Karen Matsumura-Lem, DDS, BSDH
Clinical Team Leader, Assistant Professor
College of Dental Medicine
American Dental Association
California Dental Association
American Dental Educators Association
California Dental Hygiene Educators Association
Dr. Matsumura-Lem was born and raised in California. She attended USC as an undergraduate and entered the Dental Hygiene Program at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene in 1986. While working in private practice as a dental hygienist, she taught at both the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC and the UCLA School of Dentistry. Dr. Matsumura-Lem also assisted in reasearch at UCLA for FDA approval on Chlorhexidine, as well as efficacy studies and research for many oral care products. She then went on to complete a dental degree at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC in 1996. After graduating from dental school, she continued to work in private practice in the South Bay and teach full-time at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC in both the Dental and Dental Hygiene programs.
Outside of Western University, Dr. Matsumura-Lem spends time with family and friends. She enjoys watching her son compete in both baseball and judo. She also likes to travel and learn about different cultures and traditions.
Dr. Matsumura-Lem is pleased to be teaching at Western University and is delighted to be working with the faculty and the staff and most of all the students.