Bio

Dr. Shem is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Section of Dental Medicine and Surgery at Stanford University. He trained in Dental Oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, focusing on oral complications of cancer therapy and non-surgical management of patients with osteoradionecrosis (ORN) and medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). He also trained in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology at Columbia University and has expertise in diagnosing and managing oral mucosal diseases.

As a dental oncologist and oral pathologist, he evaluates patients before and after organ and stem-cell transplant, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and bisphosphonate therapy. He has particular interest in oral manifestations of systemic disease, oral complications of systemic therapy, and oral dysplasia.

Clinical Focus

  • Oral Oncology
  • Oral Pathology
  • Dental Oncology
  • Oral Medicine
  • Lichen Planus, Oral
  • Bisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
  • Dentistry
  • Oral Dysplasia

Academic Appointments

Boards, Advisory Committees, Professional Organizations

  • Diplomate, American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology (2024 - Present)
  • Fellow, American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology (2024 - Present)

Professional Education

  • Residency: Columbia University College of Dental Medicine (2024) NY
  • Fellowship: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (2021) NY
  • Residency: New York Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell Medical College Dental General Practice Residency (2020) NY
  • Medical Education: Temple University School of Dentistry (2019) PA

Contact

  • Clinical (Primary)  Stanford Oral Surgery and Medicine Clinic 724 Oak Grove Ave Ste 120 Menlo Park, CA 94025 (650) 724-4433 (fax)

Additional Clinical Info

All Publications

  • MASCC/ISOO Clinical Practice Statement: management of oral complications of immunotherapy. Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer Fregnani, E. R., Epstein, J. B., Blijlevens, N. M., Yarom, N., Villa, A., Raber-Durlacher, J. E., Gardner, P. J., Shem, D., Beaumont, S., Bossi, P., Elad, S. 2025; 33 (10): 851

    Abstract

    The MASCC/ISOO Clinical Practice Statement (CPS) endeavors to develop a succinct instrument for clinicians, encapsulating essential practical information requisite for the management of oral complications in oncology patients. This CPS specifically addresses the management of oral complications associated with immunotherapy.This CPS was formulated through a rigorous literature review, followed by a structured discussion among a consortium of leading experts, members of the Oral Care Study Group of MASCC/ISOO. Immunotherapeutic agents were identified utilizing PubMed, and then they were matched with the National Cancer Institute's compendium of Food and Drug Administration-approved immunotherapy drugs. The statement integrated information from the literature about the management of oral immune-related adverse events (irAEs), extrapolation from literature about the management of similar oral diseases, and the working group's clinical experience. The information is systematically presented in concise bullet points and tables, thereby creating a succinct manual delineating the optimal standard of care.Oral irAEs encompass a range of mucosal and gingival conditions, dysgeusia, dysphagia, and xerostomia/hyposalivation. The management of oral toxicities is contingent upon the severity of the symptoms. Topical steroids and immunomodulators are frequently utilized as first-line therapies for oral mucosal toxicities, and topical anesthetics are employed for pain management. Treatment strategies for dysgeusia primarily focus on symptom management. This CPS also provides a guide for oral and dental care for patients undergoing immunotherapy.The management of oral toxicities induced by immunotherapy is intended to mitigate patient discomfort, enhance healing, and regain oral function. Optimal management practices necessitate a collaborative approach between medical professionals and oral health specialists.

    View details for DOI 10.1007/s00520-025-09806-x

    View details for PubMedID 40944716

    View details for PubMedCentralID 10828696

  • Diffusely erythematous and hemorrhagic gingiva JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION Keteyian, A. J., Shem, D., Shupak, R. P., Peters, S. M. 2024; 155 (4): 349-352

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.adaj.2023.04.012

    View details for Web of Science ID 001222105500001

    View details for PubMedID 37318398