The department conducts clinical, translational, and basic science research to improve periodontal and peri-implant health and explore links between oral and systemic health. Faculty, residents, students, and collaborators address practical clinical questions and develop innovative approaches to tissue regeneration, disease prevention, and personalized care.
Focus areas
- Prevention, diagnosis, and therapy for periodontal and peri-implant diseases
- Regenerative periodontics and biomaterials aimed at restoring lost hard and soft tissues
- Outcomes, quality improvement, and safety in implant and periodontal care
- Oral-systemic health, including relationships to chronic conditions and healthy aging
- Educational innovation and data-informed decision-making at the point of care
Collaboration and mentorship
Research partnerships span UTHealth Houston and the Texas Medical Center, engaging investigators in dentistry, medicine, and public health. Trainees receive mentorship in study design, ethics, statistics, and scientific communication, with opportunities to present at conferences and contribute to peer-reviewed publications.
Support for discovery
External funding, departmental endowments, and philanthropic partnerships support innovation, expand opportunities, and accelerate the development of new therapies and educational programs.