Research
The OHSU School of Dentistry is a research hub with 20+ principal investigators and a skilled team, conducting diverse projects on dental disease, clinical practices, oral biology, and biomedical research. Funded by Federal grants (NIH, NSF, NASA) and corporate sponsors, our scientists specialize in developing biomaterials for replacing oral tissues, cell and developmental biology, oral microbiology, and immunology. As one of the leading dental healthcare research institutions, we contribute to improving the lives of patients by investigating disease causes and supporting evidence-based dental treatments. For inquiries about innovative research and opportunities, contact the principal investigators or the Office of Research Affairs at the School of Dentistry.
Through the Office of Research and Research Training, the school supports:
- Groundbreaking research into dental healthcare
- Outstanding faculty research for continuing and new investigators
- Summer Internship program for high school and undergraduate students
- Faculty cross-disciplinary research initiatives and centers
- Research space infrastructure and renovation.
- Proposal and Award Management services for faculty and students (pre and post-award administration)
- Dual Degree D.M.D./Ph.D. Program
- Dean's Seminar Series
- Annual School-wide Research Day
- PORT (Portland Oral Health Research Training) T90/R90 program for trainees at the Pre-Doctoral, Post-Doctoral, Dual Degree, and Foreign-Trained Dentist levels.
2024 AADOCR/IADR/CADR
Visit us at Booth 217 in New Orleans!
Welcome from the Associate Dean of Research
“We welcome you to explore the OHSU School of Dentistry's research facilities. Our lab is an interdisciplinary team of clinical investigators, public health experts, and laboratory scientists committed to advancing dental healthcare. Our leading-edge lab facilities allow us to conduct multidisciplinary research and help young investigators and trainees flourish in their research careers. Contact us to learn more about our mission in fostering innovation and exploration in dental healthcare..”
Our research labs
Engage with our community!
Dean's Research Seminars and other guest lectures
OHSU School of Dentistry offers monthly lectures to share new and ongoing research with students, faculty, staff, and the greater community. The Dean's Research Seminars provide an opportunity to learn from and connect with distinguished speakers in the area of oral health research from respected institutions worldwide. Speakers are hosted by OHSU School of Dentistry faculty, and regularly offer Continuing Education (CE) credits for alumni and the greater dental community. On a quarterly basis, the School of Dentistry offers Faculty Research Seminars, wherein current OHSU SOD faculty share information and current research from their labs and specific areas of expertise. At the beginning of each school year, OHSU SOD research faculty also present a Meet the Mentor seminar, introducing students to research activities and opportunities throughout the school.
Dean's and Faculty's Seminars will be hosted virtually until further notice, and are streamed and recorded for viewing on the SoD Research Echo360 page.
Bacteriology Research Group
SoD hosts a monthly Bacteriology Research Group featuring discussions and presentations by faculty and staff in this field across the OHSU campus and beyond. Most sessions are held on the 3rd Friday of the month at 1:00 pm. Please contact Stephanie Momeni, Postdoctoral Scholar in Dr. Hui Wu's lab, for more information.
School of Dentistry Research Day
2024 SOD Research Day
Research Day 2024 is coming in March! March 7, 2024 at RLSB.
Visit our Learning Stream link for all scheduled continuing education courses.
Labs by research focus
Biomaterials, tissue engineering and regeneration
Scientists at OHSU School of Dentistry are studying the synthesis and development of new biomaterials for the replacement of lost or damaged oral tissues. This research includes the development of new materials for tooth repair, such as resin-based dental adhesives and restoratives having enhanced durability, antimicrobial behavior and remineralizing potential. The team is actively involved in research involving the interaction between dental biomaterials and oral biofilms to produce material solutions with enhanced clinical longevity and performance. Another strategy involves the use of 3D bioprinting of scaffolds containing cells and bioactive molecules for tissue regeneration.
Neuroscience, cell and development biology
In addition to research focused directly on issues of oral health, there is a significant research focus on basic biomedical research questions, in particular in neuroscience, cell and developmental biology. OHSU School of Dentistry scientists have research programs that explore the mechanisms underlying pain, neurodegeneration, cell fate specification, morphogenesis and cell signaling. These areas of research impact all aspects of human health and disease, including, but not limited to, oral health and biology.
Oral microbiology and immunology
Research in the Oral Microbiology and Immunology domain at OHSU School of Dentistry is focused upon the genetics, ecology, and host responses to the oral microbiome in both health and disease. This includes fundamental molecular microbiology studies of both commensal and pathogenic oral microbiota as well as the ecological interactions occurring among the microbiome and with the host. Studies of the host response to infection include a focus upon innate immunity and its role in promoting oral diseases. Another research focus within this cluster is concerned with the interface of dental biomaterials and oral biofilms. The goal is to better understand the reciprocal interactions that affect both the integrity of the dental materials and the behavior of the organisms colonizing the surfaces of the materials.
Public health dentistry, education, informatics and clinical research
As the Chair of Community Dentistry, Dr. Eli Schwarz states "Oregon is our laboratory." OHSU School of Dentistry provides outreach and cutting edge technology at on-campus OHSU dental clinics in Portland, and across the far reaches of the state, developing strategic collaborations with rural partners and incorporating teledentistry to ensure that quality oral health care is available for all Oregonians. Community and clinical research endeavors advance knowledge of topics that affect oral health, including nutrition and opioid use. Clinical and community researchers in SOD work in tandem with basic scientists to develop clinical-translational research methods that will have long-lasting effects in the field of dentistry.