This inaugural issue includes articles from Dr. Ana Fugolin, D.D.S., M.S, Ph.D. and Dr. Jonathan Baker, Ph.D., based on summaries of their research at the Oregon Health & Science University School of Dentistry Research Retreat, held on September 22, 2023. The anthology also includes six critically reviewed topics posters, or caseCATS, from dental students who received awards at the Oregon Dental Conference student research competition in April 2023. Dr. Baker briefly defines the oral microbiota and discusses his lab’s microbial ‘omics approach, using nanopore sequencing on saliva and oral bacterial RNA that has revolutionized oral health research. Dr. Fugolin provides an overview of novel stimuli-responsive biomaterials for applications in restorative dentistry and periodontal disease management that will pioneer a new era in patient-centered dental treatments. The caseCATs evaluate a range of topics, including adhesive systems, maxillary skeletal expansion, rhBMP-2 bone graft for pediatric alveolar cleft lip and palate, the Hal technique for carious primary molars, reduction of bisphenol-A leaching and treatment of oral mucositis in patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment.