About Our Department
The department’s mission is to improve oral health through teaching, research, and service, integrating the realms of clinical and community sciences.
The UAB Department of Clinical & Community Sciences extends the reach of UAB School of Dentistry through community partnerships, practice-based research, clinical education, and programs that improve oral health across Alabama and beyond.
Faculty, staff, and trainees connect academic dentistry with real-world practice through community-based education, public health initiatives, collaborative research, and outreach programs that address oral health needs in diverse patient populations and care settings.
The department is home to the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network, community-based educational programs, and nationally recognized training in dental biomaterials. Through research, service, education, and collaboration, the department helps advance oral health, improve patient outcomes, and expand access to care.
Divisions
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Division of Behavioral & Population Sciences
Programs
The Department is the national administrative base for The National Dental Practice-Based Research Network. The National Network Director is Dr. Gregg Gilbert. The “nation’s network” is a consortium of participating practices and dental organizations committed to advancing knowledge of dental practice and ways to improve it. Essentially, it is "practical science" done about, in, and for the benefit of "real world" daily clinical practice. This means that the practitioner-investigators themselves not only participate in developing study ideas, but also participate in designing, conducting, and communicating this research - all with the intent of having a direct impact on clinical practice in non-academic settings. The network's major source of funding is the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health.
The network comprises practices from six United States regions. In addition to the Birmingham location are hubs in Rochester, New York; Gainesville, Florida; Minneapolis, Minnesota; San Antonio, Texas; and Portland, Oregon.
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Division of Biomaterials
Programs
Students are educated in basic material science, with a specific focus on dental materials. This variety of course work allows the student to develop skills and knowledge necessary for productive research, clinical, and teaching careers.
Research Component
Students are offered research opportunities related to their interests and talents. Because of the diversity of projects at UAB, students will participate in a variety of research topics. Students typically work with departmental faculty to assist with projects while learning laboratory skills and techniques. Toward the end of the program, the student will choose a thesis project.
Upon completion of the program, the successful Master’s candidate will be well-versed in current literature (dental biomaterials as well as clinical dentistry and specific research areas). They will be familiar with ADA specifications and testing and conduct a variety of in vitro tests. Students will be taught how to design and implement a research protocol, and interpret these results in a scientific paper. More information on possible areas of research interest can be obtained from our faculty page.
Clinical Dentistry
As a relatively new addition to the Master’s program in biomaterials, residents are offered training in conducting clinical research trials. Patient experiences may include direct restorations, single crowns and other aspects of general dentistry. Opportunities are available to observe and assist faculty members in advanced dental treatment cases. This portion of the program has been well received, and promises to add a unique and important dimension to the training program. It has been especially helpful to foreign-trained dentists, as it gives a unique perspective on differences in training between the U.S. and abroad.
Summary
Our goal is to see our Master’s students graduate with research experience, at least one publication, and a solid background in dental biomaterials. We feel these graduates will be well positioned for an academic career in the United States or abroad.
Education and Training
The department contributes to the education of future dentists through evidence-based dentistry, behavioral and population sciences, community dentistry, geriatrics, professional communication, and community-based clinical education. Students gain experience caring for diverse patient populations through external rotations, outreach activities, and interprofessional learning experiences across Alabama.
The department also supports graduate education through the Master of Science in Dentistry program, including an emphasis in Dental Biomaterials that combines classroom learning, laboratory research, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
Learn more about graduate and educational programs →
Clinical Care and Community Practice
The department supports oral health care delivery through community clinics, such as UAB Dentistry Dothan, UAB-affiliated clinical programs, clinical partnerships, and care models designed to improve access for underserved and vulnerable populations. These experiences strengthen the connection between education, research, and service while providing meaningful training opportunities for students and faculty.
Full-time faculty may also have opportunities to participate in faculty practice through UAB Dental Group, integrating patient care with education, research, and service.
Community Engagement
Community engagement is central to the department's mission. Faculty, staff, and students collaborate with health centers, community organizations, public health agencies, and clinical partners throughout Alabama to expand access to care and improve oral health outcomes.
The department coordinates community-based clinical education experiences, supports outreach initiatives, and develops innovative partnerships that connect oral health services with underserved, rural, aging, and medically complex populations. Through these efforts, students gain real-world experience while communities gain access to essential care and oral health resources.
Research and Scholarly Activity
Faculty conduct practice-based, translational, clinical, and community-focused research that advances oral health, implementation science, workforce development, patient outcomes, and public health.
Clinical & Community Sciences
Departmental research includes:
- Practice-based research and clinical research
- Implementation science and translation of evidence into practice
- Oral epidemiology and population health
- Health disparities and oral health equity
- Behavioral sciences and patient outcomes
- Workforce development and dental education research
- Geriatric dentistry and care for aging populations
- Dental biomaterials and biomechanics
- Interprofessional practice and community health
- Community-based oral health programs and service delivery
News and Recognition
The Department of Clinical & Community Sciences celebrates the accomplishments of its people, programs, and community partners through research, education, outreach, and public health initiatives:
UAB study elevates National Dental PBRN Central IRB over 11 years →