Centers of Excellence
- 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. School of Dentistry faculty who are also affiliated with the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Dental Research Institute conduct and collaborate with other campus units on studies related to the diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancer while public health clinical researchers study noninvasive means of diagnosis and treatment at UCLA. Molecular biology research focuses not only on oral cancer, but on oncogenesis and other cancer-related issues. Exciting research projects are currently underway to use saliva as a non-invasive approach to diagnose cancer. Gene therapy research and clinical trials are next steps to comprehensively study the impact of oral cancer on the public.
UCLA School of Dentistry faculty members who contribute to this "center of excellence" include:
- 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 are translated to clinical applications in diagnosis and treatment of maxillofacial and general bone health and pathology.
UCLA School of Dentistry faculty members who contribute to this "center of excellence" include:
- Bioengineering and biotechnology
Renowned basic and clinical scientists from UCLA’s Schools of Dentistry, Medicine and Engineering work together to bridge the gap between biomedicine and biotechnology. World leaders 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.
UCLA School of Dentistry faculty members who contribute to this "center of excellence" include:
- Molecular microbiology
Researchers at the School of Dentistry 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 in the areas of signal transduction, genomics and micro/nanotechnology is applied to oral health. Under ongoing patent protection we are developing advanced micro-sensor technology for plaque analysis (the “electronic tooth”) in conjunction with biomaterials and bioengineers at JPL and other researchers. In contrast, the active components and mechanisms of action of Chinese medicinal herbs are also being investigated. Development of anti-microbial “smart bombs” for caries prevention may 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 “Saliva-Check” 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.
UCLA School of Dentistry faculty members who contribute to this "center of excellence" include:
- Neuromuscular problems, pain and neuroimmunology
The UCLA School of Dentistry conducts research programs that 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 the 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. Approached from a mind/body perspective, nvestigations of the molecular nature of neuro-immunological relationships involved in oral cavity conditions are also being conducted at the UCLA School of Dentistry.
UCLA School of Dentistry faculty members who contribute to this "center of excellence" include:
- Igor Spigelman
- Forthcoming
- Public health and community
The School of Dentistry has a strong commitment to improving the oral health of individuals in Los Angeles, throughout California and throughout the nation, especially in underserved areas. Community-based oral health services research is ongoing to inform the needs of the profession and the local community. We are working to understand the information needs and decision-making strategies of underserved patients. Through our dental education and science education pipeline programs, we are advancing ways to increase the number of dentists and oral health researchers committed to reducing the burden of disease among the state's most disadvantaged individuals. As part of a nationwide program to develop a stronger dental education system, we are testing new methods for dental education delivery. In cooperation with health care organizations in the community and in public schools, we evaluate factors related to poor oral health. Research projects utilize diverse disciplines including anthropology, biostatistics, epidemiology, education, behavioral science and other approaches.
UCLA School of Dentistry faculty members who contribute to this "center of excellence" include:
UCLA School of Dentistry - 10833 Le Conte Avenue CHS - Box 951668 - Los Angeles, CA 90095-1668
Campus Mail Code: 166815 - Tel: (310) 825-2337 - Terms of Use
