Dental Research

ADA backs U.S. bill calling for evidence-based oral health research amid fluoride controversy

by Oral Health
The ADA says that 80 years of community water fluoridation at optimal levels has proven to be safe and effective at reducing tooth decay to improve oral health.

The American Dental Association (ADA) announced its support Monday for new U.S. federal legislation requiring evidence-based research to guide oral health policy. “Recently, there has been a growing distrust of credible, time-tested, evidence-based science about the safety and need for water fluoridation programs,” said Dr. Brett Kessler, president of the ADA. The ADA also praised … Read more

University of Texas researchers training AI to predict dental composite performance

by Oral Health
The team analyzed data from over 200 studies to assess 28 composite additives and 17 performance traits, including strength, shrinkage and fracture resistance.

Artificial intelligence is already reshaping diagnostics in dentistry, but researchers at UT Health San Antonio and the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) are now exploring how AI could help evaluate and optimize dental composite materials. Their goal: to develop machine learning models that can accurately predict how commercially available dental composites—used in fillings … Read more

OrbiMed expands investment to $85 million in Swiss firm’s drill-free cavity treatment

by Oral Health
cavitycropped alternate text for this image

New York-based healthcare investment firm OrbiMed has invested a total of $85 million in Swiss company vVARDIS, known for its drill-free treatment for early tooth decay, the companies said in a recent statement. OrbiMed announced the closing of a $50 million funding round, adding to an initial $35 million investment made in February 2025. “After … Read more

UB research deepens understanding of oral disorders by targeting gene linked to tooth enamel

by Oral Health
UB oral biology professor publishes pioneering tooth enamel study Research reveals how targeting gene could help correct oral disorders, prevent craniofacial birth defects

A University at Buffalo research team led by oral biologist Dr. Hyuk-Jae (Edward) Kwon has advanced the understanding of genetic disorders that weaken tooth enamel by turning off a gene known as KMT2D in mice. The study, published in the Journal of Dental Research, marks the first in-depth investigation identifying KMT2D as a key regulator in enamel formation … Read more

Digital dentistry market expected to surpass $17 billion globally by 2032

by Oral Health
Digital dentistry is on the rise, fuelled by an aging population and growing interest in cosmetic dental care.

The global digital dentistry market is projected to reach US$17.2 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.6 per cent, according to a new report by SNS Insider. In 2023, the market was valued at US$6.96 billion. The growth is being driven by technological advancements such as 3D printing and … Read more

U.S. breakfast cereals are getting less healthy. What does that mean for Canadians?

by Dina Al-Shibeeb, Oral Health Group
cereal-children alternate text for this image

U.S. breakfast cereals — many of which are also marketed to children — have become less healthy, with increases in sugar, fat and sodium, and declines in protein and fibre, according to a new study published May 21 in JAMA Network Open. The study, conducted by the agricultural economics departments at the University of Kentucky and … Read more

‘If you’re not using digital technology in some way, you’re falling behind,’ says UB professor

by Oral Health
UB dental students are embracing digital dentistry with tools like 3D printing, CBCT scans, AR and VR.

As digital dentistry becomes the norm, it’s making its mark on dental education. “If you’re not using digital technology in some way, you’re falling behind,” said Dr. Joseph DeLuca, clinical associate professor of restorative dentistry at the University at Buffalo. “We’re making sure our students graduate ready to lead with the tools and knowledge modern … Read more

Canada is top 3 globally in tooth decay management, but more can be done to improve health: study

by Oral Health
Preventing tooth decay through basic care could reduce decay by 30% and save $4.41 billion in Canada.

Canada ranks third out of 40 countries in managing tooth decay, following the United States and Switzerland, according to a global report published Thursday as part of the Health Inclusivity Index (HII), a research initiative by Economist Impact supported by consumer health company Haleon. The United Kingdom placed fourth and Australia fifth in the study, … Read more

Mouth pain keeps some from eating — here’s what the dental data says as CDCP opens to Canadians 55 to 64

by Oral Health
One in five Canadians aged 55 to 64 reports avoiding eating due to mouth pain. (iStock)

“Starting today, Canadians aged 55 to 64 can apply.” Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Thursday that applications are now open for this age group under the federal Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). “Because of this plan, millions of people can now afford to see a dentist — some for the first time in decades. Soon, … Read more

Dentsply Sirona to replace Connect Case Center with DS Core cloud platform by November

by Oral Health
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is fueling increased demand for cloud computing solutions.

Dentsply Sirona is urging users in 39 countries, including Canada, to upgrade to its new cloud-based platform, DS Core, ahead of the discontinuation of its Connect Case Center (CCC) on Nov. 15. Since 2010, CCC has connected dental practices and labs. However, the transition to DS Core will allow users to store and view patient … Read more

Florida is poised to become 2nd state to ban fluoride from public water systems

by Kate Payne, The Associated Press
fluoride and children’s IQ alternate text for this image

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— Florida is poised to become the second state to ban fluoride in public drinking water, over the concerns of dentists and public health advocates who say the mineral is a safe, effective way to protect people of all ages from developing cavities. Florida lawmakers gave final approval to the bill Tuesday after Utah … Read more

Passionate Dental Research Displayed at Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry’s Research Day

by Oral Health
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The University of Manitoba’s Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry hosted their annual Research Day, resulting in some exceptional winners. Md Mahamudul Haque, a PhD student in oral biology, won for the best basic research poster. Haque hopes the research will raise more awareness for oral health and disease prevention. “Haque’s research examined the interaction … Read more

Government of Canada Invests in Research to Improve Dental Care for Canadians

by Government of Canada
Dentists with a patient during a dental intervention to boy. alternate text for this image

Oral health is a major contributor to overall health and well-being. Researchers have found links between oral health and many systemic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, various types of cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, arthritis, diabetes, and cognitive diseases. Evidence has also shown that socioeconomic factors, including income, education, employment, are determinants of oral health. The … Read more

Student Research Excellence Lauded at Dentistry Research Day

by UM Today News

Students focusing on infection, workflow and dental implants were recently announced as winners of the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry’s annual Research Day. The 2022 competition was held in conjunction with the Manitoba Dental Association’s annual convention in April. Fifteen participants proudly presented their research findings including 10 students who took part in the oral … Read more

Cold Laker Wins Scholarship to Research Métis-Centered Dental Care

by Daily Herald Tribune

Cold Lake business woman Paulette Dahlseide recently received the Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship for indigenous students, becoming the first dental hygiene graduate student to receive the award. Dahlseide, who runs Providence Dental Hygiene, made the decision to go to graduate school in order to research issues around Métis-centered dental care. Part of Dahlseide’s business is … Read more

The Most Viewed Website on the Internet

by Nour Geres, Linnaea Halpert, Bronte Murcar-Evans, Noah Gasner, Joshua Tordjman (UofT WCODS)

If you’re reading this, you’ve most likely used Wikipedia to look up medical or dental information. As a matter of fact, Wikipedia is the most consulted website on the internet when it comes to health-related searches,1 making it a highly effective tool to spread information- or misinformation. Therefore, it is extremely important that the information … Read more

USask Dental Researcher To Take Part In Prestigious International Competition

by University of Saskatchewan

For the first time, a University of Saskatchewan (USask) dental researcher has earned the right to compete in the world’s most prestigious international student research competition. Dr. Lina Marin (DDS, PhD), currently a post-doctoral fellow working with Dr. Walter Siqueira (DDS, PhD) in USask’s College of Dentistry, finished in first place in the Senior Basic … Read more

Researchers Find Dental Stem Cells Can Generate Milk-Producing Cells

by University of Zurich

The ability of adult stem cells to generate various tissue-specific cell populations is of great interest in the medical and dental research fields. These cells can replace damaged cells and therefore represent a good alternative to classical medical treatments for tissue regeneration. This may even allow the de novo formation of entire tissues and organs … Read more

Key New Molecules Uncovered That Could Help Tackle Tooth Loss And Regeneration

by Mrs. Amy King, University of Plymouth

Our teeth take thousands of bites per day, and understanding exactly what holds them in place and how is key to helping people live with their own teeth for longer. Now new research published in the Journal of Dental Research has shed light on the science behind the formation of the periodontal ligament, which helps keep the … Read more

Anthropology Lab Uses Ancient Teeth To Advance Dental Research

by Arkansas Public Media

Brush, floss and then forget. The odds are, unless teeth are causing pain, we don’t think about them much. But for Dr. Peter Ungar, what he calls “ready-made fossils” in human mouths have a lot to tell us about the past and how to prevent pain in the future. Ungar, an anthropologist at the University … Read more