Clinical science in Oral Health and Systemic Disease Research Group (OHSD) involves studies in a number of disease areas all linked with disease emanating from, or related to, the oral cavity.

As an example, in our research into basic mechanisms of how local oral disease influences systemic disease, we are examining bacteremias created by oral manipulation, tooth brushing, scaling, etc. These bacteremias will effect diabetes, heart disease (atheroma) and small, low birth weight babies.

We are also interested in looking at systemic modifiers of oral disease, such as smoking, obesity and diabetes.

Yota Stathopoulou, D.M.D
Clinical resident and Ph.D. candidate

There are several avenues through which you may become involved in our clinical research programs. Formal research qualifications may be obtained through the M.Sc. program in oral biology and through various Ph.D. degree programs. 

The Summer Research Program offers the opportunity for qualified U of L School of Dentistry students to actively participate in research and learn from experienced research faculty from the Oral Health and Systemic Disease Research Group or other U of L investigators. 

We also train individuals in various B.Sc. programs at the University of Louisville who are interested in pursuing dental research careers.

Research opportunities (formal and informal) are also available to pre-D.M.D., D.M.D., and to graduate dentists who are enrolled in specialist residency programs, particularly periodontics, endodontics and orthodontics.