Research & Innovation at the College of Dental Medicine

We are expanding scientific discoveries. 

Research specializations include:

• Molecular and cellular biology of periodontal inflammation and disease progression
• Head and neck cancer biology and therapeutics with a focus on RNA silencing
• Bioengineering/Biomechanics of temporamandibular joint and craniofacial regeneration with emphasis on dentin regeneration
• Opportunistic oral bacteria and their mechanisms of colonization in oral mucosa
• Periodontal pathogens and their molecular associations with chronic diseases
• Commensal microbiota impact on osteoimmunology and skeletal metabolism

Craniofacial & Oral Health Research

We offer mentored research training opportunities at the interface of oral health, craniofacial biology and bioengineering. Less than a dozen dental colleges in the U.S. hold Institutional training awards with a dual degree program like our Dental Scientist Training program. T-COHR provides strong curriculum and thematic research experiences in an integrative framework that emphasizes mentoring, scientific advancement, academic career development, craftsmanship, and productivity.

Gnotobiotic Animal Core

This is a unique opportunity to address research questions that require the use of gnotobiotic animals. The facility is one of only a handful in the United States with the expertise and resources to conduct such experiments. Facility services are available to scientists at academic institutions, biotechnology companies, and large pharmaceutical corporations.