Periodontology & Oral Biology

The Division of Periodontology focuses primarily on the didactic and clinical education of periodontology residents. Our goal is to educate residents to perform proficiently in the specialty of Periodontics, be critical thinkers and stay life long learners. Our objectives are to provide residents with an understanding of the theoretical basis for, and the basic sciences involved in, the maintenance of health and/or the treatment of diseases of the periodontium as well as providing them with the most up to date clinical training in all aspects of periodontology and surgical implant dentistry. To expand their knowledge of the interactions of medical and dental discipline and broaden their professional judgment to include long term management of the periodontal patient.

The Division of Oral Biology conducts broad scientific inquiries, including investigations into the exocrine biology of the oral cavity, the structure-function relationships of salivary proteins, the cellular biology of growth factors, oral host defense systems including both acquired and innate immunity, the physiology of bone, the mechanisms of extracellular matrix accumulation in mineralized and non-mineralized tissues, the function of neutrophils and macrophages in adult and juvenile forms of periodontitis, and the role of cytokines in periodontal diseases and wound healing.