Matthew Harper, DDS, MS

Assistant Professor

Organization:

West Virginia University School of Dentistry

Department:

Restorative Dentistry

Classification:

Faculty

• DDS, West Virginia University School of Dentistry, 2016
• MS, West Virginia University School of Dentistry, 2019

Dr. Harper is a provider through WVU Dental - Prosthodontics. 

Phone: 304-293-5831

Conditions treated

• Cleft lip and Palate
•  Head and neck cancer and its sequela
• Traumatic Conditions of the head and neck
• Congenital defects and conditions

Treatments and procedures

• Pre-radiation/Pre-surgical clearance examination
• Surgical Obturator
• Interim/Definitive Obturator
• Resection Prosthesis
• Palatal Lift/Palatal Augmentation Prosthesis
• Speech Aid Prosthesis
• Extra Oral Prosthesis (Ocular, Orbital, Nasal, Auricular,etc)
• Nasoalveolar molding appliance for cleft lip and palate

Dr. Matthew Harper is doing exactly what he set out to do. First, earn a doctor of dental surgery degree close to home. Then, perfect specialized prosthetic and restorative skills at a renowned medical and teaching facility. Finally, return home to make a difference.

In 2019, Harper was the first West Virginia University School of Dentistry graduate ever accepted to the Mayo Clinic’s Maxillofacial Prosthetics and Dental Oncology Fellowship program.

Anticipating his path forward, Harper shared his excitement to build upon his skills as a prosthodontist. “Maxillofacial prosthetics is a special commitment beyond that of prosthodontics.  The individuals that one sees in a maxillofacial clinic can range from individuals who have lost eyes, noses, ears, to large portions of their upper or lower jaw, or infants born with cleft lip and palate.  To be a maxillofacial prosthodontist is a special commitment to be an advocate for individuals that have been affected by traumatic injury, cancer, or born with congenital issues.  I consider it a great honor to be that person for those people.”

Harper’s experience at Mayo and his ultimate return to treat fellow West Virginians was partially supported through his alma mater’s Faculty Fund. Money donated by dental school alumni helps with faculty research, retention and recruitment. In Harper’s case, the dental school was able to recruit him as a provider and instructor prior to him beginning his fellowship.  Dr. Harper committed to both positions upon his return.

Dr. Harper, how would you describe your fellowship experience?

• The fellowship was a life-changing experience. The skills and knowledge I gained while at Mayo are immeasurable. To be around providers who are the top of their respective fields, to work with those individuals without any ego or concern for anything but the betterment of the patient, it changes your perspective on what it means to be a healthcare provider. I would say that this experience, more than any other one in my life, changed who I am.  It was a humbling experience to learn what someone in my position could mean to another person and what I could do to change their lives.

How have you grown as a provider?

• I think the technical abilities that I gained are secondary to the perspective and attitude I gained. The environment at Mayo is different to any other healthcare setting I have been a part of.  There is a reason they are the greatest hospital in the world. To learn to treat and work with people and other providers without an internal motivator other than advocating for the patient is such a unique feeling. 

You are now part of a very small group of specialized oral health professionals. Why is it important to have someone here, in West Virginia, who has your skills and capabilities?

• West Virginia has a high level of oral cancer, and the impact this has on lives is immense.  Maxillofacial prosthodontists are rare, and to be able to come back to my home state to help better those lives is important to me.  I hope that more and more people will have an opportunity to do the same.  We have a wonderful state, with great loving people, but many times they don’t have a proper advocate. I am here and plan to stay here because I believe the individuals of this area deserve someone who feels that way. 

You are an instructor at the dental school and a provider. Can you describe why you are so passionate about both teaching students and treating patients?

• Treating patients is central to anyone in a healthcare setting.  That is what you sign up for, that is what you dream of doing, and that is the job.  I am passionate about teaching because there is no greater way to influence, empower, and help individuals than to freely give the knowledge and skills I have acquired to others, for others. I can help a student learn something, and they can then go out and make an impact for their patients.  Every student I teach and who works with me is then part of my “teaching tree”, much like a coach in sports.  I look at how proud I am to have been mentored by the numerous faculty I have had, and I hope that down the line others feel the same about working with me.

Dr. Harper is a provider through WVU Dental - Prosthodontics. 

Phone: 304-293-5831

Medical Specialties

• Dentistry

Special Training

• Fellowship, Maxillofacial Prosthetics and Dental Oncology
  Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 2020

Dr. Harper is a provider through WVU Dental - Prosthodontics. 

Phone: 304-293-5831
Conditions treated

• Cleft lip and Palate
• Head and neck cancer and its sequela
• Traumatic Conditions of the head and neck
• Congenital defects and conditions

Treatments and procedures

• Pre-radiation/Pre-surgical clearance examination
• Surgical Obturator
• Interim/Definitive Obturator
• Resection Prosthesis
• Palatal Lift/Palatal Augmentation Prosthesis
• Speech Aid Prosthesis
• Extra Oral Prosthesis (Ocular, Orbital, Nasal, Auricular,etc.)
• Nasoalveolar molding appliance for cleft lip and palate