Dental Medicine

A preclinical study from researchers at Penn Dental Medicine shows that the molecular secretions of stem cells taken from human gum tissue could someday be used to speed the healing and regeneration of damaged tissues in the mouth.

Modupe O. Coker from the School of Dental Medicine and a collaborative team of researchers identified changes over time in the oral microbiome of children living with HIV, offering insights into how early immune challenges shape not only oral health but also systemic health.

Teles, a professor in the Department of Basic & Translational Sciences at Penn Dental Medicine and a core member of the Center for Innovation & Precision Dentistry, has been recognized for her research as the 2025 recipient of 2025 IADR/IAP Ricardo Teles Clinical Research Award. Her research focuses on the oral microbiome, particularly the discovery and characterization of previously uncultivated periodontal pathogens; her lab aims to identify hidden members of oral biofilms. 

Coker, an associate professor in the Department of Basic and Translational Sciences at Penn Dental Medicine, is among 100 fellows from across the country selected for the 2025-2026 Hedwig van Ameringen Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine® (ELAM) program. Hosted by Drexel University College of Medicine, ELAM is dedicated to preparing women for senior leadership roles in schools of medicine, dentistry, public health and pharmacy.

The groundbreaking program will provide evidence-informed guidelines in real time to support patient care and advance public health.

The renewed MOU, signed by Penn Dental Medicine’s Morton Amsterdam Dean, Dr. Mark Wolff, and Penn Dental professor Uri Hangorsky, will further strengthen the partnership, facilitating joint research projects, faculty exchanges, and student programs.

A translational study from the lab of Penn Dental Medicine’s Esra Sahingur shows “senotherapy” drug combination is effective in managing gingivitis and periodontitis.

Kendra Domotor may have “zigzagged” her way to dentistry, but her journey helped her find her center in dentistry, helping her blend her love of science, teaching, and service.