As part of the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry’s (UKCD) annual Research Day, held in conjunction with the CCTS Spring Conference, Dr. Martha Somerman, director of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), shared various insights with UKCD faculty and students before speaking at the conference. 

The NIDCR, one of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is the federal government’s lead agency for scientific research on dental, oral and craniofacial health and disease. The agency funds research at various universities, dental schools, and medical schools, primarily in the United States, with its annual budget of approximately $400 million. 

Somerman oversees the NIDCR’s scientific direction, policy development, program review, and administrative management. Before joining the agency, she served as the dean of the University of Washington School of Dentistry. Under her leadership, the dental school ranked steadily among the top tier of schools for NIDCR grant funding. 

Prior to speaking at UKCD’s portion of the CCTS Spring Conference, Somerman met with UKCD junior faculty during which time she recounted her journey toward dentistry and the steps following until reaching the NIDCR. Faculty discussed their current research focus and listened to Somerman’s research and career development insights. 

“A major emphasis of dental schools within academic environments, such as the University of Kentucky, is to conduct research and provide new knowledge in the disciplines of oral health sciences and dentistry. Dr. Somerman’s visit to UK, and interactions with junior faculty, dental students, and the broader UK College of Dentistry research enterprise, helps to underscore the development of the 21st century dental workforce that includes dental educators, dental researchers, and a practicing dental community that is poised to adopt new evidence and precision health concepts into their clinical decisions,” shared Jeffrey Ebersole, PhD, Director of the Center for Oral Health Research, Associate Dean for UK College of Dentistry Research and Graduate Studies. 

UKCD dental students listened to Somerman highlight certain areas of the NIDCR 2030 strategic plan and discuss student research opportunities. For students nearing graduation, she shared how they could support dental research from their private practices. 

During UKCD’s Research Day event, Somerman encouraged attendees to submit research ideas and proposals in support of the NIDCR 2030 strategic plan and met with poster session participants. 

Graduating UKCD fourth-year DMD student Luis Mariusso’s poster focused on digital implant dentistry workflow as an educational tool in predoctoral programs. “I thought it was an honor speaking with Dr. Somerman because of everything she represents, has contributed, and will contribute to the field of dentistry…Many of the things we get to use today, as far as technology and treatment innovations, are a direct result of the research that is done by her and people like her.” 

Photos:

Top: L to R: UK Vice President for Research Dr. Lisa Cassis, UK College of Dentistry Dean Dr. Stephanos Kyrkanides, NIDCR Director Dr. Martha Somerman, UK President Dr. Eli Capilouto, and UK Provost Dr. Tim Tracy.

Bottom: UKCD fourth-year DMD student Luis Mariusso with NIDCR Director Dr. Martha Somerman.