James A. McNamara, DDS, PhD Dr. James A. McNamara has practiced orthodontics in Ann Arbor since 1971. Born in San Francisco, he is a graduate of the University of California Berkeley. Dr. McNamara received his dental and orthodontic education at the University of California San Francisco and a Doctorate in Anatomy from the University of Michigan.

Dr. McNamara is the Thomas M. and Doris Graber Endowed Professor of Dentistry in the Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in the U of M School of Dentistry. He also holds appointments in the U of M Medical School and in the Center for Human Growth and Development, an interdisciplinary research unit on the Ann Arbor campus. He is the course director for the Interdisciplinary Team that deals with the management of patients with complex restorative needs (orthodontic, periodontic, and restorative/prosthodontic problems).

Dr. McNamara is considered an innovator in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment. He continues to lecture nationally and internationally and has authored over 235 publications in scientific journals. He also has written, edited, or contributed to over 65 books on orthodontics and craniofacial biology, including the widely-used textbook Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics.

Dr. McNamara has received much recognition during the last 30 years for his patient care, teaching, and research efforts. Most recently, Dr. McNamara received the Albert H. Ketcham Memorial Award, the highest award given by the American Board of Orthodontics This award generally is considered the most prestigious award in orthodontic worldwide.

Dr. McNamara also was the recipient of the Milo Hellman Research Award given by the American Association of Orthodontists in 1973 and was the E. Sheldon Friel Memorial Lecturer of the European Orthodontic Society in 1979. Dr. McNamara received the Research Recognition Award of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons in 1983 and the Jacob A. Salzmann Award from the American Association of Orthodontists Foundation in 1994. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and a Fellow of the American College of Dentists. He also is past-president of the Midwest Edward H. Angle Society of Orthodontists.

Dr. McNamara lives in Ann Arbor with his wife Charlene, who is the business manager of the orthodontic practice. Their daughter Laurie is an orthodontist and is a partner in this practice. His son David currently works for Tree Town Realty of Ann Arbor as a realtor and property manager.

Dr. McNamara is an avid photographer and supporter of U of M athletics and also pretends to be a golfer.

Dr. Laurie McNamara McClatchey
Dr. Donald R. Burkhardt
Dr. Patrick J. Nolan

Top of page