School of Dental Medicine

Penn President Amy Gutmann to Welcome Incoming Freshmen

WHO:            Amy Gutmann, president of the University of Pennsylvania, and incoming freshmen WHAT:          Move-in for Penn's Class of 2018 WHEN:          Aug. 22, 2014, 11am

Jeanne Leong

Gum Disease Bacteria Selectively Disarm Immune System, Penn Study Finds

The human body is comprised of roughly 10 times more bacterial cells than human cells. In healthy people, these bacteria are typically harmless and often helpful, keeping disease-causing microbes at bay. But, when disturbances knock these bacterial populations out of balance, illnesses can arise. Periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease, is one example.

Katherine Unger Baillie

University of Pennsylvania Establishes Penn Center for Innovation

President Amy Gutmann today announced the launch of the Penn Center for Innovation, a new initiative that will provide the infrastructure, leadership and resources needed to transfer promising Penn inventions, know-how and related assets into the marketplace for the public good.   

Evan Lerner

Penn Researchers Show Human Learning Altered by Electrical Stimulation of Dopamine Neurons

Stimulation of a certain population of neurons within the brain can alter the learning process, according to a team of neuroscientists and neurosurgeons at the University of Pennsylvania. A report in the Journal of Neuroscience describes for the first time that human learning can be modified by stimulation of dopamine-containing neurons in a deep brain structure known as the substantia nigra.

Kim Menard

Penn Study Suggests Cause of Severe Tooth Decay in Toddlers

Early childhood caries involve a highly aggressive and painful form of tooth decay that frequently occurs in preschool children, especially those who come from backgrounds of poverty. The resulting decay can become so severe that treatment frequently requires surgery.

Katherine Unger Baillie

John Legend to Speak at Penn’s 258th Commencement

John Legend, a nine-time Grammy Award-winning soul artist, philanthropist and Penn alumnus will deliver the address at the University of Pennsylvania’s Commencement on Monday, May 19, Leslie Laird Kruhly, Vice President and University Secretary announced.

Jeanne Leong



In the News


The Guardian

Does your jaw click? Do you grind your teeth? It could be this little-known condition

Thomas P. Sollecito of the School of Dental Medicine says that roughly 10-15% of adults have some form of temporomandibular disorder, though the vast majority don’t require treatment.

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Associated Press

Menopause can bring on dental problems, but you can protect your mouth

Thomas Sollecito of the School of Dental Medicine says hormonal changes can reduce bone density and saliva production, harming gums and teeth.

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Time

Six health myths about oils

Dean Mark Wolff of the School of Dental Medicine says that oil pulling won’t cause harm but has never reversed periodontitis or gingivitis.

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The New York Times

Swish, spit, repeat: Is oil pulling good for your teeth?

Mark S. Wolff of the School of Dental Medicine says that oil pulling should never be a substitute for brushing or flossing one’s teeth.

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The Wall Street Journal

The five best water flossers (for people who hate flossing)

Dean Mark Wolff of the School of Dental Medicine explains which features are most helpful for a good water flosser.

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