Dr. Renato M. Silva has been selected as the new dean of UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry, succeeding John A. Valenza. He brings a rare combination of scientific distinction, clinical expertise, and leadership experience to the role.
Haemophilia patients are at risk of life-threatening bleeding during dental procedures due to clotting factor deficiencies or inhibitor antibodies. Dentists must assess patients carefully before invasive procedures and use evidence-based treatments such as clotting factor replacement and local haemostatic measures.
A recent study found that CD38, a protein associated with inflammation and aging, plays a key role in rapidly advancing periodontitis and peri-implantitis. This discovery could lead to new treatment approaches and provide insights into other inflammatory conditions, including cancer.
A collaborative research team led by HKU Dentistry has mapped noma incidence risk across 296 local government areas in Nigeria, revealing previously unrecognised high-risk areas. The study provides a comprehensive small-area assessment of noma risk in Nigeria and offers implications for public health.
Lois Cohen, a renowned researcher and former NIDCR Associate Director, receives the prestigious award for her dedication to promoting oral health research. Cohen's extensive contributions to social science research in dentistry have been widely recognized through numerous awards and honors.
Vivek Thumbigere Math, a board-certified periodontist at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, has been awarded the 2026 AADOCR William B. Clark Fellowship for his research on the molecular and clinical pathways linking oral and systemic diseases. His work focuses on the intersection of periodontitis, osteoimmunology, and sys...
Stuart Gansky, a University of California, San Francisco researcher, has received the AADOCR Irwin D. Mandel Distinguished Mentoring Award. He was recognized for his outstanding mentorship efforts in fostering academic and professional growth among students and junior faculty.
Rania Al-Tuama, a dental graduate from Mustansiriyah University, was awarded the 2026 IADR David B. Scott Fellowship for her research interests in orthodontics and periodontics. She aims to pursue postgraduate studies in these fields.
Nasir Bashir, a researcher from the University of Cambridge, has been awarded the 2026 IADR John Clarkson Fellowship. He will receive funding for training and experience in dental public health at a center of excellence.
Hiroshi Ogawa, Head of Preventive Dentistry at Niigata University, received the 2026 IADR Distinguished Service Award. He has contributed significantly to global oral health initiatives and served on various IADR committees.
Donald Chi, a professor at the University of Washington, has been recognized for his groundbreaking research on fluoride treatments and its impact on children's oral health. He is being awarded the 2026 IADR E.W. Borrow Memorial Award for his work in caries prevention.
Pekka Vallittu, a renowned expert in biomaterials, has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to dental health. He is the first from Finland to receive this prestigious award, which acknowledges his groundbreaking work on biocomposites and bioactive materials.
Kazuyoshi Baba, a renowned prosthodontist, has been recognized with the 2026 IADR Distinguished Scientist Award for his groundbreaking research in prosthodontics and implants. He is known for his pioneering work on sleep bruxism and digital dentistry.
Hom-Lay Wang, a renowned periodontist and University of Michigan professor, has received the prestigious IADR Distinguished Scientist Award. He was recognized for his extensive contributions to periodontology and oral implantology through numerous publications, teaching, and research.
Joy Richman, a renowned researcher at the University of British Columbia, has been recognized for her groundbreaking contributions to craniofacial biology research. Her work focuses on tooth development and regeneration, with notable findings using chicken and reptile models.
Brian Foster, Associate Professor at The Ohio State University, has been recognized for his work on biological mineralization. He is the recipient of the IADR Distinguished Scientist Award, supported by Unilever Oral Care, for his contributions to cementum and biomineralization research.
Maobin Yang has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to the field of regenerative endodontics, integrating stem cell biology and biomaterials science. His research program has secured over $700,000 in competitive funding, with support from top organizations.
HKU excels in key disciplines, including Dentistry (2nd) and Education & Training (5th), while Data Science and Artificial Intelligence rank 18th worldwide. The University will establish an AI Hub to maximize the potential of 'AI + X' across disciplines.
Finbarr Allen recognized for outstanding contributions to behavioral science and health services research in dentistry. He has published over 200 peer-reviewed papers and developed innovative methods for interpreting quality of life data.
The program aims to support future pediatric-focused professionals in dentistry, medicine and nursing through competitive scholarships and training. With the gift, UT Health San Antonio will expand access to high-quality care for children and families in Bexar County.
A new study suggests that early life stress during pregnancy and early childhood can lead to long-term digestive issues, including gut pain and motility challenges. The research found that early life stress can shape the development of gut-brain communication, contributing to gastrointestinal symptoms in both mice and humans.
The UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry has secured a $9 million NIH grant to develop a targeted, non-opioid treatment for chronic pain associated with muscle and joint dysfunction. Researchers will map the biology of facial pain, identify specialized neurons, and analyze gene expression changes to design effective treatments.
Researchers identified four distinct brain metastasis subtypes, each with unique immune landscapes and metabolic programmes. The 'Immune-infiltrated subtype' showed high sensitivity to immunotherapy, while the 'Metabolic subtype' responded well to targeted therapies. The study paves the way for personalized treatment strategies.
Research suggests that blocking growth factor receptor signaling using cancer drugs may overcome two challenges: managing oral cancer pain and preventing opioid tolerance. This approach could control cancer while addressing pain through a non-opioid, biologically rational approach.
Researchers developed an artificial saliva containing sugarcane protein, CANECPI-5, to aid in treating teeth of patients with head and neck cancer. The solution significantly reduced bacterial activity and tooth demineralization when combined with fluoride and xylitol.
Kimon Divaris, a pediatric dentist and oral epidemiologist, was elected AADOCR Vice-President, while Mia L. Geisinger, a Professor of Periodontology at UAB, took on the role of IADR/AADOCR Publications Committee representative. Both leaders will serve during the 55th Annual Meeting in San Diego from March 25-28, 2026.
The research team developed a novel vascularised tumour model using a non-surgical injectable hydrogel system, providing a powerful new platform for researching cancer and testing immune cell therapies. The breakthrough model effectively supports the spontaneous formation of solid tumours with functional host-derived vasculature in mice.
A new study by UNC Adams School of Dentistry researchers reveals the inflammasome's crucial role in male-biased periodontitis, a common and debilitating gum disease. The study found that blocking this system prevents bone resorption only in males, with potential benefits for developing sex-stratified therapeutics.
Research reveals key biological differences between women and men with long COVID, including elevated blood levels of intestinal fatty acid binding protein and reduced testosterone levels in affected women. These findings suggest potential targets for treatment that could bring relief to the 3.5 million Canadians affected.
Despite government initiatives, UK children's dental health remains poor, with 26.9% of five-year-olds experiencing tooth decay and disadvantaged areas facing higher rates of tooth extractions. The Child of the North initiative highlights the need for scaled-up and strengthened schemes to address this issue.
Researchers at UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry are studying novel targets and approaches to treat oral squamous cell carcinoma, the most common type of oral cancer. The studies aim to reduce pain management and mucositis in patients undergoing radiotherapy.
A new type of dialysis filter called Elisio HX is being tested in a clinical trial to determine if it improves survival rates and reduces hospitalizations for patients with kidney failure. The five-year multicentre randomized trial will include up to 4,800 patients across Canada.
Researchers developed a powder based on morin, extracted from plants like guava leaves, apple peels, and figs, to combat periodontal disease. The study found that the substance can be slowly released through polymers, providing an alternative to antibiotics for controlling microorganisms.
A new study found that nearly three out of four adults suffer from dental fear, with 45.8% experiencing moderate fear and 26.8% severe fear. Most individuals interested in overcoming their fear are open to free, brief treatment options, such as virtual dental fear treatments using apps and telehealth.
University of Iowa researchers have successfully tested a technique that stimulates a gene to prevent craniosynostosis, a condition causing infants' skulls to close prematurely. The treatment involved injecting nano-sized packets containing the miR-200a gene into newborn mice, allowing their brains to expand and preventing skull fusion.
A team of researchers from HKU Dentistry has developed a groundbreaking AI system that can predict early childhood caries risk for individual teeth based on microbial characteristics. The system achieved an accuracy rate of over 90% and identified distinct patterns in tooth-specific microbial communities that foretell dental decay.
Researchers uncover how RUNX2 regulates cranial base growth by controlling chondrocyte differentiation, proliferation, and organization. The study provides fundamental insights into the complex interplay between RUNX2 and FGFR3, shedding light on novel therapeutic targets for craniofacial defects.
A supplemental issue of JDR Clinical & Translational Research highlights the importance of investing in long-term faculty career development supported by HRSA programs. The publication showcases innovative work done by junior dental faculty, demonstrating the need to address pressing dental shortages and expand access to care.
A clinical trial led by London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute has improved the detection of hidden blood clots responsible for strokes by extending imaging to include the heart. This approach has increased detection rates by 500% and can help determine an effective treatment plan.
A NYU College of Dentistry study found that topical treatments for kids' cavities can significantly prevent decay from worsening. The use of atraumatic restorations (ART) and silver diamine fluoride (SDF) in schools kept 62% and 55% of decayed surfaces under control, respectively.
A multinational study involving Aarhus University sheds light on patients' attitudes toward AI in dental diagnostics. Patients view AI as a useful diagnostic tool but express concerns over data privacy and cost implications. The overwhelming majority insists on professional human oversight, echoing the views of dental professionals.
A Canadian researcher, Bogumil Karas, has been awarded $1.5M funding from ARIA to create genomes from scratch in plants. His team aims to develop crops that are more nutrient-dense, resilient, and longer-lasting by transferring genomes into crops.
A study published in PLOS One found that mouth taping carries serious health risks, particularly among individuals with sleep-disordered breathing and obstructive sleep apnea. The trend, popularized by social media influencers, can worsen existing respiratory issues and increase the risk of suffocation.
Researchers at IU and Regenstrief Institute developed an app that connects dentists to health information exchanges, providing timely access to patient medical history. This facilitates direct communication between dental clinicians and patients, enhancing care coordination and patient outcomes.
A new study by researchers at London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute found an association between long-term exposure to air pollution and new cases of epilepsy in adults in Ontario. Higher exposure to fine particulate matter and ozone increased the likelihood of developing epilepsy.
Researchers found individuals with cannabis use disorder exhibit increased dopamine levels in the brain, a key factor in psychosis. This study suggests that regular cannabis use is linked to signs of increased dopamine activity.
A cross-disciplinary research team from HKU has found a connection between oral microbiota and ASD, identifying 11 bacterial species as potential biomarkers. The study developed a prediction model with an 81% accuracy rate for early detection, paving the way for non-invasive screening tools during dental check-ups.
Researchers found that cannabidiol stimulates the biomineralization of teeth even under inflammatory conditions, promoting tissue repair. The substance also inhibited the synthesis of inflammatory mediators in macrophages, suggesting an anti-inflammatory effect.
HKU achieves exceptional results in the 2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject, ranking 4th globally in Dentistry and Education. The university leads in 33 out of 50 subjects locally, accounting for two-thirds of the ranked subjects.
HKU Dentistry has earned 2nd place in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, solidifying its position as a leading institution in dentistry. The ranking reflects the faculty's commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and oral healthcare.
A lack of access to dentists during the COVID-19 pandemic led to a surge in hospital visits for children's painful dental issues. Research found a 62% increase in emergency department visits from Medicaid-insured kids, with young children being seen twice as often.
Copper-incorporated microvesicles promote healing, reduce inflammation, and enhance cell growth, offering a multifaceted solution for addressing dental diseases. The technology has vast implications for various fields of medicine, including wound healing and regenerative therapies.
The Human Virome Characterization Center at UCLA will investigate the diversity of viruses naturally inhabiting the human body along the oral-gut-brain axis. The center's discovery team will characterize virome richness, diversity, and structure in healthy individuals across different age groups and ethnic backgrounds.
A UT Health San Antonio researcher and her biotechnology company partner with the school to develop a breakthrough oral cancer drug, CIDD99. The partnership aims to create effective, less toxic cancer therapies for aggressive cancer types.
A new study has identified two biomarkers, corticomotor excitability and peak alpha frequency, that can accurately distinguish high- and low-pain sensitive individuals. This finding has the potential to transform the way chronic pain is understood and managed, allowing for more effective treatment strategies.
Researchers discovered that perivascular cells contribute to blood vessel dysfunction in chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and fibrosis. By removing these cells, blood vessels fail to respond to tissue changes, worsening disease progression.
Researchers at OIST have developed a customizable method for studying detailed dental characteristics of living fish and vertebrates without harming them. This approach allows for non-destructive examination of tooth replacement and development over time, revealing valuable information on feeding habits and comparative anatomy.
A new study reveals that targeted preventative measures can significantly reduce the economic burden of tooth decay, particularly in deprived groups. The research estimates that implementing upstream and downstream interventions could save £14,000 per person in the most deprived group.
New discoveries by NYU researchers find that impaired regulatory T cells are a key contributor to Sjögren's disease in both mice and humans. Calcium signaling also plays a crucial role in the development of the autoimmune disorder, which affects glands producing saliva and tears.
A new literature review highlights the transformative potential of VR-haptics in dental education, offering innovative training opportunities to complement traditional practices. The review found that VR-haptic simulation has demonstrated significant value as a complementary tool in dental simulation practice.