Dr. Elizabeth Palmer earned her dental degree from OHSU in 2008 after completing her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology at the University of Nevada. She went on to complete her Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry at OHSU in 2010, followed by additional training in translational research and a Certificate in Human Investigations in 2016.

After her residency, Dr. Palmer joined OHSU as a full-time faculty member, later moving to the University of Washington Department of Pediatric Dentistry as a Clinical Assistant Professor. She eventually returned to OHSU to serve as Program Director for the Advanced Education Program in Pediatric Dentistry and now serves as Division Head of Pediatric Dentistry and Clinical Site Director for the Pediatric Dentistry Resident Clinic.

As a lifelong learner and educator, Dr. Palmer’s research focuses on the microbiome and host interactions in oral health and disease. She is also passionate about improving how medical and dental teams work together to care for patients with complex medical needs or disabilities. She encourages her students to see each patient as a whole person and to support them fully on their journey toward better health.

Dr. Palmer became a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry in 2011 and has been a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry since 2017. In addition to her leadership roles on national committees, she maintains a clinical practice focused on caring for children with medically complex conditions and special health care needs.

View a list of my publications on the NIH National Library of Medicine.