Dr. Hai Zhang, DMD, PhD.

Education/Training

Dr. Zhang received a DMD from West China University of Medical Sciences in 1992. In 2002, he received both a PhD in Oral Biology and a Certificate in Prosthodontics from the University of Connecticut.

Dr. Zhang teaches

• PROS 523 - Removable Partial Denture Design (Course Director)
• PROS 520 - Introduction to Complete Dentures
• PROS 525 - Removable Partial Denture Technique
• PROS 562 - Graduate Removable Prosthodontics
• PROS 620 - Clinical Complete Dentures
• PROS 630 - Clinical Prosthodontics
• PROS 640 - Clinical Prosthodontic Maintenance
• RESD 630 - Clinical Restorative Dentistry
• RESD 640 - Advanced Clinical Restorative Dentistry

Research Interests

Dr. Zhang's research focuses primarily on dental implantology and tooth regeneration. His projects have included the age-associated responses of osteoblasts to dental implants, and the effect of nicotine on osteoblasts responding to implant materials. His current research involves regulation mechanisms in tooth development and regeneration, and bisphosphonates-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). He is also participating in clinical research on a zirconia-based all-ceramic crown system.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Zhang's educational honors include twice winning the Bayer Award at the Undergraduate Level (1990, 1991) and once at the Post-Graduate level (1996), as well as the Zhensheng Zhan Award (1992). He has also been awarded several professional honors including the Morita Research Award Honorable Mention at the 78th International Association of Dental Research (IADR) General Session in 2000, the Kaiser Permanente Teaching Award nomination at the University of Connecticut in 2004 and was nominated as an American College of Prosthodontics (ACP) Sharry Competition Finalist in 2004.

Professional Service

Dr. Zhang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Restorative Dentistry, and previously taught as a Clinical Instructor in the Department of Prosthodontics and Operative Dentistry at the University of Connecticut (2002-2004).

Dr. Zhang currently holds a dental license in the state of Washington. He is an active member of the Faculty Practice Clinic, located in the University of Washington School of Dentistry, where he provides direct patient care. His practice is primarlily focused on Prosthodontic procedures (such as crowns and bridges, cosmetic veneers, removable partial and complete dentures, dental implants, etc...). His treatment of a patient was recently featured on the official American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) website as an example of how a Prosthodontist can change a patient's smile. (Click here for article)

Dr. Zhang Has been a member of the Editorial Review Board of the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry since 2004. He is also a reviewer for a number of other professional journals including the Journal of Biomedical Materials Research (Part A and Part B - Applied Biomaterials), the Journal of Evidence-Based Dental Practice and the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. He currently holds memberships in the American Dental Association, the American College of Prosthodontists, and the American Society of Bone and Mineral Research.

Recent Publications

Books:

Zhang H , Hanson F, Giannobile W, and Somerman M. Periodontal tissue engineering. In: Lanza R and Langer R (editors). Principles of Tissue Engineering (2nd edition). San Diego : Academic Press. 2007.

Peer-reviewed Papers:

. Zhang H , Somerman MJ, Berg J, Williams B, and Cunningham ML. Dental Anomalies in a Child with Craniometaphyseal Dysplasia. Pediatric Dentistry, (in press, 2007).

. Yang G, Zhou X, Zhang H , and Wu H. Shaping ability of progressive versus constant taper instruments in curved root canals of extracted teeth. International Endodontic Journal, (in press, 2007).

. Zhang H . Influence of prosthetic parameters on the survival and complication rates of short implants. The Journal of Evidence-Based Dental Practice, (in press, 2007).

. Yang G, Zhou X, Zhang H , and Wu H. Shaping ability comparison of progressive versus constant taper shaft designed instruments in simulated resin root canals. International Endodontic Journal, 39(10):791-9, 2006.

. Zhang H , Grasso J. A technique for repairing removable partial denture attachment anchor. Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, 94(3):299-300, 2005.

. Zhang H , Aronow M, and Gronowicz G. Transforming Growth Factor-beta 1 (TGF- b 1) Prevents The Age-Dependent Decrease in Bone Formation in Human Osteoblast/Implant Cultures. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research 75(1):98-105, 2005.

. Zhang H . Risk of complication associated with dental implants and implant prostheses is variable. The Journal of Evidence-Based Dental Practice 4:233-4, 2004.

. Gronowicz G, McCarthy MB , Zhang H , and Zhang W. Insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) induces apoptosis in osteoblasts. Bone 35:621-628, 2004.

. Zhang H , Ahmad M., and Gronowicz G. The effects of patient age on human osteoblasts' response to Ti-6Al-4V implants in vitro. Journal of Orthopaedic Research 22(1): 30-8. Jan., 2004.

. Zhang H , Ahmad M, and Gronowicz G. Effects of transforming growth factor beta1 on mineralization of human osteoblasts on implant materials in vitro. Biomaterials 24:2013-2020, 2003.