The Department of Oral Biology provides teaching, research, and service to support the overall mission and goals of the School of Dental Medicine.  The department is responsible for instruction in microbiology, biochemistry, nutrition, anatomy, pharmacology, and physiology to first professional and dental hygiene students, as well as residents and students from the School of Health Related Professions.  The preclinical problem-based learning courses are coordinated through the department, in collaboration with the Department of Dental Public Health and Information Management.  Faculty members serve on committees within the school, and as representatives to various organizations in the University and on a national level.

While research activity continues, individual contributions to the teaching mission of the school and the University continue to be the strength of the department.  With increased emphasis on active learning, our faculty are challenged to develop innovative ways to present increasing amounts of information in a fashion that will encourage our students to remain lifelong learners.  Efforts are underway to strengthen all courses provided by the department, and faculty are supported in their development of instructional materials.

Oral Biology faculty, in collaboration with others, have developed two centers and a DNA Repository.  The Center for Craniofacial and Dental Genetics interacts with other genetics groups, and serves as the focal point for dental medicine genetics faculty and collaborators.  Research projects currently ongoing include the molecular genetics of syndromic forms of dental and craniofacial anomalies and statistical and molecular genetic analysis of complex traits; as well as statistical genetic analysis of behavioral and psychiatric traits.  The Center for Craniofacial Regeneration is dedicated to the development of technologies for craniofacial regeneration using protein-based polymer gels, non-viral gene delivery and extracellular matrix scaffolds, as well as studying cell surface interactions and mineralized structures.  These technologies will be utilized to regenerate complete biomechanical functioning of cartilage, bone, muscle, and skin.  These regenerated constructs would be individualized to each patient.  The Dental Registry and DNA Repository (DRDR), obtains clinical information and a biological sample from all individuals seeking treatment at the School of Dental Medicine.

Chair
Mary Marazita, PhD, FACMG
School of Dental Medicine
Department of Oral Biology
Cellomics Building, Suite 500
100 Technology Drive
Pittsburgh, PA. 15219
Phone: (412) 648-8380
Email: mlm3@dental.pitt.edu