About Our Department

The UAB Department of Restorative Sciences advances oral health through education, patient care, research, and innovation in restorative and prosthetic dentistry.

As one of the largest academic departments within the School of Dentistry, the department plays a central role in the D.M.D. curriculum while supporting advanced training in hospital dentistry, prosthodontics, and maxillofacial prosthetics. Faculty are recognized for expertise in restorative dentistry, prosthodontics, implant dentistry, digital dentistry, biomaterials, and clinical outcomes research. Divisions include Postdoctoral General Dentistry and Prosthodontics.

Through teaching, scholarship, clinical service, and professional leadership, the department helps prepare future dentists while advancing treatments that restore oral health, function, and quality of life.

Education and Training

The Department of Restorative Sciences plays a central role in the D.M.D. curriculum, overseeing extensive classroom, preclinical, and clinical instruction in restorative dentistry, prosthodontics, implant dentistry, oral radiology, treatment planning, comprehensive care, urgent care, and hospital dentistry.

Through these experiences, faculty help prepare future dentists to diagnose, treatment plan, and manage complex oral health needs. The department's educational mission is supported by a large network of part-time clinical faculty who contribute to student instruction and supervision across the curriculum. 

Advanced training opportunities include the General Practice Residency (GPR), Prosthodontics Residency Program, and Maxillofacial Prosthetics Program. These programs provide interdisciplinary experiences that prepare graduates for advanced clinical practice, hospital-based care, leadership, and academic careers.

Clinical Care

Faculty, students, residents, and fellows provide care across comprehensive, hospital-based, urgent care, and specialty practice settings. Clinical experiences emphasize restoration of oral health, replacement of missing teeth, implant treatment, management of complex dental conditions, and care for medically complex patients.

The department supports many of the clinical experiences central to the D.M.D. curriculum, including the Comprehensive Care and Urgent Care clinics, while maintaining specialty services in prosthodontics, maxillofacial prosthetics, hospital dentistry, and advanced restorative care.

Full-time faculty may also have opportunities to participate in faculty practice through UAB Dental Group, integrating patient care with education, research, and service.

In-House Laboratories & Imaging

Research and Scholarly Activity

Faculty conduct basic, translational, clinical, and educational research that advances restorative dentistry, prosthodontics, implant dentistry, digital dentistry, biomaterials, and patient outcomes.

Restorative Sciences

Faculty conduct research and scholarly activities focused on:

• Digital dentistry and CAD-CAM technologies
• Restorative materials and adhesive science
• Implant dentistry and implant outcomes
• Prosthodontics and maxillofacial prosthetics
• Temporomandibular disorders
• Digital workflows, optical scanning, and 3D technologies
• Biomaterials and restorative treatment performance
• Oral microbiology and biomaterials interactions
• Hospiral dentistry and care for medically complex patients
• Epidemiological studies related to populations treated in community-based health education and AIDS health care.
• Clinical outcomes and evidence-based care, including Dental PBRN projects
• Dental education and curriculum innovation

News and Recognition

The Department of Restorative Sciences celebrates the accomplishments of its people and programs through scholarly achievement, professional leadership, educational innovation, and patient care excellence.

Diego Ardenghi named head of UAB Prosthodontics Division →

Finding purpose through complex care in prosthodontics →

Givan to serve in national prosthodontics leadership role →

SOD General Practice Residency provides a 'crash-course' in dealing with complex cases →

About Our Department

Healthy gums and supporting tissues are essential to oral health, function, and quality of life.

The UAB Department of Periodontology advances the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease and conditions affecting the supporting structures of the teeth. Faculty, residents, and students combine education, research, and patient care to improve oral health outcomes and advance the science of periodontology.

The department is recognized for strengths in periodontal regeneration, implant dentistry, periodontal-systemic health research, and evidence-based patient care. Through professional leadership, scholarly activity, and advanced specialty training, faculty contribute to discoveries and innovations that influence the specialty and improve patient outcomes.

Education and Training

The Department of Periodontology contributes to the education of future dentists through classroom, preclinical, and clinical instruction while providing advanced specialty training through its accredited Periodontology Residency Program. Faculty mentor students and residents in diagnosis, treatment planning, surgical techniques, implant therapy, and evidence-based periodontal care.

Beyond predoctoral and specialty education, the department supports lifelong learning through continuing education programs, lectures, and its Periodontology Preceptorship Program, which provides additional educational opportunities for dentists seeking advanced exposure to periodontology and implant dentistry.

Learn more about the Periodontology Residency Program →

Clinical Care

Faculty provide comprehensive periodontal and implant care, including the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease, periodontal plastic surgery, regenerative procedures, implant placement and maintenance, and management of complex periodontal conditions.

The department's clinical environment supports advanced patient care, education, and research while providing students and residents with extensive experience across a broad range of surgical and nonsurgical periodontal therapies.

Full-time faculty may also have opportunities to participate in faculty practice through UAB Dental Group, integrating patient care with education, research, and service.

Community Engagement

The Department of Periodontology supports outreach, service, and professional engagement activities that promote oral health, expand access to care, and strengthen connections with the profession and broader community.

Research and Scholarly Activity

Faculty conduct basic, translational, and clinical research that advances the understanding, prevention, and treatment of periodontal disease and related conditions.

Periodontology

The Department of Periodontology is actively engaged in clinical and translational research that truly focuses upon the UAB School of Dentistry’s core values: excellence, patient-centered, innovation, and unity of purpose. We aim to conduct research that meets the highest standards in a state-of-the-art facility to provide benefits to our patients and to expand the knowledge base in periodontology. Our research interests include periodontal-systemic connection, innovative regenerative technologies, dental implant innovations, epigenetics, and the periodontal microbiome.

Recent Studies

• Active Studies
  • A dental implant registry of treatment outcomes of implant therapy by practitioners in the National Dental Practice Based Research Network (UG3 DE030090).
  • Association between maxillary sinus characteristics and graft volumetric stability 12 months after lateral window sinus augmentation: A retrospective study.
  • A prospective, randomized clinical trial to compare side incision access mucosal incision (SAMRI) and sulcular tunnel access (STA) root coverage procedures with coronally advanced flap and acellular dermal matrix (ADM) to treat teeth with gingival recession and lack of adequate keratinized tissue.
  • Growth factor availability and release kinetics in Platelet Rich Fibrin versus rh-PDGF with and without bone substitutes: An in vitro analysis.
  • Gain of Keratinized Mucosa Around Teeth and Dental Implants Using a combination of Strip Gingival Graft and Acellular Dermal Matrix.
  • Lateral Ridge Augmentation Using allograft bone particles hydrated with or without Recombinant Human Platelet-Derived Growth factor: A clinical and Histological Randomized Controlled Trial.
  • A Randomized, Double-Blind, Active-Control, Single-Center Safety and Efficacy Study of a Novel Dental Gel(LDG) as an Adjunct to Scaling and Root Planing (SRP) in Subjects with Stage II and III Periodontitis.
  • A prospective, randomized clinical trial to compare orthodontic molar protraction with and without adjunctive periodontally accelerated osteogenic orthodontic (PAOO) surgery.
  • Tissue Procurement for Periodontal and Dental Implant Research.
  • Impact of abutment angulation on longitudinal dental implant outcomes.
  • De-Epithelized Free Gingival Graft Harvesting Pain Perception Study
  • A Prospective, Randomized Clinical Trial to Compare Post-extraction Use of a Novel Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA) Post-operative Mouth Rinse and Daily use EDTA Mouth Rinse and Standard 0.12% Chlorhexidine (CHX) Post-operative Mouth Rinse and Daily Use Essential Oil (EO) Mouth Rinse.
• Peer-Reviewed Articles
  • Takesh T, Goshtasbi A, Lin K, Yang SM, Wink C, Geisinger ML, Wilder-Smith P. Better Living Through Chemistry? A Randomized, Double-blind Controlled Study Evaluating the Efficacy of Plaque Control and Gingival Health Impacts of a Novel Stannous Fluoride-Containing Gel. J Periodontol 2023; 94(4): 509-518. PMID: 35980316
  • De Souza GM, Tiwari T, Fox C, Miguez PA, Letra A, Geisinger ML, Shaddox L, Ioannidou E. Early Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Dental Researchers’ Perceptions of Productivity, Work-Life Balance and Mental Health Highlights Gender Differences. J Dent Educ 2023; 87(2): 170-181. PMID: 36131372 PMC9538829
  • Shah B, Shah M, Meghil M, Saleh MAH, Geisinger ML, Wang The effect of non-surgical periodontal therapy on plasma C-reactive protein levels in periodontitis patients. A single arm prospective clinical trial. J Periodontol 2023; 94(3): 336-343. PMID: 36069212
  • Geurs NC, Jeffcoat M, Nipul T, Geisinger ML, Parry S, Biggio J, Doyle MJ, Grender JM, Reddy MS. A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial of Prenatal Oral Hygiene Education in Pregnancy-Associated Gingivitis. J Midwifery Women’s Health 2023; 68(4): 507-516. PMID: 37026567
  • Parry S, Jeffcoat M, Reddy MS, Doyle MJ, Grender JM, Gerlach RW, Tanna N, Geisinger ML, Geurs NC, Biggio J. Evaluation of an Advanced Oral Hygiene Regimen on Maternity Outcomes in a Randomized Multicenter (OHMOM) Clinical Trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2023; Aug 5(8): 100995. PMID: 37127210
  • Geisinger ML, Geurs NC, Novy B, Otomo-Corgel J, Cobb CM, Jacobsen PL, Takesh T, Wilder-Smith P. A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial Evaluating Comparative Plaque and Gingival Health Associated with Commercially Available Stannous Fluoride-Containing Dentifrices as Compared to a Sodium Fluoride Control Dentifrice. J Periodontol 2023; 94(9): 1112-1121. PMID: 37016272
  • Basma HS, Saleh M, Abou-Arraj RV, Imbrogno M, Ravida A, Wang HL, Li P, Geurs NC. Patient Reported Outcomes of Palatal Donor Site Healing Using Four Different Wound Dressings Modalities Following Free Epithelialized Mucosal Grafts: A controlled clinical trial. J Periodontol 2023; 94(1): 88-97. PMID: 35754198
  • Yumoto K, Rashid J, Ibrahim KG, Zielske SP, Wang Y, Omi M, Decker AM, Jung Y, Sun D, Remmer HA, Mishina Y, Buttitta LA, Taichman RS, Cackowski FC. HER2 as a potential therapeutic target on quiescent prostate cancer cells. Transl Oncol. 2023; 31: 101642.. PMID: 36805918; PMCID: PMC9971552.
  • Basma HS, Saleh MHA, Geurs NC, Li P, Ravida A, Wang HL, Abou-Arraj RV. The effect of bone particle size on the histomorphometric and clinical outcomes following lateral ridge augmentation procedures: A randomized double-blinded controlled trial. J Periodontol. 2023; 94(2): 163-173. PMID: 35959712
  • Geisinger ML. NexGen Regen? Challenges and opportunities for growth factors and signaling agents in periodontal regeneration at intrabony defects. Frontiers in Dental Medicine. 2023; 4:1239149. doi:10.3389/fdmed.2023.1239149.
  • Kim JK, Chang I, Jung Y, Kaplan Z, Hill EE, Taichman RS, Krebsbach PH. Mycoplasma hyorhinisinfection promotes TNF-α signaling and SMAC mimetic-mediated apoptosis in human prostate cancer. 2023; 9(10):e20655. PMID: 37867861; PMCID: PMC105852371
  • Xiao C, Puga F, Pickering C, Wang HS, Geisinger ML, Cain C, Li P, Jablonski R. Care-resistant Behavior Trajectories during Mouth Care among Nursing Home Residents with Dementia. The Gerontologist. 2024; 64(9): gnae084 https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnae084
  • Kaur M, Geisinger ML, Sosa P. Periodontal Disease and Chronic Kidney Disease: Examining the Potential Correlation. Compend Contin Educ Dent. 2024; 45(8): 396-402. PMID: 39276787
  • Saleh MA, Sabri H, Di Pietro N, Comuzzi L, Geurs NC, Bou Semaan L, Piatteli A. Clinical Indications and Outcomes of Sinus Floor Augmentation with Bone Substitutes: An Evidence-Based Review. Clin Implant Dent Relat Res. 2025; 27(1): e134000 PMID: 39415739
  • Miron RJ, Pikos MA, Estrin NE, Kobayashi-Fujioka M, Espinoza AR, Basma HS, Zhang Y. Extended platelet-rich fibrin. Periodontol 2000. 2024. 94(1):114-130. doi: 10.1111/prd.12537. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37986559.
  • Estrin NE, Basma H, Espinoza AR, Pinto MAC, Pikos MA, Miron RJ. Extended Platelet-Rich Fibrin as a Membrane for Lateral Window Sinus Lifts: A Case Series. Clin Implant Dent Relat Res. 2025 Feb;27(1):e13427. doi: 10.1111/cid.13427. Epub 2024 Dec 13. PMID: 39671152.
  • Madison ES, Basma HS, Geisinger ML. Thick vs. Thin Phenotype: The Impacts on Oral Health Outcomes. Compend Contin Educ Dent. 2025; 46(5): 223-231 *Selected as Cover Feature PMID: 40479540
  • Wang HL, Avila-Ortiz G, Monje M, Kumar P, Calatrava J, Aghaloo T, Barootchi S, Fiorellini JP, Galarraga-Vinueza ME, Kan J, Lin GH, Ravida A, Saleh MHA, Tavelli L, AO/AAP Consensus Participants, Rosen PS. AO/AAP Consensus on Prevention and Management of Peri-Implant Diseases and Conditions: Summary Report. J Periodontol 2025; 96(6): 519-541. PMID: 40501397
  • Sosa P, Geisinger ML. Desquamative gingivitis: Medical and surgical management of oral lesions. Compend Contin Ed Dent 2025; 46(8): 370-375. PMID: 41043161
  • Sosa P, Bou Semaan L, Geisinger ML. Beyond Osseointegration: Biomaterials for oral regeneration in implant dentistry. Compend Contin Ed Dent 2025; 46(8): 392-393. PMID: 41043165
  • Krueger K, Kaur M, Geisinger ML. Periodontal disease and infertility: Probing the depths of this potential connection. Compend Contin Ed Dent 2025; 46(9): 423-428. PMID: 41628002 *Selected as Cover Feature
  • Monje A, Soldini C, Fahimipour F, Sarsri M, Geisinger ML. Use of cells and/or biologics combined with scaffolds for alveolar bone augmentation for implant site development. J Periodontol [In Press]
  • Choreftakis E, Fahimipour F, Geisinger ML. Penicillin Allergy and Dental Implant Outcomes: A Review. Compend Contin Ed Dent 2025; 47(2): 16-21.
  • Romanos A, Bou Semaan L, Malak C, Basma H, Romanos GE. The combo strategy: triple approach for gummy smile—18-month case series. J Esthet Restor Dent 2026; Jan 20 [Online ahead of print] doi:10.1111/jerd.70113.
• Abstracts
  • Xiao CN, Puga F, Cain C, Geisinger ML, Jablonski RA, Pickering CE. Care-resistant Behavior Trajectories of Persons with Dementia in Nursing Homes and Distal Outcomes in Oral Health. Gerontology Society of America Annual Meeting 2023.
  • Geisinger ML. SUNSTAR Innovations Abstracts. Multimedia tools for caregiver education and implementation of optimal mouth care in persons living with moderate to severe dementia. J Periodontol. 2023; 94(7): 919-924. 
  • Xiao CN, Puga F, Wang HL, Geisinger ML, Cain C, Li P, Jablonski RA. Care-resistant behavior trajectories in the context of mouth care of persons living with dementia in nursing homes. Society of Behavior Medicine (SBM) Annual Meeting, 2024.
  • Rathburn K, Xiao CN, Geisinger ML. Exploring the Relationship Between Oral Health, Periodontal-Associated Bacteria, and Dementia in Non-Ventilated Hospitalized Older Adults. Southern Nursing Research Society Conference, 2024 (Charlotte, NC).
  • Xiao C, Puga F, Pickering C, Cain C, Geisinger ML, Jablonski. Care-resistant behavior trajectories of persons with dementia in nursing homes and distal outcomes in oral health. Innovations in Aging 2023; 7(Suppl 1): 24.
  • Anastasaki A, Chang B, Wu WC., Bradley J, Basma HS. Achieving Ideal emergence Profile Using Milled Implant-retained PMMA provisional Restorations on Four Anterior Adjacent Implants in the Esthetic Zone American Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics 2023 (Chicago, IL).
  • Xiao C, Puga F, Pickering CE, Geisinger ML, Cain C, Jablonski R. Trajectories of Care-resistant Behavior During Mouth Care of Persons Living with Dementia in Nursing Homes. Southern Nursing Research Society (SNRS). Annual Meeting 2023.
  • Rathburn K, Xiao CN, Geisinger ML. Exploring the Relationship Between Oral Health, Periodontal-Associated Bacteria, and Dementia in Non-Ventilated Hospitalized Older Adults. Southern Nursing Research Society Conference, 2024 (Charlotte, NC).
  • Geisinger ML, Robinson MA, Jablonski RA. Multimedia Tools for Caregiver Education for Mouth Care in Persons Living with Dementia. IADR/AADOCR/CADR Annual Meeting, 2024. (New Orleans, LA).
  • Peña J, Shah J, Geisinger ML. Gingival Phenotype Modification at Sites with Gingival Recession and Non-Carious Cervical Lesions (NCCLs). Academy of General Dentistry Annual Meeting, 2024. (Minneapolis, MN).
  • Geisinger ML, Misch-Haring MA, Abou Arraj RV, Fahimipour F, Geurs NC. Impact of carriers on growth factor release: In Vitro Analysis. AADOCR/CADR Annual Meeting, 2025. (New York, NY).
  • Fahimipour F, Nguyen L, Geurs NC, Geisinger ML. A cross-sectional retrospective study on age-related periodontal bone loss using electronic health record: Is the association linear? EuroPerio11 2025 (Vienna, Austria).
  • Villalobos S, Kaur M, Javed A, Geurs NC, Geisinger ML. Inflammatory markers medicated and unmedicated patients with depression and periodontitis. IADR Annual Meeting, 2025. (Barcelona, Spain).
  • Ahmad A, Nassar M, Basma H. Prescribing antibiotics prior to and /or following socket preservation and bone grafting procedures. UAB SOD Scholar's Symposium.
  • Bou-Semaan L, Sosa P, Ouriques F, Kaur M, Basma HS. Post Graft Pain Management. Evaluation Collagen Sponge and Composite in Free Gingival Graft Donor Site. (A0 2025).
  • Ouriques F, Meneghetti P, Kaur M, Geisinger M, Basma HS, Sadid R. Guided lateral sinus lift with simultaneous implant placement. (AO meeting 2025).
  • Feagin C, Hahn K, Jablonski R, Geisinger ML. Multimedia Tools for Caregiver Education for Mouth Care in Persons Living with Dementia. UAB Scholar’s Symposium, 2025. (3rd Place, Predoctoral Clinical Science).
  • Bou Semaan L, Basma HS, Fahimipour F, Geisinger ML. Evaluation of Free Gingival Graft Timing in Staged Guided Bone Regeneration: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Southern Academy of Periodontology Meeting (Marco Island, FL) (2nd Place Winner Billy M. Pennel Clinical Science).
  • Ouriques FD, Queiroga Figueredo A, Kaur M. Amlodipine induced gingival overgrowth - A Case Report. UAB Scholars Symposium March 2025.
  • Camp S, Beall J, Broeseker A, Bosworth P, Cruz-Walma D, Geurs N, Holley S, Kaur M, Muñoz E, Shorten A, Watts P. Interprofessional Collaborative Learning for Dental, Nurse-Midwifery, and Pharmacy Students: Supporting women’s health across the lifespan. UAB ENRICH week 2024.
  • Kaur M, Geurs N, Barton D, Smith NX, Johnson JD, Startley SJ, Fahimipour F, Cunha-Cruz J. The National Dental PBRN Dental Implant Restoration Registry: baseline findings. AADOCR meeting, New York March 2025.
  • Watts PI, Camp S, Bosworth P, Munoz E, Holley S, Beall J, Broeseker A, Geurs N, Kaur M, Walma D, Shorten A. Promoting Women’s Health Across the Lifespan. [Podium presentation]. National Academies of Practice National Forum & Meeting. Washington, DC. March 2025.

News and Recognition

The department celebrates the accomplishments of its people and programs through awards, scholarly achievements, professional leadership, and departmental milestones.

Geisinger elected to serve on AADOCR national committee →

UAB Periodontology resident honored with national leadership award →

Palcanis honored with Fuller Award, the profession's highest honor in Alabama dentistry →

Alumni Spotlight

About Our Department

Every child deserves a healthy start.

The Department of Pediatric Dentistry is dedicated to improving the oral health of infants, children, adolescents, and individuals with special health care needs through education, research, patient care, and community engagement. Faculty, students, and residents work together to advance prevention-focused care while preparing future leaders in pediatric dentistry.

The department is recognized for strengths in specialty education, clinical care, oral health research, and outreach programs that improve access to care for children and families throughout Alabama and beyond. Through professional leadership, scholarly activity, and service, faculty contribute to advancing children's oral health and the specialty of pediatric dentistry.

Education and Training

The Department of Pediatric Dentistry contributes to the education of future dentists through classroom, preclinical, and clinical instruction while providing advanced specialty training through its Pediatric Dentistry Residency Program.

Residents gain experience caring for children and individuals with developmental disabilities while developing expertise in behavior guidance, sedation, dental trauma, comprehensive care, and prevention-focused dentistry. The department offers both certificate and certificate/master's degree pathways designed to prepare graduates for careers in community practice, academia, and specialty leadership.

Learn more about the Pediatric Dentistry Residency Program →

Clinical Care

Faculty and residents provide care for infants, children, adolescents, and individuals with special health care needs through a variety of clinical environments that support education, research, and patient care.

Student and resident clinical experiences include community-based pediatric dentistry, interdisciplinary care for individuals with developmental disabilities, and hospital-based care for medically complex patients. These settings provide learners with broad exposure to preventive, restorative, behavioral, trauma, and special needs dentistry while helping improve access to care for vulnerable populations.

Full-time faculty may also have opportunities to participate in faculty practice through UAB Dental Group, integrating patient care with education, research, and service.

Community Engagement

Community outreach is central to the department's mission. Faculty, residents, and students participate in programs that promote oral health, expand access to care, and create positive dental experiences for children and families throughout Alabama.

Through initiatives such as Give Kids a Smile, TeamSmile, community partnerships, educational outreach, and service activities, the department helps connect children and families with preventive care, treatment, and oral health education.

Research and Scholarly Activity

Faculty conduct basic, translational, clinical, and public health research that advances the understanding, prevention, and treatment of oral diseases affecting children and special populations.

Pediatric Dentistry

The Department of Pediatric Dentistry is actively engaged in clinical and translational research. Areas of contribution include:

• Molecular mechanism governing bacterial biofilm formation
• Osteoimmunology, host/microbial interactions in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease and dental caries
• Mucosal vaccines for oral infectious diseases
• Adjuvant development and characterization
• Regenerative dental research
• Microbiology and epidemiology of dental caries in high caries-risk population
• Mucosal immunology and cytokines in dental diseases
• Periodontal disease

News and Recognition

The Department of Pediatric Dentistry celebrates the accomplishments of its people and programs through awards, scholarly achievements, community impact, and departmental milestones.

Janice G. Jackson receives national mentoring award →

Cheon receives NIH grant to advance tooth repair materials →

Give Kids A Smile® at UAB highlights faculty mentorship and student leadership →

Ping Zhang elected president of IADR Microbiology and Immunology Group →

Pediatric Dentistry isn't child's play, but it's still fun for SOD resident Dr. Amber Were →

About Our Department

Creating healthy, confident smiles begins with understanding the complex relationships among growth, development, function, and facial form.

The UAB Department of Orthodontics advances patient care, education, research, and innovation in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. Faculty, students, and residents work together to improve oral health and quality of life through evidence-based treatment, scholarly activity, and professional leadership.

The department is recognized for strengths in craniofacial growth and development, advanced imaging, translational research, and orthodontic education. Through research, specialty training, and clinical excellence, faculty contribute to advances that shape the future of orthodontics and improve patient outcomes.

Education and Training

The Department of Orthodontics contributes to the education of future dentists through classroom, preclinical, and clinical instruction while providing advanced specialty training through the Orthodontics Residency Program and International Orthodontics Program.

Faculty mentor students and residents in diagnosis, treatment planning, biomechanics, craniofacial growth and development, and contemporary orthodontic care. The department also supports lifelong learning through continuing education programs, including the Orthodontics Mini Residency and Craniofacial Orthodontic Program.

Explore Orthodontics educational programs →

Clinical Care

The department provides comprehensive orthodontic care for children, adolescents, and adults while supporting education and research. Clinical faculty oversee a wide range of treatment approaches, including comprehensive orthodontics, interdisciplinary care, and management of complex craniofacial conditions.

Full-time faculty may also have opportunities to participate in faculty practice through UAB Dental Group, integrating patient care with education, research, and service.

Advanced imaging, digital workflows, and contemporary treatment technologies support patient care, education, and scholarly activity while providing students and residents with extensive clinical learning opportunities.

Research and Scholarly Activity

Faculty conduct basic, translational, and clinical research that advances orthodontic care, craniofacial science, and dentofacial orthopedics.

Orthodontics

Our department is dedicated to researching orthodontic problems through a network of clinicians and scientists. Our clinical and basic laboratory enhance the diagnosis and treatment of these problems. We have research projects in the area of 3D imaging, CBCT Technology, Cleft and Craniofacial Anomalies, TMJ arthritis, root resorbtion and clinical translational sciences. The Department has continuous funding with the NIH and industry totaling almost US$3 Million in the last 5 years

News and Recognition

The Department of Orthodontics celebrates the accomplishments of its people and programs through scholarly achievements, professional leadership, awards, and departmental milestones.

Read the latest Orthodontics newsletter →

Navdeep Bhusri joins UAB Orthodontics as assistant professor →

Mapping the face through AI at UAB Orthodontics →

Dr. Chung How Kau named first holder of Don Speed Endowed Professor for Orthodontics →

Support the Department of Orthodontics

Philanthropic support helps advance education, research, patient care, and departmental priorities.

Learn about giving opportunities →

About Our Department

The Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is dedicated to excellence in education, research, and patient care.

Our department advances patient care, surgical education, research, and innovation across the full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery. Faculty, students, residents, and fellows work together to improve outcomes for patients with conditions affecting the face, jaws, mouth, head, and neck.

The department is recognized for strengths in trauma, orthognathic surgery, head and neck oncology, microvascular reconstruction, temporomandibular joint disorders, facial reconstruction, sleep surgery, and craniofacial care. Through clinical excellence, scholarly activity, and professional leadership, faculty contribute to advances that shape the future of oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Faculty include nationally recognized educators, researchers, and surgeons whose work has helped advance the specialty through discovery, innovation, and service.

Education and Training

Specialized Learning Resources

Clinical Care

Research and Scholarly Activity

Faculty conduct basic, translational, and clinical research that advances the understanding and treatment of conditions affecting the craniofacial complex, head and neck region, and maxillofacial skeleton.

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

The UAB Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is dedicated to research activities that span from the bench to the bedside. With active research in all areas of the specialty, our investigators are dedicated to making an impact on patients worldwide and educating the next generation of surgeons.

News and Recognition

The Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery celebrates the accomplishments of its people and programsi through scholarly achievements, professional leadership, awards, and departmental milestones.

About Our Department

We believe healthy smiles can change lives.

The Department of Endodontics is dedicated to preserving natural teeth through specialty care, education, research, and professional leadership. Faculty, residents, and students focus on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases affecting the dental pulp and periapical tissues while advancing new approaches to patient care and scientific discovery.

Faculty expertise spans endodontics, microbiology, regeneration, pain science, imaging, immunology, and clinical outcomes research, creating opportunities for discovery, collaboration, and advanced training.

The department's impact extends beyond the clinic, classroom, and laboratory. Faculty serve in leadership roles within organized dentistry, specialty organizations, the university, and the School of Dentistry, contributing expertise that helps advance the profession and supports the missions of education, research, patient care, and service.

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Education and Training

The Department of Endodontics contributes to the education of future dentists through classroom, preclinical, and clinical instruction, helping students develop the knowledge and skills needed to diagnose and manage pulpal and periapical disease. Faculty also provide advanced specialty training through the Endodontics Residency Program, mentoring residents in contemporary endodontic techniques, evidence-based treatment planning, patient care, and scholarly activity.

The department also supports lifelong learning through continuing education programs, lectures, and observership opportunities for practicing dentists and international participants.

Learn more about the Endodontics Residency Program →

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Clinical Care

Clinical faculty provide comprehensive endodontic care through the UAB Dentistry Endodontics Clinic, including nonsurgical and surgical endodontics, retreatment, and vital pulp therapy.

Full-time faculty may also have opportunities to participate in faculty practice through UAB Dental Group, integrating patient care with education, research, and service.

The department's clinical environment features operating microscopes, digital radiography, and dedicated cone beam CT imaging that support patient care, education, and research. Faculty, residents, and students provide care for approximately 2,500 patients annually, creating extensive opportunities for clinical learning and collaboration.

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Research and Scholarly Activity

Faculty conduct basic, translational, and clinical research that advances the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of pulpal and periapical disease.

Endodontics

Our department is actively engaged in basic, translational and clinical research focuesd on advancing the understanding and treatment of pulpal and periapical disease. Current areas of investigation include:

• Biology & Regeneration
• Regenerative endodontics
• Pulp biology
• Host response
• Infection & Outcomes
• Microbiology
• Biofilms
• Antibiotic response
• Clinical outcomes

 

Publications

• 2020 - 2025
  • Nosrat A, Tian Y, Verma P, Mossad N, Wu D, Fouad AF. Same-day emergencies in endodontic specialists practice: Before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Int Endod J. 2025 Jul;58(7):952-964. PMID: 40110932.
  • Fouad AF. Outcomes of Endodontic Treatment: Which Measures Are Important? J Endod. 2025 Apr;51(4):399-400. PMID: 40049546.
  • Pigg M, Nagendrababu V, Duncan HF, Abbott PV, Fouad AF, Kruse C, Patel S, Rechenberg DK, Suresh N, Shetty YN, Dummer PMH. PRIDASE 2024 Guidelines for Reporting Diagnostic Accuracy Studies in Endodontics: Explanation and Elaboration. Int Endod J. 2024 Sep 19. doi: 10.1111/iej.14148. PMID: 39298282.
  • Nagendrababu V, Pigg M, Duncan HF, Abbott PV, Fouad AF, Kruse C, Patel S, Rechenberg DK, Setzer FC, Rossi-Fedele G, Dummer PMH. PRIDASE 2024 Guidelines for Reporting Diagnostic Accuracy Studies in Endodontics: A Consensus-based Development. Int Endod J. 2024 Aug;57(8):996-1005. PMID: 38669132.
  • Nosrat A, Verma P, Dianat O, Ramzy N, Mehrzad S, Valancius M, Aminoshariae A, Fouad AF. Incidence of Middle Mesial Canals in Mandibular Molars During Root Canal Treatment and Nonsurgical Retreatment. J Endod. 2024 Jun;50(6):774-783. PMID: 38460881.
  • Daline IH, Slade GD, Fouad AF, Nixdorf DR, Tchivileva IE. Diagnostic Accuracy of a Temporomandibular Disorder Pain Screener in Patients Seeking Endodontic Treatment for Tooth Pain. J Endod. 2024 Jan;50(1):55-63. PMID: 38379174.
  • Sabeti MA, Nikghalb KD, Pakzad R, Fouad AF. Expression of Selected Inflammatory Mediators With Different Clinical Characteristics of Pulpal Inflammation. J Endod. 2024 Mar;50(3):336-343. PMID: 38147909.
  • El Karim IA, Duncan HF, Fouad AF, Taha NA, Yu V, Saber S, Ballal V, Chompu-Inwai P, Ahmed HMA, Gomes BPFA, Abushouk S, Cushley S, O'Neill C, Clarke M. Effectiveness of Full Pulpotomy Compared With Root Canal Treatment in Managing Teeth With Wigns and Symptoms Indicative of Irreversible Pulpitis: a Protocol for Prospective Meta-analysis of Individual Participant Data of Linked Randomised Clinical Trials (PROVE). Trials. 2023 Dec 15;24(1):807. PMID: 38102685.
  • Altitinchi A, Schweizer A, Dean K, Lawson N, Sulaiman T, Fouad AF. An Ex-Vivo Model for Investigating Bacterial Extrusion From Infected Root Canals During Masticatory Function. J Endod. 2023 Nov;49(11):1553-1558. PMID: 37611655.
  • Alhadainy HA, Abdel-Karim AH, Fouad AF. Prevalence of Fusobacterium Species in Endodontic Infections Detected With Molecular Methods: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Endod. 2023 Oct;49(10):1249-1261. PMID: 37611654.
  • Nosrat A, Valancius M, Mehrzad S, Dianat O, Verma P, Aminoshariae A, Fouad AF. Flare-ups After Nonsurgical Retreatments: Incidence, Associated Factors, and Prediction. J Endod. 2023 Oct;49(10):1299-1307. PMID: 37451334.
  • Daline IH, Slade GD, Fouad AF, Nixdorf DR, Tchivileva IE. Diagnostic Accuracy of a Temporomandibular Disorder Pain Screener in Patients Seeking Endodontic Treatment for Tooth Pain. J Endod. 2024 Jan;50(1):55-63. doi: 10.1016/j.joen.2023.10.011. Epub 2023 Oct 29. PMID: 38379174.
  • Sabeti MA, Nikghalb KD, Pakzad R, Fouad AF. Expression of Selected Inflammatory Mediators with Different Clinical Characteristics of Pulpal Inflammation. J Endod. 2024 Mar;50(3):336-343. doi: 10.1016/j.joen.2023.11.016. Epub 2023 Dec 24. PMID: 38147909.
  • El Karim IA, Duncan HF, Fouad AF, Taha NA, Yu V, Saber S, Ballal V, Chompu-Inwai P, Ahmed HMA, Gomes BPFA, Abushouk S, Cushley S, O'Neill C, Clarke M. Effectiveness of full Pulpotomy compared with Root canal treatment in managing teeth with signs and symptOms indicative of irreversible pulpitis: a protocol for prospectiVE meta-analysis of individual participant data of linked randomised clinical trials (PROVE). Trials. 2023 Dec 15;24(1):807. doi: 10.1186/s13063-023-07836-6. PMID: 38102685; PMCID: PMC10722670.
  • Altitinchi A, Schweizer A, Dean K, Lawson N, Sulaiman T, Fouad AF, An ex-vivo model for investigating bacterial extrusion from infected root canals during masticatory function. J Endod. 2023 Aug 21:S0099-2399(23)00502-2. doi: 10.1016/j.joen.2023.08.008. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37611655.
  • Alhadainy HA, Abdel-Karim AH, Fouad AF, Prevalence of Fusobacterium Species in Endodontic Infections detected with molecular methods: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Endod. 2023 Aug 21:S0099-2399(23)00501-0. doi: 10.1016/j.joen.2023.08.009. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37611654.
  • Nosrat A, Valancius M, Mehrzad S, Dianat O, Verma P, Aminoshariae A, Fouad AF, Flare-ups After Nonsurgical Retreatments: Incidence, Associated Factors, and Prediction. J Endod. 2023 Jul 13:S0099-2399(23)00395-3. doi: 10.1016/j.joen.2023.07.004. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37451334.
  • Daline IH, Slade GD, Fouad AF, Nixdorf DR, Tchivileva IE. Prevalence of painful temporomandibular disorders in endodontic patients with tooth pain. J Oral Rehabil. 2023 Jul;50(7):537-547. doi: 10.1111/joor.13457. Epub 2023 Apr 14. PMID: 37021602.
  • Nagendrababu V, Duncan HF, Fouad AF, Kirkevang LL, Parashos P, Pigg M, Vaeth M, Jayaraman J, Suresh N, Jakovljevic A, Dummer PMH. PROBE 2023 guidelines for reporting observational studies in endodontics: Explanation and elaboration. Int Endod J. 2023 Jun;56(6):652-685. doi: 10.1111/iej.13909. Epub 2023 Mar 20. PMID: 36851874.
  • Nagendrababu V, Duncan HF, Fouad AF, Kirkevang LL, Parashos P, Pigg M, Vaeth M, Jayaraman J, Suresh N, Arias A, Wigsten E, Dummer PMH. PROBE 2023 guidelines for reporting observational studies in Endodontics: A consensus-based development study. Int Endod J. 2023 Mar;56(3):308-317. doi: 10.1111/iej.13873. Epub 2022 Dec 11. PMID: 36416192.
  • Alghofaily M, Fouad AF, Association of Chronic Systemic Medications with the Incidence, Prevalence, or Healing of Endodontic Disease: A Systematic Review. J Endod. 2022 Dec;48(12):1458-1467. PMID: 36244516.
  • Barrett B, McGovern J, Catanzaro W, Coble S, Redden D, Fouad AF, Clinical Efficacy of an Extraoral Dental Evacuation Device in Aerosol Elimination During Endodontic Access Preparation. J Endod. 2022 Dec;48(12):1468-1475. PMID: 36206990.
  • Fouad AF, Diogenes AR, Torabinejad M, Hargreaves KM. Microbiome Changes during Regenerative Endodontic Treatment Using Different Methods of Disinfection. J Endod. 2022 Oct;48(10):1273-1284. doi: 10.1016/j.joen.2022.07.004. Epub 2022 Aug 27. PMID: 36030971.
  • Nosrat A, Yu P, Verma P, Dianat O, Wu D, Fouad AF, Was the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic Associated with an Increased Rate of Cracked Teeth? J Endod. 2022 Oct;48(10):1241-1247. doi: 10.1016/j.joen.2022.07.002. Epub 2022 Jul 12. PMID: 35835260; PMCID: PMC9273286.
  • Fouad AF, Molecular Characterization of Irreversible Pulpitis: A Protocol Proposal and Preliminary Data. Front. Dent. Med, 10 May 2022 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fdmed.2022.867414.
  • Nosrat A, Yu P, Dianat O, Verma P, Taheri S, Wu D, Fouad AF, Endodontic Specialists' Practice During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: 1 Year after the Initial Outbreak. J Endod. 2022 Jun;48(6):699-706. doi: 10.1016/j.joen.2022.03.004. Epub 2022 Mar 17. PMID: 35307515; PMCID: PMC8928705.
  • Nosrat A, Dianat O, Verma P, Yu P, Wu D, Fouad AF. Endodontics Specialists' Practice during the Initial Outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019. J Endod. 2022 Jan;48(1):102-108. doi: 10.1016/j.joen.2021.09.015. Epub 2021 Oct 6. PMID: 34626613; PMCID: PMC8493639.
  • Pigg M, Duncan HF, Nagendrababu V, Abbott P, Fouad AF, Kruse C, Patel S, Rechenberg DK, Dummer PM. Preferred Reporting Items for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies in ​Endodontics (PRIDASE): Guidance to improve manuscripts assessing the diagnostic accuracy of procedures, techniques and devices. Int Endod J. 2021 Jul;54(7):1005-1007. doi: 10.1111/iej.13539. PMID: 34089630.
  • Yoo YJ, Perinpanayagam H, Choi Y, Gu Y, Chang SW, Baek SH, Zhu Q, Fouad AF, Kum KY. Characterization of Histopathology and Microbiota in Contemporary Regenerative Endodontic Procedures: Still Coming up Short. J Endod. 2021 May 25:S0099-2399(21)00367-8. doi: 10.1016/j.joen.2021.05.006. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 34044040.
  • Yip N, Liu C, Wu D, Fouad AF. The association of apical periodontitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus: A large hospital network cross-sectional case-controlled study. J Am Dent Assoc. 2021 Jun;152(6):434-443. doi: 10.1016/j.adaj.2021.01.005. Epub 2021 Mar 29. PMID: 33795142.
  • Zhao D, Yu J, Zhang T, Du M, Yang Q, Li Z, Fouad AF. Impact of COVID-19 on advanced dental education: Perspectives of dental residents in Wuhan. J Dent Educ. 2021 Jun;85(6):756-767. doi: 10.1002/jdd.12570. Epub 2021 Feb 26. PMID: 33638235; PMCID: PMC8013597.
  • Nagendrababu V, Abbott P, Duncan HF, Fouad AF, Kruse C, Patel S, Pigg M, Rechenberg DK, Dummer PMH. Preferred Reporting Items for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies in Endodontics (PRIDASE) guidelines: a development protocol. Int Endod J. 2021 Jul;54(7):1051-1055. doi: 10.1111/iej.13497. Epub 2021 Mar 4. PMID: 33583062.
  • Weintraub JA, Quinonez RB, Smith AJT, Ciarrocca K, Fouad AF, Shazib MA, Kraszeski MM, Rankin DB, Matthews NS. Responding to a pandemic: Development of the Carolina Dentistry Virtual Oral Health Care Helpline. J Am Dent Assoc. 2020 Nov;151(11):825-834. doi: 10.1016/j.adaj.2020.08.003. PMID: 33121604.
  • Aminoshariae A, Kulild J, Fouad AF. The impact of cardiovascular disease and endodontic outcome: a systematic review of longitudinal studies. Clin Oral Investig. 2020 Nov;24(11):3813-3819. doi: 10.1007/s00784-020-03596-8. Epub 2020 Sep 23. PMID: 32965589.
  • Fouad AF. Contemporary Microbial and Antimicrobial Considerations in Regenerative Endodontic Therapy. J Endod. 2020 Sep;46(9S):S105-S114. doi: 10.1016/j.joen.2020.06.030. PMID: 32950182.
  • Yu J, Hua F, Shen Y, Haapasalo M, Qin D, Zhao D, Peng B, Fouad AF. Resumption of Endodontic Practices in COVID-19 Hardest-Hit Area of China: A Web-based Survey. J Endod. 2020 Aug 18;46(11):1577–1583.e2. doi: 10.1016/j.joen.2020.08.001. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 32818564; PMCID: PMC7431398.
  • Levin L, Day PF, Hicks L, O'Connell A, Fouad AF, Bourguignon C, Abbott PV. International Association of Dental Traumatology guidelines for the management of traumatic dental injuries: General introduction. Dent Traumatol. 2020 Aug;36(4):309-313. doi: 10.1111/edt.12574. Epub 2020 Jun 22. PMID: 32472740.
  • Bourguignon C, Cohenca N, Lauridsen E, Flores MT, O'Connell AC, Day PF, Tsilingaridis G, Abbott PV, Fouad AF, Hicks L, Andreasen JO, Cehreli ZC, Harlamb S, Kahler B, Oginni A, Semper M, Levin L. International Association of Dental Traumatology guidelines for the management of traumatic dental injuries: 1. Fractures and luxations. Dent Traumatol. 2020 Aug;36(4):314-330. doi: 10.1111/edt.12578. Epub 2020 Jul 17. PMID: 32475015.
  • Fouad AF, Abbott PV, Tsilingaridis G, Cohenca N, Lauridsen E, Bourguignon C, O'Connell A, Flores MT, Day PF, Hicks L, Andreasen JO, Cehreli ZC, Harlamb S, Kahler B, Oginni A, Semper M, Levin L. International Association of Dental Traumatology guidelines for the management of traumatic dental injuries: 2. Avulsion of permanent teeth. Dent Traumatol. 2020 Aug;36(4):331-342. doi: 10.1111/edt.12573. Epub 2020 Jun 13. PMID: 32460393.
  • Day PF, Flores MT, O'Connell AC, Abbott PV, Tsilingaridis G, Fouad AF, Cohenca N, Lauridsen E, Bourguignon C, Hicks L, Andreasen JO, Cehreli ZC, Harlamb S, Kahler B, Oginni A, Semper M, Levin L. International Association of Dental Traumatology guidelines for the management of traumatic dental injuries: 3. Injuries in the primary dentition. Dent Traumatol. 2020 Aug;36(4):343-359. doi: 10.1111/edt.12576. PMID: 32458553.
  • Nagendrababu V, Duncan HF, Fouad AF, Kirkevang LL, Parashos P, Pigg M, Vaeth M, Jayaraman J, Dummer PMH. Preferred Reporting items for OBservational studies in Endodontics (PROBE) guidelines: a development protocol. Int Endod J. 2020 Sep;53(9):1199-1203. doi: 10.1111/iej.13318. Epub 2020 Jun 1. PMID: 32365401.
  • Baras BH, Melo MAS, Thumbigere-Math V, Tay FR, Fouad AF, Oates TW, Weir MD, Cheng L, Xu HHK. Novel Bioactive and Therapeutic Root Canal Sealers with Antibacterial and Remineralization Properties. Materials (Basel). 2020 Mar 1;13(5):1096. doi: 10.3390/ma13051096. PMID: 32121595; PMCID: PMC7084849.
  • Fouad AF, Khan AA, Silva RM, Kang MK. Genetic and epigenetic characterization of pulpal and periapical inflammation. Frontiers in Physiology; 2020 (11) 21. Epub 2020/03/03. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00021. PubMed PMID: 32116745; PMCID: PMC7010935.

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News and Recognition

The Department of Endodontics celebrates the accomplishments of its people and programs through scholarly achievements, professional leadership, awards, and departmental milestones.

Read the latest Endodontics newsletter →

Helping define clinical standards: Ashraf Fouad's role in updated dental guidance →

Can Wang of UAB Endodontics receives multiple research and faculty development honors →

UAB School of Dentistry welcomes Dr. Yu Shin Kim as professor in Endodontics →

UAB School of Dentistry announces new faculty in Endodontics →

About Our Department

The department’s mission is to improve oral health through teaching, research, and service, integrating the realms of clinical and community sciences.

The UAB Department of Clinical & Community Sciences extends the reach of UAB School of Dentistry through community partnerships, practice-based research, clinical education, and programs that improve oral health across Alabama and beyond.

Faculty, staff, and trainees connect academic dentistry with real-world practice through community-based education, public health initiatives, collaborative research, and outreach programs that address oral health needs in diverse patient populations and care settings.

The department is home to the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network, community-based educational programs, and nationally recognized training in dental biomaterials. Through research, service, education, and collaboration, the department helps advance oral health, improve patient outcomes, and expand access to care.

Divisions

Education and Training

The department contributes to the education of future dentists through evidence-based dentistry, behavioral and population sciences, community dentistry, geriatrics, professional communication, and community-based clinical education. Students gain experience caring for diverse patient populations through external rotations, outreach activities, and interprofessional learning experiences across Alabama.

The department also supports graduate education through the Master of Science in Dentistry program, including an emphasis in Dental Biomaterials that combines classroom learning, laboratory research, and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Learn more about graduate and educational programs →

Clinical Care and Community Practice

The department supports oral health care delivery through community clinics, such as UAB Dentistry Dothan, UAB-affiliated clinical programs, clinical partnerships, and care models designed to improve access for underserved and vulnerable populations. These experiences strengthen the connection between education, research, and service while providing meaningful training opportunities for students and faculty.

Full-time faculty may also have opportunities to participate in faculty practice through UAB Dental Group, integrating patient care with education, research, and service.

Community Engagement

Community engagement is central to the department's mission. Faculty, staff, and students collaborate with health centers, community organizations, public health agencies, and clinical partners throughout Alabama to expand access to care and improve oral health outcomes.

The department coordinates community-based clinical education experiences, supports outreach initiatives, and develops innovative partnerships that connect oral health services with underserved, rural, aging, and medically complex populations. Through these efforts, students gain real-world experience while communities gain access to essential care and oral health resources.

Research and Scholarly Activity

Faculty conduct practice-based, translational, clinical, and community-focused research that advances oral health, implementation science, workforce development, patient outcomes, and public health.

Clinical & Community Sciences

Departmental research includes:

• Practice-based research and clinical research
• Implementation science and translation of evidence into practice
• Oral epidemiology and population health
• Health disparities and oral health equity
• Behavioral sciences and patient outcomes
• Workforce development and dental education research
• Geriatric dentistry and care for aging populations
• Dental biomaterials and biomechanics
• Interprofessional practice and community health
• Community-based oral health programs and service delivery