Current Oral Health Research

Dental Caries and Biofilms

Evaluation of a novel anti-caries approach to modulate virulence of S. mutans
This study will investigate the influence of a novel anti-caries chemotherapeutic approach on:

Expression of specific genes associated with the formation of the extracellular polysaccharide matrix
Structure of the polysaccharides matrix in the biofilm using GC-MS, MALDI-TOF-MS and NMR
Metabolic pathway of S. mutans by specific biochemical assays on PTS system and glycolytic enzymes. Furthermore, we will identify the most effective dosage of our therapeutic approach in vivo, which may also reduce fluoride exposure.

Sponsor: NIH/NIDCR
Principal Investigator: Hyun Koo, D.D.S., Ph.D.

Mercury Vapor from Amalgam and Methylmercury Co-Exposure on Neurodevelopment
The aim of the project is to quantify the level of risk for adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes attributable to prenatal and postnatal co-exposure to mercury vapor from dental amalgam and methylmercury from fish consumption. This multinational collaborative project will capitalize on the availability of mothers and children participating in the well-characterized Seychelles Child Development Nutrition Study.
Sponsor: NIH/NIEHS/NIDCR
Award number: R01 ES015578
Principal Investigator: Gene E. Watson II, D.D.S., M.S., Ph.D.

Oral Health Surveillance
To conduct oral health surveillance of preschool and elementary school children in collaboration with the Monroe County Department of Health.
Principal Investigator: Sangeeta Gajendra, D.D.S., M.P.H
Utility of Teledentistry to Reduce Oral Disease Burden in Preschool Children
An exploration of teledentistry, an approach that uses an intraoral camera to image teeth and tooth surfaces. To determine if teledentistry is useful in reducing oral disease burden in preschool inner city children, an intervention study will be conducted in inner-city childcare centers participating in Health-e-Access project.
Sponsor: NIH
Award number : K23 DE017230
Principal Investigator: Dorota Kopycka-Kedzierawski D.D.S., M.P.H.