Research builds a foundation of scientific and clinical knowledge used to improve oral health and overall health. At the OHSU School of Dentistry, research is a significant contributor to dental education and the practice of dentistry. Through comprehensive examinations and peer review processes, dental students and practitioners fulfill their intellectual curiosity, improve patient care and advance the dental profession.

This second issue of the School of Dentistry Anthology features a collaboration between OHSU School of Dentistry and Osaka Dental University in Osaka, Japan. It demonstrates advances in research both institutions are undertaking. Authors from Osaka Dental University investigated the effectiveness of near-infrared light photodynamic therapy, or NIR-PDT, on oral cancer and the role of resveratrol role in F. nucleatum-induced epithelial mesenchymal transition of oral squamous cell carcinoma, or OSCC, cells.

Authors from School of Dentistry explored immunomodulatory profile of F. nucleatum on macrophages in OSCC tumor microenvironment, and the independence of antimicrobial property of Carboxybetaine methacrylates, orCB-MA, to its charge concentration and side chain length. Additionally, YouTube is used as a learning tool in dental education by predoctoral dental students.

This edition also showcases five critically appraised topics, known as caseCATs, from dental students who received awards during the school’s Research Day in March 2024, and at the Oregon Dental Conference in April 2024. The caseCATs evaluated stannous fluoride efficacy, clinical success of direct pulp capping technique, ameloblastoma conservative and radical management, temporary anchorage devices, or TADs utilization, and F. nucleatum impact on colorectal cancer treatment.