A new NIH-funded center, co-led by UT San Antonio School of Dentistry, aims to accelerate evidence-based dental care by exploring pulpotomy as an alternative to root canal procedures. The center will develop, implement, and evaluate a national training platform to improve clinical practice.
The AI-powered platform, OralScan, uses artificial intelligence and user-captured photographs to identify common dental conditions, enabling longitudinal tracking of oral health findings. The platform targets seven conditions, including dental caries, periodontal disease, and tooth loss, and is available for licensing or collaboration.
A new robotic system demonstrates superior accuracy and geometric fidelity compared to traditional methods, preserving more surrounding bone and reducing unnecessary removal. The technology has potential to make tooth autotransplantation more predictable and less dependent on operator experience.
Research shows that integrating oral health screenings into prenatal clinic visits increases the likelihood of patients receiving dental care during pregnancy. A study at New York University found that scheduling immediate appointments and patient navigation both improved engagement with dental care, but scheduled appointments were mor...
A study found that combining omega-3 and low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) was comparable to antibiotics in treating severe periodontitis, reducing the need for antibiotics. The treatment combination showed significant benefits, with patients experiencing a similar rate of deep pocket reduction as those receiving antibiotics.
Researchers found a link between periodontitis and osteoporosis through gut bacteria, showing how oral inflammation can accelerate whole-body bone deterioration. This study suggests maintaining oral health may play a role in systemic bone health.
A new study suggests that unsweetened sparkling water may lower the risk of enamel erosion more effectively than sugar-sweetened soda. Researchers found that saliva quickly restored the mouth's acidity to normal after consumption, regardless of beverage type.
A new DNA-based strategy has been developed to tackle gum disease, which is one of the most common chronic inflammatory diseases worldwide. The multifunctional nanotherapy effectively targets bacterial infection, suppresses oxidative stress, and promotes bone formation, showing promising results in preclinical studies.
Research suggests a potential biological pathway linking chronic oral gum disease to calcific aortic valve stenosis, a common and serious heart valve disease. Studies found bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis present in calcified aortic valves, leading to inflammation and valve hardening.
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.
Researchers found that severe periodontitis was associated with reduced kidney function and increased albuminuria, even at early stages of chronic kidney disease. Systemic inflammation partially explained this relationship, but additional biological mechanisms are also likely involved.
Researchers found that Down syndrome is associated with low saliva production and gum disease due to calcium signaling dysfunction and changes in the oral microbiome. The study suggests that addressing underlying biological factors and improving oral hygiene may help alleviate these issues.
Researchers use cryo-electron microscopy to reveal the 3D structure of Mfa pili in P. gingivalis, understanding its role in attaching to host tissues and other microbes. This information can aid in developing therapeutic strategies to block attachment and infection.
A team of researchers discovered an epigenetic mechanism that protects tooth progenitor cells from mechanical stress, preserving tissue renewal. The study found that the enzyme KDM6B removes repressive chromatin marks, allowing genes to be active and preventing excessive activation of mechanosensitive ion channels.
Researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo found that postbiotic foods can improve gum health in adults with mild gingivitis, reducing gum bleeding and inflammation. The study suggests a simple way to support oral health without altering oral care habits.
A new survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds Americans sharply divided over the use of fluoride in public drinking water. Supporters of the Make America Healthy Again movement are notably more skeptical about fluoridation's health effects, while a majority trust the American Dental Association's stance on its safety.
A study by King's College London found that following a short-term low-calorie diet can reduce markers of inflammation associated with gum disease. This suggests lifestyle modifications may be important alongside plaque control in managing gum disease.
Persons with diabetes are at higher risk of periodontitis, tooth loss, and peri-implantitis. Poor blood sugar control exacerbates these risks, highlighting the importance of close collaboration between healthcare and dental care providers.
A new study found that chronic oral inflammation can impair female fertility by triggering a systemic immune response that affects the ovaries. This leads to oxidative damage, reduced egg quality, disrupted follicle development, and reduced live birth rates.
Researchers discovered why antibiotics fail to treat peri-implantitis, a jawbone infection affecting up to 20% of implant patients. Titanium particles from implants activate a calcium channel in macrophages, hijacking the immune system and causing inflammation that destroys bone.
Researchers found that butyrate alleviates TMJ pain by reversing epigenetic and gene regulatory pathways in the brain. The study identified key genes and mechanisms involved in pain-related molecular pathways, providing new insights into the biological mechanisms of TMJ pain.
A new study reveals how maternal antibodies program the mouth to resist aggressive bacteria and prevent bone loss associated with adult gum disease. Maternal IgG also regulates the timing of barrier sealing in the oral epithelium.
A new study shows that while dental opioid prescription fills in the US have dropped by 27% since 2021, the rate remains higher than in other developed countries and the US territory of Puerto Rico. The study suggests that some US dentists are still overprescribing opioids.
A new scoping review reveals silicone toothbrushes as a promising tool in global oral health, yet their effectiveness and environmental impact remain understudied. The study suggests that switching to silicone toothbrushes could be a viable alternative to traditional toothbrushes.
The International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research has announced the 2026 winners of the Joseph Lister Award for New Investigators. The award recognizes original research in oral disease prevention or oral health promotion.
Talita Ventura, a researcher at the University of São Paulo, has been awarded the 2026 IADR John Greenspan Travel Award for her contributions to salivary proteomics and oral health. She will receive $2,000 to attend and present her research at the IADR General Session.
The International Association for Dental Research recognizes top junior investigators with the IADR Hatton Award. The competition aims to provide opportunities for students and new investigators to present research globally.
The American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) announced the recipients of the 2026 AADOCR Bloc Travel Grant. The grant supports U.S. dental or PhD students, residents, and postdoctoral fellows to present scientific papers on dental research at the Annual Meeting & Exhibition.
Blake Warner, a renowned expert in salivary disorders, has been awarded the 2026 AADOCR National Student Research Group Mentor Award. He leads an integrated clinic and research laboratory focused on deep characterization of disorders affecting the salivary glands. The award recognizes his outstanding mentorship in dental research.
The AADOCR Hatton Competition recognizes young researchers in dental, oral, and craniofacial fields, with this year's winners selected for their innovative projects. The competition aims to drive research advancements in health and well-being, reflecting the organization's mission.
The American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) has awarded its 2026 AADOCR Student Research Fellowships to recognize outstanding US dental students. The fellowships support research in oral health and are sponsored by leading companies such as Colgate-Palmolive and P&G Professional Oral Health.
The American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) has named the recipients of the 2026 AADOCR Student Research Day Award. The award is given to top students who present their research at university competitions.
The American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) has announced the inaugural recipients of the AADOCR Travel Award for New Clinical Investigators. The award encourages new investigators to undertake dental, oral, and craniofacial research and facilitate their presentation of this work.
Jacqueline Mays, a mucosal immunologist and clinical trials dentist, has been recognized for her research on chronic graft-versus-host disease affecting the salivary glands and oral mucosa. The AADOCR SCADA/Dentsply Sirona Research Award supports early-stage dentist-scientists in advancing therapeutic strategies for cGVHD.
The American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research has announced the winners of the 2026 Student Competition for Advancing Dental Research and its Application. The winners are recognized for their research projects in basic and translational science, as well as clinical science/public health research categories.
Luis Daniel Sansores España, a Doctoral Candidate at the University of Chile, has been awarded the 2026 IADR Norton Ross Fellowship for his research on molecular pathways involved in periodontal diseases. The fellowship provides training and experience in dental or related research.
The IADR Student Training and Research (STAR) Network Fellowship supports awardees' attendance at the IADR General Session and research experience in renowned labs. The program aims to bridge global knowledge gaps in clinical and basic science research, academic career development, and training methodologies.
The International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (IADR) has recognized new investigators with the 2026 IADR Centennial Travel Award. The award aims to encourage research and present findings in various areas of dental science globally.
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.
The IADR Colgate Research in Prevention Travel Award recognizes young researchers tackling oral disease prevention, supporting their presentation to the international dental community. The award provides travel stipends and commemorative plaques to awardees.
Li Meng, a postdoctoral fellow at Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, was named the 2026 recipient of the IADR Newell Johnson Travel Award. Her research focuses on uncovering molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying craniofacial development and regeneration.
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...
The International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (IADR) and the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) have recognized a cover paper in their Journal of Dental Research. The award honors an aesthetically pleasing image that enhances the article's impact.
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.
Dr. Mohamed Hassan, a dentist-scientist from Washington University in St. Louis, has been awarded the 2026 AADOCR P&G New Faculty Research Fellowship to support his research bridging clinical orthodontics with regenerative craniofacial biology. He aims to establish an independent laboratory and enhance career development.
Satoru Shindo, a researcher at Nova Southeastern University, has been awarded the 2026 AADOCR William Butler Fellowship. The fellowship supports early-stage researchers in the field of mineralized tissues research. Shindo's work focuses on mechanobiology and osteo-vascular coupling, with applications in organ-on-chip technology.
The IADR has recognized junior researchers for outstanding and innovative research in basic dental science to improve public dental health. The award aims to support improvements in oral health sciences through recognition of applied research achievements.
The IADR and AADOCR have recognized the top dental researchers with the 2026 William J. Gies Award, a prestigious honor that supports innovative research in oral health. The award is supported by J. Morita Corporation and includes a $1,000 prize and commemorative plaque.
Ranya El Sayed, Assistant Professor at Augusta University, receives $10,000 fellowship to advance immune-regulatory exosome engineering for periodontal and alveolar bone regeneration. This recognition supports her early-stage research career and aligns with AADOCR's mission to drive dental research.
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.
The IADR Dianne Rekow Mentoring in Science Award was established to support early career researchers through mentoring by mid-career faculty members. The recipients were announced during the 104th General Session of the IADR, held in San Diego, CA, on March 25-28, 2026.
The IADR Innovation in Oral Care Awards support dental research with a direct impact on public oral health. The award has contributed over $4 million to the program since its inception in 2023.
A study found that children who need dental care the most are less likely to participate in school-based cavity prevention programs, which can lead to significant savings for state Medicaid programs. Improving participation among high-risk children could save up to $2.4 million annually.
A new international research collaboration has developed lay descriptions to visualize the global burden of disease caused by facial pain. Facial pain affects everyday activities like eating and speaking, and is often long-lasting.
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.
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.
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.
Monika Arora, Principal Investigator of the Delhi site for an Implementation Research Project on National Health Research Priority, has been named recipient of the 2026 IADR Honorary Membership. She was recognized for her contributions to dental, oral, and craniofacial research and her support for oral health promotion.
Rep. Debbie Dingell received the 2026 AADOCR Honorary Membership for her dedication to improving access to quality oral health care, particularly for underserved communities. She championed initiatives to increase the oral health workforce and invest in research for prevention and disease management.
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.