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School of Dental Medicine
The Power of Penn in London
In London, President Amy Gutmann presented the vision for the University’s $4.1 billion campaign, The Power of Penn.
5 tips to scare away cavities
Beyond the inevitable sugar high, what are the implications of consuming a glut of candy? Pediatric dentist Maria Velasco suggests coming up with a plan, then giving away the rest of the treats.
Drivers of inflammation provide valuable targets for new gum disease therapies
A subset of T cells contributes to the inflammation and bone loss that characterizes periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease. According to new research by George Hajishengallis and scientists at the National Institutes of Health, drugs that specifically inhibit these cells may offer an effective therapy.
Targeting a viral vulnerability to treat disease
Robert Ricciardi company ViRAZE utilizes interdisciplinary approaches to drug discovery. Its first target is molluscum contagiosum, a disease that targets children and immune-compromised adults with no current FDA-approved therapy.
Regrowing dental tissue with stem cells from baby teeth
In a clinical trial led by Songtao Shi of the School of Dental Medicine, stem cells extracted from baby teeth were used to regrow the living tissue in teeth damaged by injury. The promising findings highlight the potential of dental stem cells, which could be used in a wide range of dental procedures, or treating certain systemic diseases.
Mentoring program introduces high school students to dentistry
The Summer Mentorship Program introduces first-generation and under-represented high school students in Philadelphia to higher education possibilities, including Penn Dental School's four-week immersion program that includes hands-on experience and mentorship with current dental students.
Dental plaque is no match for catalytic nanoparticles
A recent study found that nanoparticles can break down dental plaque with nanoparticles that target biofilms, preventing tooth decay in humans and animal models without damaging surrounding oral tissue.
Ice cream conundrum
The refreshing delight of ice cream on a hot summer day has its dangers: tooth sensitivity and the familiar feeling of “brain freeze.” Scientists break down the causes of the discomfort we are so willing to endure.
Dental researchers identify protein key to wound healing
Resesarch from Penn Dental reveal that the cells that line the skin and mucosa play a role in blood-vessel formation through a protein called Foxo1, and targeting it may modulate the process of healing wounds.
Dental School’s Joan Gluch promotes academics and community engagement
A recipient of the third annual Netter Center Faculty-Community Partnership Award, Gluch and Philadelphia FIGHT will share award funding to develop projects to promote community oral health.
In the News
Should you try oil pulling to boost your oral health? Dentists explain benefits and side effects
Dean Mark Wolff of the School of Dental Medicine says there aren’t enough robust, large-scale clinical studies or trials demonstrating the supposed benefits of oil pulling.
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Meet the Masterman junior who just represented Brazil in the Youth Olympics
Masterman junior and Youth Olympics speedskater Lucas Koo, the son of Hyun (Michel) Koo of the School of Dental Medicine, hopes to attend the Wharton School after graduation.
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A family affair: Three sisters stick together as they attend Penn Dental Medicine at the same time
Joanna Haddad, Mira-Belle Haddad, and Anna-Maria Haddad are making history as one of the few groups of three or more siblings to be simultaneously enrolled in the School of Dental Medicine.
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Avoid opioids for short-term dental pain in kids, new guidelines say
The Center for Integrative Global Health at the School of Dental Medicine has endorsed guidelines discouraging opioid prescriptions for children with short-term dental pain.
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Expert tips on keeping your teeth clean and healthy
Olivia Sheridan of the School of Dental Medicine says that electric brushes may be easier to use for people who lack manual dexterity or who care for someone who needs help brushing their teeth.
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