Explore our research highlights
Research at the UAB School of Dentistry is shaped by focused inquiry and interdisciplinary collaboration, with an emphasis on real‑world relevance. This collection offers insight into our research themes, faculty expertise, and the institutional support that enables discovery and translation within a leading academic health sciences center.
Optimizing Oral Health Through Research and Discovery
UAB School of Dentistry consistently ranks among the top NIH-funded U.S. dental schools. Centered on six 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
Oral Cancer
Clinical Outcomes & Implementation Science
Neurobiology & Pain
Oral Microbiology & Immunology
Craniofacial Development & Genetics
Biomaterial Science & Biomimetic
Learn About Our Research Themes
Oral Health Research at UAB
Research at UAB School of Dentistry is supported by a coordinated infrastructure that connects institutes, centers, national networks, and laboratories.
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.
Research Experiences For Undergraduates, Graduates, & Dental Students
UAB School of Dentistry offers research training opportunities across the learner continuum, from undergraduates to dental students and advanced trainees. These programs provide structured mentorship, hands-on discovery, and pathways into academic and clinical research careers.
- 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.
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
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
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
With a history of producing national student leaders, our student led AADOCR SRG affiliate nurtures and promotes student researchers.
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
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
Amber Jackson
Business Officer II
SDB 715
(205) 996-7998
Chris Washington
Program Coordinator II
SDB 704