Research
The Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is active in promoting some of the nation's most exciting research pursuits—from basic laboratory science to developing new surgical techniques to assessing and improving clinical outcomes. Thanks to our diverse faculty and their endeavors, patients who interact with our specialty complete their treatments with greater comfort, better outcomes, and long-term well being.
The Skeletal Biology Research Center does pioneering work in distraction osteogenesis (the gradual lengthening of bone by placing tension forces across an osteotomy), tissue engineering (producing mandibular condyle bone using autologous stem cells), and minimally invasive surgery (endoscopic reconstruction of the mandible). In addition, we continue to enroll patients in a prospective study to follow the success of our novel protocol for the management of giant cell bone tumors using interferon. Click here to see examples of clinical applications based on work from the Laboratory.
The Center for Applied Clinical Investigation is the nation's only research center and post-doctoral training ground for patient-oriented research in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Through the work of this group, our specialty is better informed on risk factors for dental implant failure, facial injuries as markers for intimate partner violence, use of antibiotics with surgical treatment, occurrence of nerve injury, and other factors that affect outcome and patient satisfaction.
The Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery reserves a percentage of its clinical income to support proposals of interest and innovation by faculty, residents, fellows and students. The Education and Research Fund (ERF) is currently funding a series of pilot studies by HSDM students and MGH residents with faculty mentors. Grant proposals are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.
The Department also maintains a student research program for dental students wishing to pursue research in oral and maxillofacial surgery. The Student Research Training Award (SRTA) is funded through a generous grant from the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Foundation. Grant proposals for research stipends are currently being accepted. For information, contact Dr. Thomas Dodson.
MGH OMFS Faculty: |
Current Research Topics: |
Dr. Meredith August |
Odontogenic cysts, long-term success of endosseous implants in post-menopausal females |
Dr. Haru Abukawa |
Stem cell biology and tissue engineering of bone and cartilage |
Dr. Sung-Kiang Chuang |
Complications and risk factors of dental implants and innovative, applied analytic methods |
Dr. Thomas Dodson |
Patient-oriented research, outcomes research, and evidence-based clinical practice emphasizing implants, third molar surgery, maxillofacial trauma, and reconstructive techniques |
Dr. R. Bruce Donoff |
Oral cancer, microneural repair of alveolar and lingual nerve injury, irradiated bone healing |
Dr. Leslie Halpern |
Facial injuries as markers for intimate partner violence, outcomes after maxillofacial trauma |
Dr. Leonard B. Kaban |
Pediatric jaw tumors, distraction osteogenesis |
Dr. David A. Keith |
Complications of TMJ surgery, post-operative pain control |
Dr. Bonnie Padwa |
Pediatric craniofacial anomalies, asymmetric facial growth |
Dr. Edward Seldin |
Applied bioengineering |
Dr. Jeffry Shaefer |
Nonoperative management of TMJ disorders and facial pain |
Dr. Maria Troulis |
Distraction osteogenesis, minimally invasive techniques |
