The University of Colorado Anschutz School of Dental Medicine has renamed the former Department of Craniofacial Biology to the Department of Craniofacial, Oral and Materials Sciences to better reflect the full breadth of research conducted across its teams.
Current work spans the craniofacial and oral spectrum, cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating orofacial development, genetics of prevalent and rare craniofacial diseases, and signaling in cancer development and progression. These biological disciplines are complemented by a materials science program with strengths in polymer chemistry and dental biomaterials. As work has broadened, leaders sought a title that immediately communicates the Department’s full scope to collaborators, applicants and funders.
Professor and Department Chair David Clouthier, Ph.D., described the shared research objective as an effort “to bring together a lively group of scientists to study the craniofacial complex across development, disease and regeneration, using multiple complementary methodologies.” This vision builds on years of foundational work and significant contributions in craniofacial development, oral biology and materials science.
Vice Chair Katherine Fantauzzo, Ph.D., added, “The new name better reflects the multi-faceted approach that we take towards understanding craniofacial development and disease.” The expanded title makes the department's full scientific portfolio visible and establishes clearer alignment between its name and its established reputation.
Ongoing projects highlight how biological and materials science approaches intersect, including 3D inkjet printed dentures and antimicrobial biomaterials designed to reduce microbial colonization on denture surfaces. Additional innovative projects include treating cleft lip using a novel in utero approach; devising treatment strategies for individuals born with novel gene variants that cause craniofacial and cardiovascular differences; discovering how defects in RNA splicing lead to craniofacial differences; and examining the basis for phenotypic variation in craniofacial development.
This integrated framework supports investigations across the lifespan, from congenital craniofacial conditions to age‑related tissue degeneration, and strengthens translational work in regenerative strategies, therapeutic materials and disease‑modifying research. The updated name allows these parallel efforts to be presented cohesively, reflecting both current strengths and long‑term research directions.
The expanded title also plays a key role in recruitment planning as the Department prepares to launch a broad, open-rank tenure-track faculty search in May, focusing on research relevant to craniofacial and oral biology including, but not limited to, developmental, cell and molecular biology, genetics, genomics, epigenomics, regeneration, systems biology and/or data science.
The addition of the term “oral” in the name also clarifies clinical and translational relevance, helping clinicians and oral health researchers recognize that their work intersects naturally with the core focus areas.
This research environment is reinforced by a strong record of external support, even amid a challenging national funding landscape. Teams continue to secure competitive awards from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR). Graduate students and postdoctoral fellows also earn individual NIH fellowships and career development grants, reflecting a culture committed to rigorous inquiry and mentorship. This level of support strengthens the foundation for incoming faculty and helps ensure long‑term stability for emerging programs.
Looking ahead, the Department of Craniofacial, Oral and Materials Sciences enters a new chapter with a name that reflects years of impactful work, strengthens alignment with current and future research directions and positions its teams for continued advancement in craniofacial and oral health sciences.