the Academic Dental Career Fellowship Program.

He is a member of the American Association of Dental Research, American College of Prosthodontics, American College of Dentists, American Dental Association, American Dental Education Association, International Association of Dental Research, Minnesota Dental Association, National Dental Association and the North Carolina Dental Society. He was inducted into the American College of Dentists in 2020. He serves as a member of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee for the American Association of Dental Research. Dr. Mays currently serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors of the American Dental Education Association.

American College of Prosthodontists

National Dental Association

American/International Association of Dental Research

American Dental Education Association, Director, Board of Directors for Sections (2017-2020)

American Dental Association

Chair of the ADEA Board of Directors Citation, American Dental Education Association

Colgate Palmolive Faculty Recognition Award, National Dental Association Foundation

ADEA Leadership Institute Fellow, American Dental Education Association

Education Award, Old North State Dental Society

ADEA Section of the Year Award, Councilor Minority Affair Section, American Dental Education Association

First Place Oral Presentation, Dysphagia Research Society

SNDA Faculty Award, Leadership & Organizational Support, Student National Dental Association

Organizational Support Student, National Dental Association

Outstanding Young Men of America

Organizational Support Student, National Dental Association

Outstanding Young Men of America

Dr. James E. Birnie Award, SmithKline & French

Who's Who Among Students, American Universities/Colleges

Roach, S., Mays, K. A., 2017. Agreement Between Faculty Evaluation and Student Self-Evaluation in a Clinical Endodontic Setting. Journal of Dental Education, 81 (2): 212 (Abstract 89).

Mays, K. A., Schulz, P., Maguire, M., 2017. The Impact of Student Providers on Patient Care in Community-Based Dental Clinics. Journal of Dental Education, 81 (2): 219 (Abstract 114).

Volkmann-Carlsen, K., Johnson, S. K., Mays, K. A., Staats, M., Lunos, S., 2017. Dental Students' Perspectives on Career Planning and Advising Services. Journal of Dental Education, 81 (2): 207 (Abstract 068).

Johnson, S., Mays, K. A., 2017. Retrospective Study of Peer Tutoring for Oral Health Students. Journal of Dental Education, 81 (2): 231 (Abstract 165).

Mays, K. A., Levine, E., 2016. An Analysis of Student Self-Assessment of Operative Preparations Using CADCAM: A Preliminary Analysis. Journal of Dental Education, 78 (12): 1673-1680.

Mays, K. A., Schulz, P., Maguire, M., 2016. The Impact of Dental Students on the Oral Health of Minnesotan Residents. Northwest Dentistry, 85 (4): 41-44.

Mays, K. A., Schulz, P., Maguire, M., 2016. The Impact of Dental Student Providers on the Oral Health of Minnesotans. Northwest Dentistry, 85 (4): 41-44.

Mays, K. A., 2016. A Preliminary Study of Community-Based Dental Experience at US Dental Schools. Journal of Dental Education, 80 (2): 191-239 (Abstract 98).

Mays, K. A., 2016. An Analysis of Community Based-Dental Education in US Dental Schools. Journal of Dental Education, 80 (10): 1188-95.

Mays, K. A., Vos, P., Crisp, H. A., 2016. Utilizing CAD/CAM to Measure the Total Occlusal Convergence of Preclinical Crown Preparations. Journal of Dental Education, 80 (1): 100-107.

Mays, K. A., Branch-Mays, G. L., 2016. A Systematic Review of the use of Self-Assessment in Preclinical and Clinical Dental Education. Journal of Dental Education, 80 (8): 902-913.

Mays, K. A., Levine, E., 2014. Dental students' self-assessment of operative preparations using CAD/CAM: a preliminary analysis.. Journal of Dental Education, 78 (12): 1673-80.

Mays, K. A., Levine, E., 2014. A Preliminary Analysis of Digital and Visual Assessment of Pre-Clinical Restorative Preparations. Journal of Dental Education, 78 (2): 263-314 (Abstract 63S).

Mays, K. A., Stone, M., 2011. Characterization of mandibular movement during speech in the presence of oral articulatory perturbation.. Archives of oral biology, 56 (5): 474-82.

doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archoralbio.2010.11.002

Mays, K. A., Stone, M., 2011. Characterization of Mandibular Movement During Speech in Response to Oral Perturbation. Archives of Oral Biology, 56 (5): 474-82.

Matsuo, K., Metani, H., Mays, K. A., Palmer, J. B., 2010. Effects of respiration on soft palate movement in feeding.. Journal of dental research, 89 (12): 1401-6.

doi: https://doi.org/10.1177/0022034510377336

Matsuo, K., Metani, H., K. A., Palmer, J. B., 2010. Effect of Respiration on Soft Palate Movement in Feeding. Journal of Dental Education, 89 (12): 1401-6.

Mays, K. A., Palmer, J. B., Kuhlemeier, K. V., 2009. Influence of craniofacial morphology on hyoid movement: a preliminary correlational study.. Dysphagia, 24 (1): 71-6.

doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00455-008-9176-x

Mays, K. A., Palmer, J. B., Kuhlemeier, K. V., 2009. Craniofacial Morphology and Hyoid Movement: A Correlational Study. Dysphagia, 24 (1): 71-76.

Matsuo, K., Metani, H., Mays, K. A., Palmer, J. B., 2008. Tempospatial Linkage of Soft Palate and Jaw Movements in Feeding. The Japanese Journal of Dysphagia Rehabilitation, 12 20-30.

Mays, K. A., Stone, M. L., 2006. The Effect of Dental Prostheses on Speech Production: A Preliminary Acoustical Evaluation. American Association for Dental Research,

Massey, W. L., Mays, K. A., Von Fraunhofer, J. A., 2005. Effect of Chemomechanical Gel on the Microflora of Carious Dentin. International Association for Dental Research,

Tohara, H., Saitoh, E., Mays, K. A., Kuhlemeier, K., Palmer, J. B., 2003. Three tests for predicting aspiration without videofluorography.. Dysphagia, 18 (2): 126-34.

doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00455-002-0095-y

Mays, K. A., 2003. Reestablishing occlusal vertical dimension using a diagnostic treatment prosthesis in the edentulous patient: a clinical report.. Journal of prosthodontics : official journal of the American College of Prosthodontists, 12 (1): 30-6.

doi: https://doi.org/10.1053/jpro.2003.7

Mays, K. A., 2003. Re-establishing Occlusal Vertical Dimension Using a Diagnostic Treatment Prosthesis in the Edentulous Patient - A Clinical Report. Journal of Prosthodontics, 12 (1): 30-36.

Mays, K. A., Fotos, P. G., Swack, N. S., Aquilino, S. A., 1994. Effectiveness of Surface Disinfection Against Herpes Simplex on Impression Materials. Journal of Dental Research, 73

Jacobson, J. J., Maxson, B. B., Mays, K. A., Kowalski, C. J., 1992. A Utility Analysis of Dental Implants. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Implants, 7 (3): 381-88.

Jacobson, J. J., Maxson, B. B., Mays, K. A., Pebbles, J., Kowalski, C., 1990. Cost Effectiveness of Dental Implants: A Utility Analysis. Journal of Dental Education, 54 (11): 688-89.

Johnson, S. N., Mays, K. A., A Retrospective Analysis of Cross Year Peer Tutoring Program for Oral Health Professional Students. Journal of Dental Education,

Digital Dentistry Curriculum: For Predoctoral and Advanced Education in Prosthodontics. American College of Prosthodontics,

Chu, T. G., Makhoul, N., Gonzales, D. R., Letra, T., Mays, K. A., Live Patient Licensing: Two Viewpoints. Journal of Dental Education,

Mays, K. A., Maguire, M., Student Providers in Community-Based Dental Clinics Provide a Mechanism to Reduce Unmet Oral Health Needs in Medically Underserved Communities. Journal of Dental Education

Mays, K. A. "Administrator's and Researcher's Perspective on Interprofessional Education and Interprofessional Collaborative Practice", Harold Amos Minority Faculty Development Program, Washington, District of Columbia, United States. October 04, 2017.

Mays, K. A. "Current Practices in US Dental School Outreach/Community-Based Dental Experiences", Outreach Division Annual Review, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. June 06, 2016.

Mays, K. A. "Curriculum for Dental Students: Past, Present, and Future", 3M-Mini Dental School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. April 19, 2016.

Mays, K. A. "Pre-Doctoral Digital Dentistry Curriculum Framework", Pre-Doctoral Educators Meeting, American College of Prosthodontics, Chicago, Illinois, United States. April 15, 2016.

Mays, K. A. "Student Clinical Incentive Pilot Prject", Section on Business and Finance, ADEA Annual Session and Exhibition, Denver, Colorado, United States. March 17, 2016.

Mays, K. A. "A Preliminary Summary of Community Based Dental Experience at US Dental Schools", ADEA Annual Session and Exhibition, ADEA, Denver, Colorado, United States. March 13, 2016.

Mays, K. A. "The Impact of Dental Therapy on Minnesota", Tour of Dental Therapy in Minnesota, The Pew Charitable Trust , Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. October 02, 2015.

Mays, K. A. "An Analysis of Digital Assessment of Crown Preparations Using CADCAM Technology (E4D)", Research and Creative Achievement Week, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States. March 31, 2014.

Mays, K. A., Levine, E. "An Analysis of Student Self-Assessment of Operative Preparations Using CADCAM: A Preliminary Analysis", ADEA Annual Session and Exhibition, ADEA, San Antonio, Texas, United States. March 16, 2014.

Mays, K. A. "Collaborative Management of Complex Patients", 5th District Annual Meeting, Eastern North Carolina Dental Society, Greenville, North Carolina, United States. February 21, 2014.

Mays, K. A. "Collaborative Multi-Provider Treatment of Partially and Completely Edentulous Patient: Prosthodontic Emphasis", Annual Meeting, Old North State Dental Society, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States. June 22, 2012.

Mays, K. A. "Engaging the Community Through Better Research", ADEA Annual Session and Exhibition, ADEA, Orlando, Florida, United States. March 17, 2012.

Mays, K. A., Stone, M. L. "Analysis of Tongue/Jaw Movement in Response to Oral Perturbation", IADR Annual Session, IADR, San Diego, California, United States. March 18, 2011.

Mays, K. A., Weatherspoon, D., Lee, J., Stone, M. "Compensatory Mandibular Movement During Speech in Response to Intra-Oral Perturbation", AADR Annual Session, AADR, Washington, District of Columbia, United States. March 05, 2010.

Mays, K. A. "Implications of Speech Production for Prosthetic and Implant Rehabilitation", Bio-Research Annual Conference, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. April 30, 2009.

Mays, K. A., Miraziz, L., Weatherspoon, D., Lee, J., Stone, M. "Compensatory Oral Motor Strategies During Speech Production", IADR Annual Session, IADR, Miami, Florida, United States. April 03, 2009.

Mays, K. A. "An Oral Healthcare Provider's Perspective on Oral Cancer", Greater Baltimore Dental Hygiene Association, Owing Hills, Maryland, United States. December 04, 2008.

Mays, K. A., Ross-Goodlet, S., Stone, M. L. "Compensatory Mandibular Movement During Speech in Response to Intra-Oral Perturbation: A Preliminary Evaluation of Vowels and Consonants", AADR Annual Session, AADR, Dallas, Texas, United States. April 03, 2008.

Mays, K. A. "The Dentist's Role in Detecting and Treating Oral Cancer", Baltimore City Dental Society, November 14, 2007.

Mays, K. A., Stone, M. L. "The Effect of Dental Prosthesis on Speech Production: A Preliminary Accoustical Evaluation", AADR Annual Session, AADR, Orlando, Florida, United States. March 09, 2006.

Mays, K. A. "Effect of Chemomechanical Gel on the Microflora of Carious Dentin", AADR/IADR Annual Session, AADR/IADR, Baltimore, Maryland, United States. March 01, 2005.

Mays, K. A. "Pre-treatment Evaluation and Management for Restoring Reduced Occlusal Vertical Dimension", Special Care in Dentistry, Chicago , Illinois, United States. February 26, 2005.

Mays, K. A. "Craniofacial Morphology and Hyoid Movement: A Correlational Study", Dysphagia Research Society, San Francisco, California, United States. October 02, 2003.

Mays, K. A. "Wrought Wire Removable Partial Dentures", Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services/Division of Corrections, University of Maryland Dental School, Baltimore, Maryland, United States. October 27, 2000.

Mays, K. A., Fotos, P. "Effectiveness of Surface Disinfection Against Herpes Simplex on Impression Materials", IADR Annual Session, IADR, Seattle, Washington, United States. March 01, 1994.

Mays, K. A. "The Effect of Cyclosporin ", Conference of Special Care in Dentistry, Special Care in Dentistry, Chicago, Illinois, United States. April 12, 1991.