Center for Clinical Studies
A significant component of dental research involves investigations or
observations on human subjects in a clinical setting. Established in 1985,
the Center for Clinical Studies provides coordination of the physical and
human resources required by such investigations. The Center offers
opportunities to effectively combine laboratory and clinical research
procedures. As dental restorative materials become more sophisticated,
systematic testing in a clinical setting is essential. The Center provides
a focus for research and development of new materials and new treatment
modalities as well as for the evaluation of materials already in common
use. Dr. James S. Wefel
directs the Center for Clinical Studies.
Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Implants
In recent years, as placement of dental implants has become a more widely
used approach to meeting the needs of partially as well as totally
edentulous patients, research on the factors affecting long term stability
of such implants has become increasingly important. Work in the Center for
Oral and Maxillofacial Implants integrates clinical and basic research with
rational treatment planning as well as the preparation of clinicians for
provision of this service. Dr.
John C. Keller is Research Director of the Center and Dr. Robert L.
Schneider is Clinical Director of the Center.
Clinical Core Oral Health Research Center
Now in its second quinquennium of funding by the National Institute for
Dental Research , the Center provides an optimum physical and intellectual
environment for investigations involving human subjects. The principal
function of the Center is to stimulate research relevant to improving the
oral health of high risk and older adult populations. In addition, the
Center provides training for clinicians and researchers in the experimental
design and methodology of clinical research. Core resources help support
existing funded research as well as pilot studies designed to lead to
additional funding. Ultimately, the Center's work should help to improve
patient care in the clinics and in the community. The Center is directed
by Dr. James S. Wefel.
Research Center on Oral Health in Aging
Funded by the National Institute for Dental Research, the overall goal of
the Center is to provide an appropriate intellectual and physical
environment to support outstanding basic research that will provide a
foundation for approaching significant problems of oral health in aging.
The focus of the research to increase our understanding of oral mucosal
disease in the elderly including oral cancer and infections due to candida
(thrush). Overall, the Center supports a program of research aimed at
diseases of fundamental importance in the oral health of the elderly so as
to offer approaches to therapy and, eventually, prevention. Dr. Christopher A. Squier
directs the Center.
Specialized Caries Research Center
The overall goal of the Specialized Caries Research Center, funded by the
National Institute for Dental Research, is the development and successful
implementation of multidisciplinary research concerning the etiology and
prevention of dental caries. The Center translates research findings into
useful caries preventive activities in human populations, by facilitating
the transfer of knowledge from the laboratory to clinic, thus improving
prevention and early diagnosis and treatment of coronal and root caries in
high risk populations. It also provides opportunities for training , for
the development and application of new technology, and for the development
and expansion of interdisciplinary programs within the University.
Knowledge gained will improve understanding of the complex disease process
and approaches to prevention of dental caries. Dr. James S. Wefel is Center
Director.