Oral Biology is concerned with the nature of the oral and craniofacial tissues and with the application of basic scientific knowledge to oral health and disease. The courses and research programs in the Department deal with the origin, growth and development, structure, and functions of oral tissues, as well as with the etiology and pathogenesis of oral diseases and malfunctions. By its nature, oral biology overlaps with both clinical dental sciences and basic medical sciences.
Research conducted by faculty in the UW Department of Oral Biology has direct ties with Dentistry and advances in dental research that keep the dental profession strong. In addition, the mouth is the entrance to the body and many aspects of systemic health are reflected in oral health. Our research contributes to our nation's need for knowledge to develop better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral diseases that affect us all, from infancy to old age.
