Advanced Oral Sciences and Therapeutics
Professor and Chair: Thomas Oates, DMD, PhD
The department contains three dental specialty areas and is responsible for major segments of the predoctoral dental curriculum encompassing endodontics, dental biomaterials, geriatric dentistry and fixed and removable prosthodontics and periodontics. The department also includes a dental hygiene program and offers a degree completion and Bachelor of Science in dental hygiene. Three-year certificate programs in postgraduate endodontics, post-graduate periodontics and postgraduate prosthodontics are offered as well as specialty observerships (6 months or 1 year) for foreign-trained dentists in Periodontics and Prosthodontics. Further training for certified periodontists and prosthodontists is offered in an Implant Periodontal – Prosthetic Fellowship for management and treatment of complex implant prosthodontic patients.
The department has an active research program in all aspects of advanced dental care and includes: regenerative biology and therapy, microbial genetics, chemotherapeutic agents, periodontal pathogens, implantology, and biostatistics of endodontic infections and their relationship to systemic disease, digital dentistry, dental materials, nanocomposites, calcium phosphates, novel methods of controlling tooth sensitivity, evaluation of physical properties of numerous dental materials, and bioactive ceramics. Our department members also collaborate with public health to establish best practices for oral health care delivery and access to care.