There have been remarkable changes in dentistry in almost 60 years since the first class began, and the UBC Faculty of Dentistry has been instrumental in these advances in the oral health sciences. The Faculty of Dentistry is particularly well prepared to continue making significant contributions to our profession’s body of knowledge through our active faculty research, outstanding curriculum and amongst the most technologically advanced dental clinics in the world, the Nobel BioCare Oral Health Centre.
UBC Dentistry is committed to delivering outstanding research-intensive MSc and PhD graduate studies in the field of Craniofacial Science. Studies can be done in the areas of population health, oral health-related clinical research including both interventional and observational studies, and basic science research in the areas of biomaterials, cell biology, developmental biology, microbiology and molecular biology.
Our training programs include endodontics, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, and prosthodontics. Specialty training must be completed in combination with an MSc or PhD degree. These programs complement our General Practice Residency Program and Oral Medicine and Oral Pathology Residency Program. Our combined educational approach ensures that newly graduated clinicians are well prepared to critically evaluate new treatment modalities as they are developed, and participate actively in clinical research.
Opened in March 2006, the Nobel Biocare Oral Health Centre is the hub of UBC Dentistry patient care and clinical learning. The 39,000 sq. ft clinical facility accommodates 144 operatories, a state-of-the-art central sterilization dispensary, as well as a suite of seminar rooms, clinical laboratories and radiology units. A networked chairside software system manages patient information and stores digital images. The Nobel Biocare Oral Health Centre uses state-of-the-art technology and an innovative architectural design to create a modern, efficient space for clinical learning, community service and research.
UBC Dentistry’s areas of excellence are grouped in three research clusters:
This is an incomplete sample of recent publications in chronological order by UBC faculty members with a primary appointment in the Faculty of Dentistry.
| Year | Citation | Program |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Dr Xie studied the functions of a particular integrin in wound healing. She found that this integrin inhibited keratinocyte proliferation in the epidermis and hair follicles during wound repair possibly via the modulation of epidermal stem cell behavior. This study suggests a manipulation target in the functions of epidermal stem cells. | Doctor of Philosophy in Craniofacial Science (PhD) |
| 2010 | Dr. Eslami researched the molecule alpha-V beta-6, a receptor that is expressed in some cells in a wound. It interacts with another molecule, transforming growth factor-beta, which plays several important roles during wound healing. Such an interaction may potentially determine whether a wound heals normally or produces scars. | Doctor of Philosophy in Craniofacial Science (PhD) |
| 2009 | Dr. Ghrebi investigated the effect of surface roughness on the activation of an inflammatory pathway mediated by macrophage cells. These studies will allow the design of dental implants with specific surfaces that lead to more bone formation around the implant, which is crucial for long term implant survival. | Doctor of Philosophy in Craniofacial Science (PhD) |
| 2009 | Dr. Kim examined the ways signals are transmitted in the neutrophil cells of the immune system from patients with periodontal disease. She showed that novel mediators called resolvins promote the resolution of inflammation. Her research findings show that resolvins can serve as a potential therapeutic agent to treat not only periodontal disease, but also other inflammatory diseases. | Doctor of Philosophy in Craniofacial Science (PhD) |
| 2009 | Dr. Pourmalek studied the role of versican protein in the wound healing matrix. She examined its influence on fibroblast cells, and its degradation by matrix-degrading enzymes. Her work led to the creation of a model to study wound healing in vitro, and overall, has contributed to our understanding of this process. | Doctor of Philosophy in Craniofacial Science (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr. Pruksapong studied the socio-political and logistical complexity of the organization of oral health services in residential care facilities. She subsequently developed a model for planning and evaluating the service to ensure access and quality of oral healthcare for the frail residents of the facilities. | Doctor of Philosophy in Craniofacial Science (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr Honardoust concentrated on the role of a special class of glycoproteins in non-scarring wound healing in the oral mucosa of humans. His research contributes to the understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of wound healing and may help to prevent scar formation or tissue fibrosis. | Doctor of Philosophy in Craniofacial Science (PhD) |