School of Dentistry

SOD Labs

Welcome to the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) School of Dentistry Laboratory page, where you can discover the cutting-edge research and innovative educational programs conducted by our faculty and students. As a leading academic institution, we are committed to providing outstanding clinical care, advancing scientific knowledge, and educating the next generation of oral health professionals. Our state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities are equipped with the latest technology, enabling our researchers and students to explore new frontiers in dentistry, including oral pathology, biomaterials, and community dental research. Whether you are a current student, a potential applicant, or a dental professional, we invite you to explore our laboratory page and learn more about the exciting work taking place at OHSU's School of Dentistry.


Bertassoni Lab

Our focus is 3D bioprinting for the fabrication of complex tissue environments with functional vascular networks for regenerative applications. We are also interested in the development of functional hydrogels for the study of the interaction of  biomaterials with matrix molecules on the nanoscale.​

Visit the Bertassoni Lab page. | Contact Luiz Bertassoni

Dr. Cristiane Miranda Franca works on Tooth-on-a-Chip technology in the Bertassoni Lab

Ferracane Lab

Our focus has been on conducting clinical research in private dental practices through practitioners working with their own staff and patients. While we have studied a variety of dental conditions, we recently conducted the largest prospective study of cracked teeth, including nearly 3000 patients in over 200 dental offices as a part of the NIH-funded National Dental Practice-based Research Network.

Contact Jack Ferracane

Tooth illuminated by light to highlight a crack

Fugolin Lab

The Fugolin lab focus is to design and validate biomimetic synthetic systems that induce minute, orchestrated changes, leading to significant physicochemical and biological responses to external and internal stimuli.​​

Visit the Fugolin Lab page. | Contact Ana Paula Piovezan Fugolin


Kreth Lab

The Kreth lab investigates fundamental processes of commensal bacterial interactions in the oral biofilm. We aim to identify and characterize the molecular mechanisms that promote commensal species to better understand the healthy oral microbiome.​

Visit the Kreth Lab page. | Contact Jens Kreth

Simple graphic showing Molecular Commensalism. Identifying molecular mechanisms that support commensals to prevent diseases.

Lampi Lab

The Lampi lab at Oregon Health and Science University focuses on investigating the role of deamidation in protein dynamics using multiangle laser scattering and mass spectrometry.

Visit the Lampi Lab page | Contact Kirsten Lampi

drawing of  Surface deamidations at labile asparagines, N14, N76, and N143, on the eye lens protein, gS-crystallin, are associated with insolubility in aged and brunescent human lenses

Hsu Lab

The Hsu lab's research in dentistry focus lies at the intersection of stem cell molecular biology and translational research. The current subjects of studies in Hsu lab include novel differentiation factors for bone repair, characterization of osteogenic perivascular stem cells, and stem cells in degenerative joint diseases.​​

Visit the Hsu Lab page. | Contact Ginny Hsu


Merritt Lab

Our focus is on the molecular and cellular microbiology of the human oral microbiome to understand how mucosal health is regulated in the human body.

Visit the Merritt Lab page. | Contact Justin Merritt


Pfeifer Lab

​Polymeric materials provide a versatile platform for innovation in many different applications. Our laboratory focuses on developing novel monomers and oligomeric additives, with a strong emphasis on photopolymerization.

Visit the Pfiefer Lab page. | Contact the Pfeifer Lab


Prakasam Lab

​Our focus is to understand the role of pattern recognition receptors in the development of oral inflammatory gum disease. We are also focused on the design and testing new salivary diagnostics. Saliva can provide rich contextual information on the events that take place at the gingiva - oral interface.

Visit the Innately Perio Lab page.


Nickel-Iwasaki Lab

Our focus is on clinical and translational research that investigates the effects of biomechanics on the craniofacial system. Among our foci are measurements of jaw-loading mechanics and behaviors in order to understand conditions of growth, maintenance, degeneration, and pain associated with the human temporomandibular joint (TMJ).​

Contact Jeff Nickel. | Contact Laura Iwasaki

6 images of TMJ mechanics

Wu Lab

Our focus is investigating the underlying molecular mechanisms of biofilm formation for bacterial persistence and chronic infections.  We are particularly interested in understanding molecular cross talks between microbes and aim to develop new anti-infective approaches that prevent and treat persistent infections.​

Visit the Wu Lab page. | Contact Hui Wu


Dental Public Health

The Division of Dental Public Health, led by Drs. Foster-Page and Kohli, focuses on research, policies, and providing oral health care in underserved populations, including at the Russell Street Clinic and clinics throughout Oregon. Their work focuses on innovative workforce models to improve dental access and care and highlight the importance of oral health to improve oral health outcomes at the local and policy level.​

Contact Lyndie Foster-Page | Contact Richie Kohli