At the UAB School of Dentistry, orthodontics researchers are applying artificial intelligence to better understand how facial shape varies across populations and how that insight can inform diagnosis and treatment.
Orthodontics resident Jolaiya Oguntoba, B.D.S., contributed to a recent Scientific Reports study led by Chung How Kau, B.D.S., M.Sc.D., Ph.D., that used 3D facial data to identify key traits across populations. The study identified distinct facial markers among Chinese, Hungarian, and Hispanic populations and reflects a growing effort to expand AI-driven approaches in craniofacial analysis.
With support from the 2026 Fred & Dianne Garrett Biomedical Research Award from the American Association of Orthodontists Foundation, Kau is extending this work to a larger facial dataset within the Department of Orthodontics to further explore how these tools may enhance the evaluation of craniofacial conditions and guide future care.
“This work helps us better understand how facial traits vary across populations and how emerging technologies may support future craniofacial evaluation,” said Kau.