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.
Xuesong He, a professor at ADA Forsyth, has been recognized with the 2026 IADR Distinguished Scientist Award for his groundbreaking research in oral biology. His work has greatly advanced our understanding of microbial ecology in the human mouth and its connections to various diseases.
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.
Falk Schwendicke, a renowned researcher, has been awarded the 2026 IADR Distinguished Scientist William H. Bowen Research in Dental Caries Award for his groundbreaking work on caries detection and management. His research, including AI-assisted caries detection, has set new standards for clinical research in this field.
Chenshuang Li, a young investigator at the University of Pennsylvania, has been recognized for her contributions to craniofacial tissue development and regeneration research. She received the prestigious IADR Distinguished Scientist Young Investigator Award in 2026.
Hal Duncan, a Professor and Consultant in Endodontics at Trinity College Dublin, received the 2026 IADR Distinguished Scientist Award for his outstanding research contributions in pulp biology. His work focuses on translational pulp biology and applied vital pulp treatment using epigenetic modifications.
Mary C. Farach-Carson, an internationally recognized leader in extracellular matrix biology and salivary tissue engineering, has been awarded the IADR Distinguished Scientist Award. Her research reveals key functions of ECM components in organizing stem/progenitor cell microstructures and guiding cell migration.
A new study found that older people who forego necessary dental procedures due to financial barriers may experience heart failure, a heart attack, a stroke, or dementia. The researchers suggest that alleviating upstream factors such as financial constraints could prevent chronic disease.
A team of researchers found that Gli2 and Gli3 function synergistically to regulate tooth root morphogenesis. Their study revealed a critical interaction between HH signaling and TGF-β signaling, which is essential for normal root development.
Alexander Kerr, NYU Clinical Professor, recognized for outstanding research on oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma and oral potentially malignant disorders. The IADR Distinguished Scientist Award is one of the highest honors bestowed by IADR, recognizing contributions to understanding oral health and disease mechanisms.
David Conway, Professor of Dental Public Health at the University of Glasgow, has been recognized for his research on socioeconomic inequalities in health and oral health, particularly head and neck cancer and child oral health. His work has attracted significant funding and informed public health policies globally.
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.
Researchers found a clear connection between oral health and kidney health, with immune dysregulation and systemic inflammation driving the relationship. The study highlights the need for physicians to integrate oral and renal health into clinical care systems.
Wendy Thompson, a Senior Clinical Lecturer at the University of Manchester, has been awarded the IADR Distinguished Scientist Award in Pharmacology/Therapeutics/Toxicology Research. Her research focus on antimicrobial stewardship and primary dental care has made significant contributions to the field.
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.
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.
New research demonstrates that restoring the physical stiffness of the gingival tissue can fundamentally change how cells respond to infection, potentially paving the way for new treatments. The study uses a hydrogel system to investigate how gum tissue stiffness impacts periodontal disease inflammation.
Mario Brondani, Associate Professor at UBC, has been recognized with the 2026 IADR Distinguished Scientist Award in Geriatric Oral Research. He is being honored for his extensive research experience and contributions to the field of dental geriatrics.
Sudeshni Naidoo, a renowned researcher and specialist in dental public health, has been awarded the IADR Distinguished Scientist John Greenspan Global Oral Health Research Award. Her work focuses on infectious diseases, bioethics, nutrition, and noncommunicable diseases, among other areas.
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.
A systematic review found consistent evidence that snus causes gum recession, particularly with loose snus. White snus has virtually no studies on its long-term oral health effects, creating a significant knowledge gap.
A study on mouse incisors reveals a cellular mechanism behind the unique decussation patterns of tooth enamel, which form the enamel's hardness through directional sliding and coordinated migration of ameloblasts. The findings provide new insights into how dental stem and progenitor cells maintain and repair enamel-forming tissues.
Researchers discover SMAD7 acts as a positive regulator of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, promoting dental pulp stem cell regeneration and tissue repair. The study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms governing tooth regeneration and holds promise for regenerative endodontic procedures.
A new neural circuit has been identified that rewards gnawing behavior in rodents, driving a release of dopamine in the brain. This discovery could help explain oral health issues in humans, including bruxism and malocclusion.
Researchers have discovered that Porphyromonas gingivalis, a keystone pathogen driving gum disease, carries an internal genetic brake controlling its aggression. By locking this brake in place, future treatments could silence the pathogen while leaving beneficial bacteria untouched.
A new study by King's College London found that over 35% of patients without reported diabetes had high blood sugar levels consistent with pre-diabetes. The research uses a simple finger-prick blood test to screen for the condition, which can be done during dental appointments in as little as six minutes.
A study by UCL researchers found large variations in nitrous oxide use across UK dental services, with some sites emitting up to 1,849 kg CO₂e per week. The team recommends reducing wastage, standardizing practice, and considering alternatives to minimize environmental impact.
Researchers have designed a prototype powder that activates to whiten and repair teeth, promoting oral health. The system uses the piezoelectric effect to generate ROS, killing bacteria and reducing inflammation in lab demonstrations.
Journals JDR and JDR Clinical & Translational Research now require open data sharing to facilitate replication, systematic reviews, and data reuse. This move aims to maximize the benefits from research investment and ensure transparency.
Marcelo W.B. Araujo has established the AADOCR Travel Award for New Clinical Investigators to support early-career researchers in dental, oral, and craniofacial research. The award aims to encourage travel to present research at AADOCR Annual Meetings.
Research highlights overlooked social mechanisms connecting oral health, eating and speaking difficulties, and cognitive decline. A six-year longitudinal study found poor oral health is a strong predictor of weight loss in older adults.
Researchers identified altered gene expression in smokers with periodontitis, leading to weakened gum epithelial integrity and excessive inflammation. A new target molecule, CXCL12, was found to drive immune-cell recruitment and inflammation, making it a potential therapeutic approach.
Tufts researchers have developed a method to biosynthetically produce tagatose, a rare sugar with potential health benefits. Tagatose is 92% as sweet as sucrose and has about 60% fewer calories, making it an attractive alternative to conventional sugar substitutes.
A clinical trial shows that arginine can modify plaque formation on teeth, thereby protecting against dental caries. The study found that arginine reduced the acidity of biofilms and altered their carbohydrate structure, making them less harmful.
A study found that insufficient dietary lycopene is associated with a higher risk of severe periodontitis among U.S. adults ages 65-79. Adequate lycopene intake was linked to reduced likelihood of severe gum disease, with notable racial and sex disparities observed.
Recent research aims to refine understanding of oral-systemic disease connections, exploring how oral health affects systemic risk and vice versa. Studies investigate mechanisms underlying oral and systemic disease links.
Aging mice without teeth experience cognitive decline due to inflammation and cell loss in the hippocampus, essential for memory formation. The study suggests that maintaining chewing ability may be a strategy to preserve cognitive function later in life.
A new composite hydrogel containing Li-Ca-Si bioceramics particles and gelatin methacryloyl matrix has shown promise in treating dental pulp infections by facilitating innervation and odontogenic differentiation. The hydrogel promoted Schwann cell regeneration, cytocompatibility for dental pulp stem cells, and proliferation of DPSCs.
New research from the American Heart Association finds a strong association between gum disease and increased risk of heart attack, stroke, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and cardiometabolic health conditions. The study suggests that effective prevention and treatment of gum disease could potentially decrease the burden of cardiov...
The International Association for Dental, Oral and Craniofacial Research (IADR) celebrates the robust inclusion of oral health in the adopted declaration. This recognizes that ~3.7 billion people live with oral diseases, imposing a significant health burden. IADR urges Member States to translate commitments into concrete national actio...
Researchers develop an integrated pipeline to analyze and visualize NHANES dental caries data, identifying age-driven heterogeneity and novel associations between caries status, environmental factors, and disease markers. The study demonstrates the value of integrating machine learning with large-scale observational data for deeper ins...
George Belibasakis has been elected as the new Vice-President of IADR for the 104th General Session in 2026. He is currently Professor of Clinical Oral Infection Biology at Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden, and his research focuses on deciphering the biological mechanisms underlying common oral diseases.
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.
Researchers from The University of Osaka found that blood sugar migration to saliva in individuals with type 2 diabetes causes an imbalance in the oral microbiome, leading to cavity development. Improved glycemic control reduces this imbalance and the risk of tooth decay.
A recent study by Tim Thomassen concludes that good daily habits, including proper brushing techniques and adequate brushing time, are more crucial for preventing oral diseases than expensive dental gadgets.
Researchers found that oral bacteria from tooth infections can worsen diabetes risk through IL-17-driven inflammation. The study revealed a mechanistic link between Porphyromonas gingivalis-induced periapical disease and systemic metabolic dysfunction.
Researchers have designed a quieter dental drill to address the anxiety-causing sound of traditional drills, which can reach nearly 20 kilohertz. The new design optimizes blade geometry and exhaust port to minimize noise while maintaining performance, with the goal of reducing discomfort in patients.
Dental teams can identify hypertension and cardiovascular disease risk through blood pressure screenings in routine care visits. The American Heart Association's Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts initiative provides standard blood pressure screening and referral guides, empowering dentists to connect patients with primary care.
The American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) has announced the sixth cohort of its Mind the Future program, a mentoring network designed to support early-career researchers. The program aims to enhance career development in dental, oral, and craniofacial health research.
The COP6 decision sets a new timeline for the phase-out of dental amalgam, giving countries until 2034 to adapt national strategies. A key exemption ensures that practitioners can continue using dental amalgam when necessary for patient care.
A new study by Rutgers University found that over-the-counter pain medications are as effective as opioids in reducing pain after tooth extraction for both men and women. The study's results confirm the analgesic effect of non-opioid medications, which were superior to opioids in terms of sleep quality and daily activity interference.
Researchers discovered that young dental cells are directed by their position along the lingual-buccal axis to grow into distinct structures. Cells on one side formed tooth enamel, while those on the other side focused on stem cell activity and supporting tissue growth.
A new study led by Suchitra Nelson aims to advance previous research on two less-invasive options for treating and preventing cavities. The study focuses on older adults living in subsidized housing with limited access to dental care, using Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) and Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART).
Generative AI accelerates scientific discovery in oral sciences, but requires transparent disclosure and robust verification methods to ensure responsible integration. The use of AI in research demands human oversight, accountability, and continuous monitoring to maintain quality and credibility.
Research shows that painful childhood experiences like bullying and violence can cause dental fear in young people, leading to anxiety and avoidance of dental treatment. The study found a stronger association between painful childhood experiences and dental fear in girls than boys.