Faculty members in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry are actively engaged in a diverse range of innovative research initiatives that span multiple disciplines. These efforts are united by a shared commitment to advancing scientific understanding, enhancing clinical practices, and ultimately improving oral health outcomes for pediatric populations.
The department’s research portfolio encompasses both foundational and applied science, with projects often integrating insights from fields such as developmental biology, public health, behavioral science, and biomedical engineering. Faculty investigators collaborate across departments and institutions, contributing to interdisciplinary studies that address complex challenges in pediatric oral health.
Key research themes currently being explored include:
- Early Childhood Caries Prevention and Management: Investigating risk factors, prevention strategies, and minimally invasive treatment approaches for early childhood caries, with a focus on underserved communities.
- Craniofacial Growth and Development: Studying the biological and environmental influences on craniofacial development, including genetic markers and growth patterns relevant to orthodontic and surgical interventions.
- Dental Materials and Biomimetics: Evaluating novel restorative materials and bioactive compounds designed to improve durability, biocompatibility, and esthetics in pediatric dental care.
- Behavioral and Psychosocial Aspects of Pediatric Dentistry: Exploring the impact of anxiety, pain perception, and behavioral management techniques on treatment outcomes and patient experiences.
- Oral Health Disparities and Community-Based Research: Conducting epidemiological studies and outreach programs aimed at reducing oral health inequities among children from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Care Models: Assessing the effectiveness of integrated care approaches involving pediatricians, nurses, and dental professionals in promoting holistic child health.
Through these initiatives, the department strengthens the evidence base for pediatric dentistry, fosters innovation, and contributes to improved oral health outcomes for children worldwide.
Department History
The Department of Pediatric Dentistry at UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry has a long-standing tradition of excellence in education, research, and clinical care.
Founded in 1958 under the leadership of Richard Jennings, DDS, the department was originally named the Department of Preventive Dentistry. The department adopted its current name in 1982, reflecting a focused mission on the oral health of children and adolescents.
Throughout its history, the department has undergone several structural changes.
From 1993 to 1999, Pediatric Dentistry operated as a division within the newly established Department of Craniofacial Growth and Development alongside Orthodontics before returning to its independent departmental structure.
The department’s clinical training has also evolved significantly over the decades.
Initially, postgraduate clinical education was based at Texas Children’s Hospital, with select residents completing their second year at Driscoll Children’s Hospital in Corpus Christi until 1980. In 1985, postgraduate training transitioned to facilities within UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry, integrating academic and clinical education.
The postgraduate clinic later relocated in 1994 to the Houston Medical Center building to expand clinical capacity and interdisciplinary collaboration. In 2022, the program returned to the newly renovated clinic at UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry, continuing its legacy of innovation and excellence in pediatric oral health education and care.