About Dr. Karam
Joseph R. Karam, D.M.D., is a resident-trained specialist in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.
Born in Scranton and raised in Clarks Summit, Pa., Dr. Karam is a graduate of Abington Heights High School. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience in three years of study from the University of Pittsburgh. He continued his education at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, earning his D.M.D degree and graduating valedictorian. Dr. Karam was inducted into the prestigious Omicron Kappa Upsilon honor society and received several more honors, including an award from The International College of Dentists for outstanding leadership and professionalism and an award from the Pierre Fauchard Academy for exemplary moral and ethical service to the community and profession.
Dr. Karam went on to complete a three-year residency and earned a Certificate of Advanced Study of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, in conjunction with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). During his residency program, he also served as a preclinical instructor at the University of Pittsburgh and conducted extensive research on topics ranging from fluid homeostasis to tissue engineering and biomaterials. He has received grant funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has published scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals, and delivered lectures at conferences around the country. For his work in dental regeneration, he won several research-related awards and received national recognition from the American Dental Association and Densply©. Currently, Dr. Karam is active in orthodontic appliance design and has patented an orthodontic bracket system.
His clinical interests include the multidisciplinary orthodontic treatment of children, teens and adults, craniofacial anomalies, and sleep apnea patients. He has successfully completed Phase I and II of the American Board of Orthodontics examination and is board eligible. Dr. Karam has been trained with the latest advances in clear orthodontic aligner technology, is certified by Invisalign©, and has authored two papers for publication specifically on clear “invisible” orthodontic aligners.
His professional affiliations include the American Association of Orthodontists, the Mid-Atlantic Society of Orthodontists, American Dental Association (ADA), and the Pennsylvania Dental Association (PDA). During his dental training, Dr. Karam served as the president of the American Student Dental Association and as a student delegate to the house of representatives of the ADA and PDA. At the University of Pittsburgh, he founded the student chapter of the American Dental Education Association.
His wife, Emily, has completed postgraduate study at Penn State University, and most recently was employed at the University of Pittsburgh as a scholarship advisor with the Honors College and as a writer in the Office of Public Affairs. An avid runner, Emily completed the Steamtown Marathon in 2007.
Dr. Karam and his wife enjoy traveling and exploring new cultures, cooking together, and outdoor sports. They are expecting their first child this fall, and are thrilled to be home in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
