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Research

Research at UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry (UTSD) advances the dental profession. Our investigators perform innovative and cutting-edge basic, translational and clinical research that offers the opportunity to improve patient care and clinical practice. Participation in research provides dental students, residents, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows with the knowledge they need to deliver evidence-based best practices.

Three research centers at UTSD allow faculty and trainees to collaborate on research studies that require multidisciplinary approaches. UTSD’s Center for Craniofacial Research (CCR) houses faculty scientists and their lab members whose research focuses on craniofacial tissues including normal and abnormal development, oral cancer, mucosal immunity, pathogenesis of oral diseases, biomaterials, biomarker discovery and tissue regeneration/engineering. The Center for Oral Health Quality and Research emphasizes informatic approaches to improve the quality and safety of treatments promoting oral health. The Powers Center for Biomaterials and Biomimetics hosts faculty seeking to advance the restoration and maintenance of oral health with a focus on dental materials.

The UTSD is committed to fostering and disseminating research and scholarship by promoting intra- and inter-institutional relationships among all stakeholders. UTSD’s location in the Texas Medical Center, the largest in the world, offers unrivaled opportunities for collaboration with local, national and international partners. Integration with the Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences (CCTS) provides exceptional resources for planning clinical trials, bioethics and epidemiology. UTSD’s state-of-the-art biomedical research laboratories are supported by the Center for Craniofacial Research Instrumentation Core (CCRIC). UTSD faculty can participate as members of the Graduate School for Biomedical Sciences (GSBS) that offers both MS and PhD programs.

Research Information & Resources

Farach-Carson-185.jpg Mary "Cindy" Farach-Carson, PhD
Professor; Associate Dean for Research; Director of Clinical and Translational Research
SOD 4422
713-486-4438
[email protected]
bellot-augustus Augustus Gerald Bellot
Research Coordinator II
SOD 4412
713-486-4484
[email protected]
Research Enterprise Oversight Lab management, Purchasing, Travel, and Account Reports
Holland-Nat-185 J. Nathaniel "Nat" Holland, PhD
Data Scientist
SOD 4408
713-500-4447
[email protected]
scott-josalyn Josalyn Scott
Sr Grants and Contracts Specialist
SOD 4418
713-486-4181
[email protected]
Statistical Support Services Provides post-award support
cruz-lissette Lissette Cruz, PhD
Project Specialist
SOD 4401
713-486-4476
[email protected]
martinez-arminda Arminda Martinez
Research Coordinator I
SOD 4410
713-486-0427
[email protected]
iLab Operations management Provides pre-award support
yadugiri-sirisha Sirisha Yadugiri, PhD, MHA
Program Manager
SOD 4420
713-486-4026
[email protected]
clayton-ashlee Ashlee Clayton
Adminstrative Assistant
SOD 4401
713-482-4082
[email protected]
Research writing support Adminstrative and IRB support

For Shipping or Contact needs: 7500 Cambridge St., Suite 4401 Houston, TX 77054 713-486-4082

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FINDING FUNDING

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GENERAL GRANT PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

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What do you need to develop an NIH proposal?

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Route & Submit proposal

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Set up Project

Awards are reviewed and, if necessary, negotiated by Pre-award to ensure the terms and conditions are acceptable to the University. Once the terms and conditions of the award have been negotiated, Pre-award will accept the award on behalf of the University.

Pre-award will send the PI a copy of the Notice of Award or finalized sponsored agreement for review and approval, as well as assist in collecting the necessary documents needed by the Post-Award Finance team (PAF) to setup and manage the account. As part of Pre-award’s responsibility, the allow ability of pre-award costs will be reviewed and finalized prior to sending the account setup request to PAF. All pending items (including any required approvals or assurances) must be complete prior to account set-up.

Contact: [email protected]

Manage Projects

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Close Out Projects

It is important to close out grant accounts accurately and timely in order to ensure the timely and accurate submission of the Financial Status Report to the funding agency. Therefore, to close out the grant account, it is absolutely essential to:

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Maximize the use of funds, making sure all award money is spent appropriately.

Ensure the efficient, effective and timely submission of the Financial Status Report to the funding agency.

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Research Assurances, Policies and Forms

UTHealth Office of Research Administration

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Other Research Resources and Training

Clinical Research

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Access typically takes 24-48 hours after the request has been submitted.

Labs


UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry at Houston houses a research department that performs innovative and cutting-edge basic, clinical and educational research.

Centers


The School of Dentistry houses the Center for Craniofacial Research (CCR), the Houston Center for Biomaterials and Biomimetics (HCBB), and the Texas Center for Oral Healthcare Quality and Safety (TXOHQS).

Students


The Student Research Group (SRG) promotes, supports, and nurtures the interests of dental student researchers during their time at the school.



Faculty Research Areas of Interest

  • Biomaterials & Dental Materials

    Dr. Farach-Carson’s laboratory uses three dimensional models to study the behavior of both cancer cells and normal cells. The Farach-Carson laboratory uses our understanding of extracellular matrix to create “smart” biomaterials that can mimic the native tissue to provide an environment in which to study cell and tissue behavior under physiologically relevant conditions. We partner with the Houston Center for Biomaterials and Biomimetics (HCBB) to create and study these biologically based materials.

    Dr. Frey’s research focuses on biomaterials, especially durability and esthetic qualities of dental prosthetics and bonding materials. He has emphasized Pedodontic crowns and various wear, fracture, and cementation studies. He also researches in the study of wear on different enamels (primary and permanent) upon itself and various crown materials. His most recent studies involve gloss, roughness, and their interdependence.

    Dr. Harrington has an interest in using biomaterials as tools to expand our knowledge of cellular processes, and improve our ability to impact human health. His projects have spanned applications of soft, biocompatible hydrogels, degradable lactide/glycolide polymeric scaffolds, and self-assembling peptide nanostructures for regenerative medicine. His laboratory’s recent projects involve tissue engineering of the salivary gland as a post-radiotherapy treatment for xerostomia, and “tumor engineering” to study mechanisms of oral cancer and prostate cancer in unique 3D models, adapted to high-throughput screening. By customizing matrices and manufacturing techniques, we design biomimetic solutions that address needs at the cell, tissue, and organ level.

    Dr. Kasper’s research applies fundamentals of engineering, materials science, and the biosciences toward the development and evaluation of biomaterial-based technologies to meet clinical needs. Current research interests include the application of engineered culture conditions for the development of bioactive constructs for craniofacial and orthopedic tissue regeneration. Additional research focuses on applications of 3D printing and digital technologies in dentistry.

    Dr. Kiat-amnuay's research focuses on the areas of maxillofacial prosthetic and prosthodontics. Her team has investigated color stability and mechanical properties of pigmented maxillofacial prosthetic elastomers subjected to artificial/natural weathering and microwave energy. The goal is to find the best combinations of silicone/pigment/opacifier used to make facial prostheses last longer. Several in vivo studies were also performed on adhesive retention of maxillofacial prostheses. In addition, randomized controlled crossover clinical trials related to maxillofacial prosthetic and implant dentistry were conducted to improve patients’ quality of lives. Her group has also studied cement bond strengths of implant-supported ceramic crowns on custom ceramic abutments.

    Dr. Ontiveros’ research focuses on in vitro mechanical properties of dental materials; light polymerization; adhesion; ceramic; resin composite; color/optical properties and esthetics. Clinical investigations focus around current techniques related to tooth whitening and other appearance related studies. 

    Dr. Young's research efforts focuses on the treatment of craniomaxillofacial trauma and pathology. This includes the synthesis and characterization of implantable biomaterials designed to elicit in situ cell recruitment and programming. This work includes the use of materials able to simultaneously deliver multiple bioactive factors with distinct release profiles. These constructs have been used in a diverse set of applications such as the promotion of craniofacial tissue regeneration and cancer immunotherapy. His lab has broad experience in the fields of polymer synthesis and characterization, growth factor delivery, in vivo models, characterization of bone and neovascularization, cancer immunotherapy, and implantable therapeutic cancer vaccines. Several NIH-funded collaborations with Rice University and the University of Texas Arlington include the use of multi-domain peptide hydrogels for nerve regeneration and the use of semiconductor-based coatings to impart enhanced bioactivity and bone regeneration around titanium implants, respectively.

  • Craniofacial

    Dr. Adibi’s research consists of biomedical studies including devices to solve diagnostic challenges and treatment options for Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD), Orofacial Pain and Nocturnal Bruxism (night time grinding of teeth).

    Dr. Chiquet’s research focuses on studying the genetics of craniofacial development, with emphasis on cleft lip and palate.  He has shown that the CRISPLD2 gene has been shown to be associated with nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate and critical for normal palate and jaw formation in zebrafish.  Pathway analysis is underway testing for association with differentially regulated genes in the presence or absence of CRISPLD2 in zebrafish. Additionally, his lab is looking at a known pathway of development, the β-catenin mediated WNT pathway, to determine if these genes are involved in clefting etiology.  Other ongoing projects include (1) studying genetic modifiers of cleft lip and palate phenotype, (2) evaluating the microbiome of patients born with cleft lip and palate, (3) analyzing dental materials used in presurgical appliance therapy for children born with cleft lip and palate, and (4) minimizing exposure of general anesthesia for children undergoing dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia.

    Dr. Fakhouri’s research interests focus on identifying epigenetic and genetic factors that cause and contribute to increase the risk of craniofacial disorders including cleft lip and palate, craniosynostosis and micrognathia. His lab uses mouse models and organ cultures to delineate the molecular mechanism of a novel genetic interaction between two transcription factors, IRF6 and TWIST1, that plays a critical role in regulating the epithelial-mesenchymal interaction during oral, facial and skull development. Using biochemical and genetic approaches, his lab investigates how mutations in TWIST1 phospho-sites disrupt formation of craniofacial tissues derived from mesenchymal cells. Integration of experimental data and bioinformatics for developing computational models are also utilized in Fakhouri’s lab to identify etiologic non-coding DNA variants associated with cancer diseases including head and neck squamous carcinoma. The overall goal of his lab research is to translate their bench findings into the clinic to improve risk assessment and pave the way to personalized medicine.

    Dr. Hecht has two research focuses. Genes contributing to nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate are identified using next generation sequencing in a family-based approach, and then functionally tested in zebrafish. This approach has successfully identified genes that are now being modeled in mice. In our cartilage biology studies, a DOX-inducible mouse (MT-COMP) with the common COMP mutation was used to delineate the chondrocyte-specific mechanisms causing the dwarfing condition, pseudoachondroplasia. We have successfully tested different treatments in the MT-COMP mouse, which partially rescued the short limb phenotype.

    Dr. Iwata’s research focuses on understanding mechanisms that cause craniofacial birth defects and oral diseases. His group is trying to determine the roles of 1) exocytosis and autophagy, 2) non-coding RNAs, 3) cellular cholesterol metabolism, and 4) WNT signaling pathway in craniofacial development and homeostasis. They have generated new genetic mouse models and has been characterizing the molecular mechanism using multidisciplinary approaches including genetics, genomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics. His group seek to identify novel targets for new therapeutics and new diagnostic tools for identifying defects and diseases in at risk populations.

    Dr. Kasper’s research applies fundamentals of engineering, materials science, and the biosciences toward the development and evaluation of biomaterial-based technologies to meet clinical needs. Current research interests include the application of engineered culture conditions for the development of bioactive constructs for craniofacial and orthopedic tissue regeneration. Additional research focuses on applications of 3D printing and digital technologies in dentistry.

    Dr. Noriaki Ono’s research focuses on the fundamental biology of skeletal stem cells, with a further scope on understanding pathophysiology of dental, craniofacial and skeletal deformities and diseases that affect millions of children and adults.

    Dr. Wanida Ono’s research focuses on the fundamental biology of dental development and tooth eruption, with a further scope on understanding signaling pathways and molecular mechanism involving in these processes.

    Dr. Wong has two major research interests. Within the AFIRM consortium, his project focuses on the management of severe maxillofacial injuries through a series of therapeutic interventions. First, preservation of skeletal space is accomplished with a drug-eluting methylmethacrylate polymer. This is followed by the generation of customized vascularized bone grafts formed in a distant site and subsequently transferred into the traumatic defect. His second research focus involves the characterization of TMJ disease and the regeneration of the disc and condyle using tissue engineering principles.

  • Dental Infomatics

    Dr. Walji's research interests are focused on using informatics approaches to improve the safety and quality of oral healthcare, with a particular focus on electronic health records. He currently serves as a Principal Investigator of two NIH/NIDCR funded studies 1) “Developing a Patient Safety System for Dentistry” and 2) Implementing Dental Quality Measures in Practice. He also serves as a PI on an AHRQ funded study titled “Measuring Occurrence of and Disparities in Dental Clinic Adverse Events”. He has provided informatics expertise in the development and maintenance of the Dental Diagnostic System (DDS) which serves as a collection of specific dental terms that is designed for the purposes of dental diagnosis documentation. He also leads a multi-institutional team that has developed the BigMouth Dental Data Repository, which currently contains data on over 2 million patients derived from EHRs from 6 dental institutions.

  • Dental Public Health

    Dr. Adibi's research includes studies of policies with integration of care. Understanding of the oral and systemic disorders including Orofacial Pain condition connections by means of radiographic images, salivary components and the new and innovative technologies in clinical research.

    Dr. Myers is interested in gathering more scientific data on the consumption of addictive and carcinogenic areca nut preparations (e.g. betel quid, supari, paan, gutka) in the Houston metropolis. Specifically his research employs a mystery shopper study design to better understand the availability, buying experience, package labeling, costs, and marketing information of these oral toxins. Furthermore, Dr. Myers’ research aims to characterize the chemical diversity of these areca nut products.

    Dr. Neumann's research interest is on the improvement of oral health at a population level. She currently serves as Co-Investigator on two funded NIH/NIDCR projects: a) “CATCH Healthy Smiles: Planning and feasibility of an elementary school-based child oral health RCT” in collaboration with the School of Public Health and the CATCH study team (PI: S. Sharma) and b) “Implementing Dental Quality Measures in Practice” (PI: M. Walji). She is also actively involved in the various applications of Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA) and interprofessional initiatives.

  • Immunology

    Dr. Chun-Teh Lee’s research interests focus on understanding inflammation resolution and host-microbiome interactions in periodontitis. Specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPMs), including lipoxins, resolvins, protectins, and maresins, induce resolution of inflammation in inflammatory diseases. Treatment of experimental periodontitis with SPMs results in disease reversal and periodontal regeneration. Currently, his research project aims to determine the clinical SPM profile and associated microbiota in periodontitis.

    Dr. Klein’s has two primary areas of research. The first is aimed at understanding the involvement of a novel immune system derived splice variant of thyroid stimulating hormone in the development and/or perpetuation of autoimmune thyroiditis, and as a regulator of host metabolic activity.  Various targeted knockdown systems are being applied in these studies.  In a second area of research, Dr. Klein is exploring factors that regulate the adaptive and innate immune responses in mucosal sites, particularly in the intestine and the oral cavity.  

    Dr. Lou’s research related to roles of immune cells and molecules in autoimmune diseases and tissue aging. His group developed a unique rat model and discovered a novel immune cell called antigen-presenting NK cell. They are current examining how this novel cell controls autoimmune disease.  His team is also examining how immune molecules such as cytokines regulate physiological process such as aging and tissue remodeling.  They have identified a cytokine interleukin33 to be critical in rejuvenation of aged neurons in brains in a special mouse model; deficiency of this molecule causes neurodegeneration in the old animals. Currently, they are investigating whether interleukin33 deficiency is a causes of human elderly dementias such as Alzheimer’s disease.    

    Dr. Ransome van der Hoeven’s research focuses on understanding the mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions. The major areas of our current research are: 1) To elucidate innate immune defense mechanisms in response to oral and systemic pathogens using a simple invertebrate model Caenorhabditis elegans, and 2) To determine how Enterococcus faecalis an opportunistic pathogen is able to persist and cause secondary endodontic infections.

  • Oral Cancers & Cancer Therapy

    Dr. Farach-Carson’s research relates to the role of extracellular matrix in progression of cancer following metastasis from primary sites, such as prostate or oral cavity, to bone. Primary tumors are slow growing and are not life-threatening until they form tumors in bone. Factors sequestered in bone matrix provide a rich environment to promote growth of invading cancer cells. Many factors are bound to proteoglycans, including perlecan/HSPG2, that contain heparan sulfate that regulate their bioactivity. We seek to identify factors responsible for cancer growth and progression with the long term aim of developing "molecular drugs" to combat cancer metastasis.

    Dr. Harrington has an interest in using biomaterials as tools to expand our knowledge of cellular processes, and improve our ability to impact human health. His projects have spanned applications of soft, biocompatible hydrogels, degradable lactide/glycolide polymeric scaffolds, and self-assembling peptide nanostructures for regenerative medicine. His laboratory’s recent projects involve tissue engineering of the salivary gland as a post-radiotherapy treatment for xerostomia, and “tumor engineering” to study mechanisms of oral cancer and prostate cancer in unique 3D models, adapted to high-throughput screening. By customizing matrices and manufacturing techniques, we design biomimetic solutions that address needs at the cell, tissue, and organ level.

    Dr. Myers' pharmacological-based research focuses on acquiring greater insight towards the biodisposition of chemical compounds (e.g. drugs, drug metabolites, natural products) in the human body. His major areas of current research are: (1) Clarifying the enzyme-mediated mechanisms of activation and detoxification of arecoline, an oral toxicant contained in the areca (betel) nut, in human liver; (2) Elucidating the untoward effects of EdAG and several natural compounds on the glutathione, specifically the thioredoxin enzyme system which is a promising druggable target for oral malignancies; (3) Defining the pre-clinical and clinical pharmacokinetics of novel anti-cancer medications.

    Dr. Ogbureke’s research involves investigating the role of the family of glycophosphoproteins comprising osteopontin (OPN), bone sialoprotein (BSP), dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1), dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein (MEPE) - small integrin-binding ligand N-linked glycoproteins (SIBLINGs)- in biology of oral cancer and other head and neck cancers. These proteins have key functional roles during malignant transformation, invasion and metastasis, and may potentially be used as diagnostic and prognostic tools, as well as targets for therapeutic intervention. Some of the SIBLING family of proteins may therefore identify patients who could benefit from more extensive surgical resection, or from adjunct treatments such as radiotherapy for primary OSCCs. Dissecting the functional and mechanistic pathways of SIBLING activity in oral cancer as well as investigating the interaction of BSP and DSPP with the HPV16 oncoproteins (E6/E7) in the biology of HPV-associated oral cancers are ongoing projects.

    Dr. Parikh's research interests encompass molecular mechanisms involved in cancer signaling and aging. In collaboration with faculty in the Department of Endodontics and Diagnostic and Biomedical Sciences, Dr. Parikh is currently assessing a poorly characterized brown precipitate formed in the dentinal tubules with the consecutive usage of common irrigant solutions. Using eukaryotic model systems, she is addressing the toxic effects of the brown precipitate and an alternative irrigation protocol to avoid forming this potentially toxic brown precipitate.

    Dr. Dharini van der Hoeven’s research focuses on identification of novel anti-cancer therapeutics for the treatment of oral squamous cell carcinomas. Our studies target the EGFR-Ras signaling pathway which is overactive in most oral squamous cell carcinomas. Current research interests include identification of novel, indirect inhibitors of EGFR and Ras which perturb their function through altering plasma membrane topology, extensive characterization of such compounds in cellular signaling and functional studies, pre-clinical development and chemical optimization of compounds with the overall aim of identifying advanced drug candidates.

    Dr. Vigneswaran’s group focus on clinical and laboratory-based research related to oral cancer and its precursors. His clinical research focuses on the use non-invasive optical imaging and quantitative cytology for monitoring of the progression of oral premalignant lesions. His basic research involves the development of experimental animal models of oral cancer for pre-clinical testing of molecular targeted diagnostic imaging and therapy.

    Dr. Young’s research involves the development and characterization of biomaterials-based platform technologies focused in two areas: immunotherapy and craniofacial tissue regeneration. With respect to the treatment of oral cancer, our lab has been working on injectable cancer vaccine systems which act as sites for in situ dendritic cell programming. By leveraging our knowledge of bioengineering technologies for cell recruitment and differentiation, we have been able to translate these fundamental strategies to the cancer immunotherapy setting. Our goal is to examine the efficacy of these vaccine systems in the context of oral squamous cell carcinoma, and explore any synergies that may arise from the use of cancer vaccines and other forms of immunotherapy. The concept of in situ cell programming is also utilized in our tissue regeneration projects where we are exploring the use of various hydrogels and layer-by-layer polymer coating technologies to promote nerve and bone regeneration in several challenging preclinical models.

  • Oral Microbiome

    Dr. Angelov’s research focus encompasses basic, clinical and translational studies, mainly in the area of oral mucosal wound healing, periodontal microbiology and dental implants. More recently, a focus of the collaborative research efforts of our department and Baylor’s College of Medicine has been the role of oral bacteria in blood pressure regulation via the Nitrate-Nitrite-Nitric Oxide Pathway. The goal is to understand the role of human microbial communities in the host’s NO homeostasis, to allow the development of new diagnostics and other approaches to manipulate these microbial communities to promote human health and prevent disease.

    Dr. Tribble’s research focuses on two groups of anaerobic bacteria associated with periodontitis, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella spp. In particular, she investigates the molecular mechanisms of horizontal DNA transfer in oral microbial communities, and the biological consequences of gene exchange. Her research objectives are to improve our understanding of the role of DNA exchange as it contributes to bacterial survival and persistence in the host, and adaptive evolution transitioning microbiome- host interactions from commensal to pathogenic.

    Dr. Wang has focused her research on oral infectious diseases such as periodontal diseases and dental caries. Using molecular genetics approach, we are deciphering the mechanisms of interferences of Streptococcus mutans quorum sensing by other oral bacteria. We are also investigating the role of bacterial interspecies interactions in racial discrepancies in periodontitis. We, in collaboration with Dr. Hua Xie, have demonstrated that Streptococcus cristatus (an oral commensal) inhibited the colonization of Porphyromonas gingivalis (a periodontal pathogen) in vitro and in vivo. The long-term goal of our research is to target certain pathogens specifically for prevention of common oral infectious diseases.

  • Tissue Regeneration

    Dr. Eswaran’s primary research focus is hard and soft tissue regeneration. He is also involved in educational and health outcomes research pertaining to the field of periodontology and implant dentistry. His current study involves utilizing Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) in extraction sockets and evaluating its efficacy in bone regeneration and maintenance of alveolar ridge width for implant placement. His educational research focuses on faculty calibration. In particular, he investigates the variations in periodontal diagnosis and calculus detection among faculties in the clinic. The study also involves problem centered calibration techniques to enhance the reliability and consistency among faculties in teaching students.

    Dr. Farach-Carson’s laboratory uses proteoglycans, particularly those bearing heparan sulfate chains such as perlecan, in engineering of complex tissues such as bone, cartilage or salivary gland. Cell and molecular engineering strategies are being developed that facilitate controlled tissue growth and differentiation. Growth factor binding and delivery by engineered proteoglycans are used in oral surgery and orthopaedic applications. Engineering partnerships support these studies. We use a variety of techniques including 3D hydrogel cell culture, recombinant and natural protein purification and analysis, cloning and molecular biology, immunodetection, 3D printing, confocal imaging and pre-clinical models.

    Dr. Harrington has an interest in using biomaterials as tools to expand our knowledge of cellular processes, and improve our ability to impact human health. His projects have spanned applications of soft, biocompatible hydrogels, degradable lactide/glycolide polymeric scaffolds, and self-assembling peptide nanostructures for regenerative medicine. His laboratory’s recent projects involve tissue engineering of the salivary gland as a post-radiotherapy treatment for xerostomia, and “tumor engineering” to study mechanisms of oral cancer and prostate cancer in unique 3D models, adapted to high-throughput screening. By customizing matrices and manufacturing techniques, we design biomimetic solutions that address needs at the cell, tissue, and organ level.

    Dr. Kasper’s research applies fundamentals of engineering, materials science, and the biosciences toward the development and evaluation of biomaterial-based technologies to meet clinical needs. Current research interests include the application of engineered culture conditions for the development of bioactive constructs for craniofacial and orthopedic tissue regeneration. Additional research focuses on applications of 3D printing and digital technologies in dentistry.

    Dr. Wong has two major research interests. Within the AFIRM consortium, his project focuses on the management of severe maxillofacial injuries through a series of therapeutic interventions. First, preservation of skeletal space is accomplished with a drug-eluting methylmethacrylate polymer. This is followed by the generation of customized vascularized bone grafts formed in a distant site and subsequently transferred into the traumatic defect. His second research focus involves the characterization of TMJ disease and the regeneration of the disc and condyle using tissue engineering principles.

Texas Center for Oral Healthcare Quality and Safety


The Texas Center for Oral Healthcare Quality and Safety partners with biomedical informaticians at MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences to use big data analytics to seek answers in the BigMouth Dental Data Repository. This centralized database includes more than four million dental electronic health records from 11 dental schools across the nation, including UTHealth Houston.

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John M. Powers, PhD Houston Center for Biomaterials and Biomimetics


The John M. Powers, PhD, Houston Center for Biomaterials and Biomimetics seeks to become a comprehensive, world-class research and development center of excellence for biomaterials and biomimetics, and a synergistic force in increasing the scholarship of discovery, integration of knowledge within and between disciplines, teaching, and application.

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Center for Craniofacial Research


The Center for Craniofacial Research's (CCR) mission is to lead cutting-edge research to identify, understand, prevent and treat craniofacial disorders. The CCR is under the direction of nationally recognized geneticist Jacqueline T. Hecht, PhD, MS, professor at UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry and director of the Pediatric Research Center at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston.

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aadocr.png

The Houston Section has been established to promote the mission and objectives of the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) on a local level, in abidance with the rules and regulations of that organization. The foremost purpose of this Section is to encourage research collaboration, support, and represent the oral health research community of Houston with the goal of contributing to the advancement of oral health worldwide.

AADOCR Handbook

Current Officers

01/01/2021-12/31/2022

President
Chun-Teh Lee, DDS, MS, DMSc
Dep. of Periodontics & Dental Hygiene
Email: [email protected]
Office: SOD 6426, Phone: 713-486-4384
Vice-President
Wanida Ono, DDS, DMSc, PhD
Dep. of Orthodontics
Email: [email protected]
Office: SOD 5130, Phone: 713-486-4186
Secretary/Treasurer
Alan L. Myers, PharmD, PhD, RPh
Dep. of Diagnostic and Biomedical Sciences
Email: [email protected]
Office: SOD 5458, Phone: 713-486-4508
Councilor
Mary C. "Cindy" Farach-Carson, PhD
Director of Clinical & Translational Research
Dep. of Diagnostic and Biomedical Sciences
Email: [email protected]
Office: BBS 4220, Phone: 713-486-4438
Immediate Past President
Bing-Yan Wang, DDS, MS, PhD
Dep. of Periodontics & Dental Hygiene
Email: [email protected]
Office: BBS 5316, Phone: 713-486-4385

Past Officers

Officers

Student Research

The Student Research Group (SRG) at UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry is composed of dental students interested in scientific inquiry. It is a local chapter of the American Association of Dental Research’s National Student Research Group and is a student-run organization guided by input from a faculty advisor (Dr. Dharini van der Hoeven, student research coordinator). The SRG promotes, supports and nurtures the interests of dental student researchers during their time at the school. It provides exposure to the diverse types of research in the dental profession and encourages involvement in research activities at the School of Dentistry by making students aware of research opportunities, such as the Summer Research Program and research electives. The group’s goals are accomplished in part by hosting monthly meetings where School of Dentistry professors and students present their research.

UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry has a long history of strong student participation in local and national scientific research meetings such as the annual Star of the South, American Association of Dental Research and Hinman Student Research Symposium, where students have presented abstracts and platform presentations. Many students are co-authors of peer-reviewed papers. Student participants have indicated that these activities translate into enhanced critical-thinking skills which strengthen clinical diagnostic skills thereby helping UTHealth Houston graduates become better health-care providers.

Student Research Group 2023 - 2024

President

Vice-President

Secretary

Historian

Gov. Affairs & Advocacy

Editor-In-Chief

Follow us on the UT School of Dentistry Student Research Facebook page for updates and photos from the Student Research Group officers.

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