Oral and Craniofacial Sciences

Research in the Dental and Oral Sciences program broadly ranges from very basic questions related to epigenetic mechanisms of mitotic cell division and Angstrom-level understanding of biomineralization to studies about the development and evolution of odontogenic tissues such as tooth enamel, periodontal tissues, and tissues of the temporo-mandibular joint and finally to clinical studies in the area of periodontics.

Our interest in basic sciences includes chromatin, heterochromatin and histone variants as well as histone modifications. We are also interested in microRNAs. Our research touches clinical specialties such as Periodontics, Orthodontics, Oral Surgery, Endodontics and Orofacial Pain. We have sought to apply our insights to generate tools for materials design and tissue engineering of new tissues such as periodontal ligament, cementum and bone.