Research within the Katz Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery bridges clinical excellence with innovation in translational science. Faculty members conduct studies, from biomaterials and tissue engineering to cancer immunotherapy and clinical outcomes research — advancing care for patients with oral cancer, craniofacial trauma, and complex reconstructive needs.
A major research focus involves developing biomaterials-based immunotherapies for head and neck cancer. Using hydrogel systems, implantable microcytokine factories, and synthetic biology approaches, investigators are pioneering localized cancer immunotherapy strategies designed to complement existing treatments. Collaborations with Rice University, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Oregon Health and Science University, and others support these efforts.
Additional research areas include craniofacial tissue engineering, bone regeneration, semiconductor biomaterials, antioxidant coatings, and 3D-printed scaffolds for bone repair. Projects in nerve regeneration, salivary gland tissue engineering, and TMJ research further expand the department’s regenerative medicine portfolio.
The department maintains a strong tradition of resident- and student-driven research, with scholarly projects spanning clinical outcomes, virtual surgical planning, implant survival, and oral pathology. Residents routinely present at national meetings and publish in peer-reviewed journals, contributing to the advancement of both clinical and translational research.
Through these efforts, the department continues to lead in developing innovative therapies that improve patient outcomes and strengthen the scientific foundation of oral and maxillofacial surgery.