Faculty in the Department of Clinical & Community Sciences are engaged in research and scholarly activity in these areas:

• Practice-based research and clinical research
• Behavioral sciences
• Geriatric dentistry
• Dental biomaterials and biomechanics
• Interprofessional practice and community health

Through laboratory and clinical research our faculty and postdoctoral students are expanding knowledge and exploring new treatments. Current projects include:

• The use of contemporary molecular microbiological approaches to characterize endodontic microflora and its association with outcomes of regenerative endodontic therapy.
• Molecular and clinical characterization of symptomatic and asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis.
• Identifying the association of chronic systemic diseases and the use of long-term systemic medications with the prevalence, pathogenesis and healing of apical periodontitis.
• The effectiveness of antibiotics and the prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes in spreading endodontic infections.
• The disruption of Endodontists’ practice by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Aerosol generation patterns and reduction during endodontic access preparations.
• Evaluation of dynamic guidance in endodontic microsurgery.
• The effectiveness of topical antimicrobial agents for endodontic infections.
• The role of chewing forces in the dissemination of endodontic microflora.

Department Publications

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.

The UAB Department of Orthodontics 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

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

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

Faculty members in the department are actively involved in or contribute to the following Research & Scholarly Activities:

• CAD-CAM restorative materials and techniques
• Dental materials – composite, ceramics, and post systems
• Epidemiological studies related to populations treated in community-based health education and AIDS health care.
• Dental PBRN projects
• Athletic mouth guard program and Special Olympics
• Dental implant restorations and techniques
• Digital Dentistry
• Temporomandibular disorders