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School of Dental Medicine
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.
Promoting cross-campus collaborations in health research
The One Health Communications Group is a collaboration that brings together several schools and centers to develop groundbreaking health research in a cross-disciplinary and innovative environment.
Bacteria boost antifungal drug resistance in severe childhood tooth decay
Some young children experience severe tooth decay that resist normal therapies. New research led by Dongyeop Kim and Hyun (Michel) Koo of the School of Dental Medicine shows how plaque’s protective matrix can shield fungal cells from the drugs intended to kill them.
In the News
Philadelphia Inquirer
Dentists Urged to Limit Opioid Prescriptions to Prevent Addiction
The School of Dental Medicine’s Elliot Hersh commented on Pennsylvania’s legal requirement that doctors screen patient histories for signs of opioid abuse. Hersh stated that for many dental patients over the counter pain relief can be just as effective.
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Newsworks (WHYY-FM)
Leftover Painkillers Driving Opioid Crisis, Penn Researcher Says
Peggy Compton of the School of Nursing and Elliot V. Hersh of the School of Dental Medicine are quoted about participating in a panel discussion about the opioid crisis, along with Kyle Kampman of the Perelman School of Medicine, Mary Robinson of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Jeffrey Saven of the School of Arts & Sciences.
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Philadelphia Inquirer
What Diabetic Mice Can Teach Us About Keeping Teeth Healthy
Dana Graves of the School of Dental Medicine is featured for researching the consequences of poorly managed diabetes on tooth and gum health.
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The Washington Post
She’s a Rare Breed: A Dentist Who Makes Housecalls to the Elderly
A profile of the School of Dental Medicine’s Alisa Kauffman, a geriatric dentist who makes house calls.
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Indian Express
How Diabetes Fosters Gum Disease
Dana Graves of the School of Dental Medicine is quoted on the connection between diabetes and gum disease.
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