Explore UAB

  • Volker Sets the stage - Dr. Joseph F. Volker, former SOD Dean and UAB Director of Research in 1955, promoted an atmosphere of interdisciplinary research and collaboration, not just within the dental school but throughout the entire university.
  • Four handed dentistry - In the 1960s, government-funded researchers and clinicians at UAB added a second set of hands to the practice of dentistry and revolutionized the practice.
  • Practice-based research - In 2012, UAB was named the national base for a new national dental research network supported by a seven-year, $66.8M NIH grant – an effort to improve the nation’s health.
  • Training  the next generation - At UAB, we have a proud history and longstanding commitment to developing a pipeline of future researchers and academic leaders. Are you next?
  • Nation’s  First Dental Implant Registry - The National Dental Practice-Based Research Network, founded and hosted at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry, is home to the nation’s first dental implant registry established in 2023.
  • Top tier NIH funded dental school - By the 1980s, UAB School of Dentistry had achieved top tier NIH-funded status among dental schools, a position it has maintained.

    Optimizing Oral Health Through Research and Discovery

    UAB School of Dentistry consistently ranks among the top NIH-funded U.S. dental schools. Centered on five core themes, our transformative dental research combines academic excellence with scientific methodology to discover answers to cutting-edge questions. Our preeminent faculty teach and mentor students, preparing them to make new discoveries while advancing science to benefit oral health locally and globally. Building upon our rich history of innovation, we are forging the future of oral health.

    Themes

    Craniofacial Development & Genetics
    Craniofacial Development & Genetics
    Biomaterial Science & Biomimetic
    Biomaterial Science & Biomimetic
    Oral Microbiology, Infection, & Host Response
    Oral Microbiology, Infection, & Host Response
    Oral Cancer & Bone Marrow Microenvironment
    Oral Cancer & Bone Marrow Microenvironment
    Clinical Outcomes & Implementation Science
    Clinical Outcomes & Implementation Science

    Learn About Our Research Themes

    World Class Oral Health Research Opportunities

    Institute for Oral Health Research (IOHR)

    Institute for Oral Health Research (IOHR)

    A cornerstone of our research enterprise, the Institute Oral Health Research serves as a one stop resource to bolster the work of our investigators as they advance dental, oral, and craniofacial research.

    Global Center for Craniofacial, Oral and Dental Disorders

    Global Center for Craniofacial, Oral and Dental Disorders

    A University Wide Interdisciplinary Research Center, the Global Center for Craniofacial, Oral & Dental Disorders supports campus investigators involved in dental, oral and craniofacial research across multiple disciplines.

    National Dental PBRN

    National Dental PBRN

    Founded at UAB, the National Dental Practice Based Research Network is a groundbreaking consortium of participating dental practices and organizations that are revolutionizing practice-based research.

    IOHR Labs

    IOHR Labs

    Our more than 10 labs span basic and translational research, contributing to the understanding and advancement of oral and craniofacial health and its connection to overall health.

    Exceptional Experiences For Undergraduates, Graduates, & Dental Students

    Dental Academic Research Training (DART)

    Dental Academic Research Training (DART)

    Our Dental Academic Research Training program is one of the few DART programs with a foreign-trained dentist track. With all four DART tracks, we have a record of developing academicians and leaders in the field.

    D.M.D/Ph.D.

    D.M.D/Ph.D.

    Training the next generation of dental academicians, our integrated clinician-scientist training program provides the skills needed for a career in academia and dentistry.

    MS in Dentistry

    MS in Dentistry

    Interested in Academic Dentistry? Our MS in Dentistry degree offers two options: a focus on Dental Biomaterials or a focus on Oral Biology.

    Scholars Symposium

    Scholars Symposium

    Budding investigators can showcase their work at our annual Scholars Symposium. The event provides a dynamic and stimulating environment for academic growth, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas.

    Student Research Group

    Student Research Group

    With a history of producing national student leaders, our student led AADOCR SRG affiliate nurtures and promotes student researchers.

    Summer Research Partnerships

    Summer Research Partnerships

    We participate in various campus summer research experiences that provide valuable hands-on experiences and mentorship for undergraduate students.

    Find a Collaborator Research by Department

    By The Numbers

    33 Grants Federal: 10 grants; $34,000,000 in total funding, Non-Federal: 23 total; $522,939 in total funding

    33 Grants

    Federal: 10 grants; $34,000,000 in total funding

    Non-Federal: 23 total; $522,939 in total funding

    5.2 million in NIH funding 2022

    5.2 million

    in NIH funding 2022

    100% DMD Student Research participation

    100%

    DMD Student Research participation

    UAB Research Resources

    Latest Research News

    • 19th Scholars Symposium featured prominent oral and maxillofacial surgeons, showcased record-setting student research presentations
    • Glowing Tumors
    • Research After Dental School

     

    Contact Us

    Amjad Javed, M.Sc., Ph.D.

    Associate Dean of Research
    SDB 714
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    (205) 996-5124

    Kelsey Hoggatt

    Business Officer II
    SDB 715
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    (205) 996-7998

    Chris Washington

    Program Coordinator II
    SDB 704
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