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.
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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.
Themes

Craniofacial Development & Genetics

Biomaterial Science & Biomimetic

Oral Microbiology, Infection, & Host Response

Oral Cancer & Bone Marrow Microenvironment

Clinical Outcomes & Implementation Science
Learn About Our Research Themes
World Class Oral Health Research Opportunities

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
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
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
Our 12 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
- D.A.R.T.
- D.M.D/Ph.D.
- MS In Dentistry
- Scholars Symposium
- Student Research Group
- Summer Research Partnerships

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.
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

5.2 million
in NIH funding 2022

100%
DMD Student Research participation
UAB Research Resources
Latest Research News
Contact Us
Amjad Javed, M.Sc., Ph.D.
Associate Dean of Research
SDB 714
(205) 996-5124
Kelsey Hoggatt
Business Officer II
SDB 715
(205) 996-7998
Chris Washington
Program Coordinator II
SDB 704