Research at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry is advancing the future of oral health through discovery, innovation and collaboration. Our faculty, students and research teams are engaged in a diverse portfolio of studies spanning many dental specialties, including endodontics, periodontology, orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, oral medicine, pediatric dentistry, prosthodontics, restorative dentistry, public health dentistry, orofacial pain and oral pathology.
From laboratory science and clinical trials to community-based research and translational studies, these projects are expanding knowledge, improving patient care and shaping the future of dentistry. Explore the research studies below to learn more about the innovative work currently underway at the College of Dentistry.
Grade C periodontitis (formerly aggressive periodontitis) is a rare, rapidly progressing disease affecting young individuals and often clustering in families. This multi-center study will analyze global cases to identify genetic susceptibility, host-response pathways, and microbial profiles using whole-exome sequencing, epithelial transcriptomics, and metagenomic analysis to better understand disease mechanisms and risk.
Chronic masticatory muscle pain disorders (MMPD) affect 5-12% of the population. Combining standard dental care with brief telehealth psychological interventions offers hope for improving quality of life, but few such interventions exist. The study will generate data to support a full-scale efficacy trial of a brief psychological intervention for MMPD.
The endodontics program will produce graduates with specialty training in the areas of non-surgical and surgical management of endodontic disease. The certificate program is a full-time 24-month program consisting of didactic, clinical, teaching, and research components. There are three (3) graduate student openings per year. The goal of the program is to prepare graduates for careers in either endodontic academics or private specialty practice.
The Orofacial Pain Certificate Program is a two-year program specifically designed for dentists who wish to gain a broad-based experience in the field of orofacial pain. The program includes didactic, clinical, and research components.