UCLA School of Dentistry - Dental Research Organizations

UCLA School of Dentistry
Areas of Research

The UCLA School of Dentistry fosters multidisciplinary research in a variety of areas. Faculty work with other schools, universities, departments and programs on collaborative projects in bioengineering, bone biology, cancer, health services, microbiology, and pain. Joint research projects and seminars foster the exchange of knowledge and lead to collaborative research efforts. Below are examples of selected areas of research, which overlap and interface with each other to provide enriching opportunities for cross-fertilization and collaboration.
Major Research Areas
Bioengineering and biotechnology
Renowned basic and clinical scientists from UCLAÇƒÙs Schools of Dentistry, Medicine and Engineering work together to bridge the gap between biomedicine and biotechnology. A world leader in the field of maxillofacial prosthetics, scientists from the Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology conduct diverse interdisciplinary projects ranging from genome analysis, genetic engineering and stem-cell research to develop biomaterials for improved implant and computerized scaffolding.
Bone biology, development, diseases and diagnostics
Interdisciplinary research ranges from projects in basic bone biology, including genomics and stem-cell research, to diagnosis of bone disorders and predictive clinical and radiographic screening methods for osteoporosis. Studies of biological mechanisms of bone development and metabolism and analyses of genetic, hormonal, growth, cytokine and other factors involved are translated to clinical applications in diagnosis and treatment of maxillofacial and general bone health and pathology.
Cancer biology, prevention, and diagnosis
The UCLA School of Dentistry conducts basic and applied research into the genesis, molecular mechanisms, prevention and treatment of cancer. Affiliated faculty from the School of Dentistry, the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (http://www.cancer.mednet.ucla.edu/) and the Dental Research Institute collaborate on studies related to diagnosis and treatment of Head and Neck Cancer while public health clinical researchers study noninvasive means of diagnosis and treatment at UCLA and King Drew Medical Center. Molecular biology research focuses not only on oral cancer, but on oncogenesis and other cancer-related issues. Exciting and promising research projects are currently underway to use saliva as a non-invasive approach to diagnose cancer. Exciting gene therapy research and clinical trials are next steps to comprehensively study the impact of oral cancer on the public.
Community and public health services
The School of Dentistry has a strong commitment to improving the oral health of individuals in Los Angeles and throughout California, especially in underserved areas. Community based dental health services research is ongoing to inform the needs of the profession and the local community. In conjunction with King/Drew Medical Center we are working to understand the information needs and decision-making strategies of underserved patients with oral surgery patients. In collaboration with Rand Corporation, we are studying ways to reduce the burden of disease among the StatesÇƒÙ most disadvantaged individuals. As part of a nationwide program to develop stronger dental education system, we are testing new methods for dental education delivery. In cooperation with community health centers and public schools, evaluate factors related to poor oral health. Research projects utilize diverse disciplines including anthropology, epidemiology, education, behavioral and other approaches.
Microbiology
Researchers at the School of Dentistry vow to fight dental diseases as infectious diseases! Collaborative teams use cutting-edge molecular and bioengineering approaches to oral health and disease. Supported by public, private, foundation, and corporate funding, research includes signal transduction, genomics and micro/nanotechnology studies are applied in oral-health related areas. Under ongoing patent protection we are developing advanced micro-sensor technology for plaque analysis (the Çƒ?electronic toothÇƒ?) in conjunction with biomaterials and bioengineers at JPL and other researchers. In contrast, identification of the active components and mechanisms of action of Chinese medicinal herbs are also being investigated. Development of anti-microbial Çƒ?smart bombsÇƒ? for caries prevention might someday be applicable to infectious diseases in general. Monoclonal antibody-based bacterial detection techniques have been translated to clinical application and dental product companies are presently marketing our Çƒ?Saliva-CheckÇƒ? testing strip, which allows chair-side evaluation of cariogenic bacteria levels. Collaboration between cancer and microbiology researchers is currently underway to pioneer salivary diagnostics using state-of-the-art nanotechnologies.
Neuromuscular problems, pain and neuroimmunology
The UCLA School of Dentistry has research programs which address the causes and management of orofacial and chronic pain, as well as other neuromuscular problems. Orofacial pain, trigeminal neuralgia, temporomandibular joint problems and obstructive sleep apnea are among the disorders studied. In addition to laboratory and clinical investigations on the use of anesthesiology for treatment of pain and anxiety, novel state-of-the-art molecular, microscopic, neurophysiological, and gene modulation/therapy techniques are applied to understanding and treating orofacial problems. Investigations on the molecular nature of neuro-immunological relationships involved in oral cavity conditions approached from a mind/body perspective are also being conducted at the UCLA School of Dentistry.
Academic Divisions
Advanced Prosthodontics, Biomaterials and Hospital Dentistry
Division Chair: John Beumer
Soon-Ok Dixon
Division Administrator
(310) 206-8515
Associated Clinical Specialties
Division Chair: E. Barrie Kenney
Eleanor Paray
Division Administrator
(310) 825-5543
Diagnostic and Surgical Sciences
Division Chair: John Yagiela
Victoria Nicholas
Division Administrator
(310) 825-3685
Oral Biology and Medicine
Division Chair: David Wong
Jason Pinnell
Administrative Specialist
(310) 825-1955