The future of dentistry is being shaped by bold, new ideas, and Research Day 2025 at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (CU SDM) offered a front-row seat to new and ongoing research that is redefining oral health.
“When we started planning this year’s event, we knew it needed to be special because we're celebrating the 40th annual CU Dental Research Day,” said Tracy de Peralta, DMD, PhD, MClinEd, event co-chair, professor and senior associate dean of academic affairs and innovation.
On Friday, February 7, 2025, researchers, students, faculty and community members gathered on the CU Anschutz Medical Campus for a full day of insights, with dental continuing education credit available.
Stories Behind the Science
In addition to two esteemed keynotes at this year’s event, three speakers from the School of Dental Medicine presented their unique investigations.
Humberto Escobedo, PhD, postdoctoral research scientist in the CU SDM Department of Craniofacial Biology, is part of a team of researchers on the CU Anschutz Medical Campus developing 3D inkjet printed dentures with antimicrobial and potentially antifungal characteristics. The team is led by Associate Professor Devatha Nair, PhD, and Senior Associate Dean for Research and Professor Jeffrey Stansbury, PhD, who recently received a $6 million Anschutz Acceleration Initiative grant to continue this work.
Escobedo’s research focuses on creating 3D denture-based materials that can prevent the overgrowth of bacteria and fungi caused by poor denture hygiene, ultimately protecting patients from developing increased risk for serious chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, pneumonia, Alzheimer’s disease and cancer.
Beyond denture applications, Escobedo said this research holds potential for enhancing tooth restoration practices, contributing to greater longevity of dental work, and extending to other healthcare fields.
“Oral health does more than just enhance a person’s smile and confidence,” he said. “It plays a vital role in overall health, often in ways people may not fully realize.” This connection is what drives Escobedo's passion in oral health research, particularly in creating innovative solutions to unrecognized needs.
Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) candidate Alexis Vann is similarly fascinated by the connection between oral health and overall health. “The field of oral health research, and craniofacial development in particular, provides me a unique opportunity to explore how a seemingly small aspect of the human body can influence the entire body.”
Vann began her research in lower jaw development during CU SDM’s Summer Research Scholarship Program. Her findings, along with related studies, have significant implications for understanding and treating craniofacial differences. Her work focuses on the transcription factor Dlx5, a protein that helps control the expression of other genes during mandibular development. She said, “By uncovering how Dlx5 regulates lower jaw patterning during development, we can better predict and potentially prevent developmental issues that lead to craniofacial syndromes. These improvements may even reduce the need for invasive corrective surgeries that many individuals with craniofacial differences currently endure.”
This work bridges developmental biology with clinical dentistry, aiming to improve dental practice and patient outcomes. Vann said this research not only addresses current challenges but also aims to shape the future of oral health, offering hope for improved care and outcomes for generations to come.
Researchers in the Department of Craniofacial Biology are driving meaningful change not just in the United States, but in communities across the world.
Trevor Williams, PhD, professor and Timpte/Brownlie Endowed Chair in Craniofacial/Molecular Biology, recently spent six months in Nepal as a Fulbright Scholar. His ongoing studies concern the demographics of orofacial clefting in Nepal, the history of treatment in the country and the factors behind patient decisions to receive or decline treatment.
Williams’ Research Day presentation, “Craniofacial Clefting in Nepal,” explored the specific geographical and cultural difficulties in Nepal that make treatment of dental and craniofacial conditions challenging. He hopes “to bring people together who are invested in genetic analysis and treatment of craniofacial cleft so that Nepal gets the level of interest and care that other countries in the world have.”
Dual Keynotes Expand Research Impact
This year’s event brought two esteemed keynote speakers to speak on educational and behavioral research that can be applied to any healthcare specialty.
University of Iowa Dean Emeritus and Professor of Pediatric Dentistry David C. Johnsen, DDS, MS, gave the first keynote presentation, “Critical Thinking: Learning Outcomes and Outcomes-Based Assessments.” Johnsen is an expert in this field, having dedicated years to ongoing research, and disseminating his findings to educators around the world.
De Peralta emphasized the importance of this field of research for healthcare education. “Clinical faculty are trained in clinical care, but not everyone knows how to teach. Why not apply research to continuously improve our teaching methods, too?” The International Association for Dental Research (IADR) has also recognized the significance with the introduction of an educational research group, which is very active in providing evidence for best practices. “If clinical care is evidence-based, teaching should be too.”
Keynote speaker Effie Ioannidou, DMD, MDSc, said she is also passionate about the future of dentistry being evidence-based, as well as being directed by innovation and discovery, and representing our communities. A clinician scientist with training in Periodontology, Ioannidou is the Leland A. and Gladys K. Barber Distinguished Professor in Dentistry and Chair of the Department of Orofacial Sciences at the University of California San Francisco School of Dentistry. She is also the current president of the American Association for Dental, Oral and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR).
Her Research Day presentation, “Sex and Gender in Research Methodology and Workforce,” was advantageous to anyone studying or working in healthcare. Participants learned the correct use of sex and gender terminology; research methodological requirements around sex biology; and the ways sex and gender are reported in basic, clinical and translational papers.
An Invitation to Learn and Connect
Healthcare professionals and students alike were inspired by the presentations and posters at this year’s event. The poster competition, with nearly 50 participants, showcased research from faculty, research staff professionals, dental students in the DDS and international student programs, and graduate students, postdocs and residents working in SDM labs. Research Day attendees were able to explore the poster session and hear directly from the investigators about their projects.
For dental professionals, the event offered free continuing education (CE) credits.
“Events like Research Day provide a platform for sharing findings, fostering collaboration, and inspiring innovation in healthcare science,” said Vann. “Meaningful discussions during this event align research and clinical practice, helping shape the future of dental medicine and ultimately improving patient care.”
Whether you are a student eager to learn from experts, a practitioner looking to stay ahead of the curve, or a campus community member curious about the future of healthcare education and practice, Research Day welcomed everyone to be part of this milestone celebration.
Meet the Speakers
