Ping Zhang, D.D.S., Ph.D., professor and director of research in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the UAB School of Dentistry, has been elected president of the International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (IADR) Microbiology and Immunology Group.
The IADR Microbiology and Immunology Group brings together researchers studying oral microorganisms, host immune responses, and host–microbe interactions related to oral infectious disease and inflammation. The group contributes to scientific programming within IADR and provides a forum for investigators working at the intersection of microbiology, immunology, and oral health.
A clinician‑scientist, Zhang’s research focuses on the biological mechanisms underlying periodontal disease and dental caries, with an emphasis on host–microbial interactions, osteoimmunology, and chronic inflammation. Her work examines how microbial dysbiosis and immune signaling drive tissue destruction in oral disease and how these processes influence systemic health.
For more than a decade, Zhang’s research has been supported by the National Institutes of Health. Her work spans basic, translational, and clinical investigation and includes studies exploring links between periodontal inflammation and systemic conditions. In 2023, she received a five‑year R01 grant from the National Institute on Aging to investigate how periodontal disease may contribute to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
“I am honored to serve in this role and to work with investigators advancing research in microbiology and immunology as it relates to oral health,” Zhang said. “The group provides an important space for scientific exchange and collaboration across disciplines.”
At UAB Dentistry, Zhang oversees research activity within the pediatric dentistry department, supporting faculty, residents, and students engaged in laboratory‑ and clinic‑based research. In addition to her primary appointment, she holds research roles across several interdisciplinary centers at UAB, reflecting the translational scope of her work.
“Dr. Zhang’s election adds to UAB Dentistry’s engagement in national research leadership,” said Amjad Javed, Ph.D., associate dean for research at the UAB School of Dentistry. “Her research addresses fundamental questions in oral infectious disease and inflammation, and her leadership within IADR strengthens the school’s presence in the broader research community.”
UAB Dentistry faculty, residents, and students also contributed research presentations, leadership roles, and student achievements at the 2026 AADOCR/IADR Annual Meeting. Read the full meeting recap to learn more about UAB’s participation.