X-ray Diffraction Study of Titanium-ceramic Systems

The objective of this research is to employ x-ray diffraction to study the Ti surface oxidation at porcelain firing temperatures and the interfaces between Ti and porcelains in order to further understand the bonding mechanisms of Ti-ceramic systems. It is anticipated that the results of this study will provide insight into bonding mechanisms of cast Ti/Ti-ceramic systems, and move the Ti-ceramic systems closer to clinical use.

The Role of Dentritic Cells in the Generation of Immunity to Oral Infection

Gum disease (periodontitis) is a chronic, non-painful disease that affects 75% of the U.S. population. Untreated, it results in the loss of the teeth and bone in the upper and lower jaw that support the teeth. It is not understood why chronic diseases such as periodontitis are so difficult to cure, and in some patients, nearly impossible to prevent. A likely explanation is that these patients never acquire the protective immunity to the bacteria that causes periodontitis. The ultimate outcome of these studies may be the development of a vaccine for periodontitis and other chronic inflammatory diseases that do not respond to conventional therapy.

Chondrocyte-extracellular Matrix Interactions

The objective of this project is to obtain preliminary data to support an NIH grant application. The long-term goal of the NIH grant is to study the role of cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions during cartilage development. Embryonic cartilage grown in organ culture will be used to study terminally differentiating chondrocytes in their natural microenvironment. Understanding the process of chondrocyte development is important for understanding diseases that cause dwarfism and abnormal development of the face and head.

Facilitated Entry of Students From Disadvantaged Backgrounds Into Dental School

The objective of this project is to provide the opportunity for ten additional students from disadvantaged backgrounds to participate in the Summer Pre-Dental Enrichment Program at the College and thereby facilitate their entry into dental school. The ten additional students would join the ten that are currently supported by a federal 1996 HCOP grant.

Self-Healing, Fracture Resistant Restorative Ceramics

This grant provides matching funds to purchase equipment, which is an integral part of an NIH grant application. The scope of the proposed research involves development of fatigue resistant ceramics that will exhibit increased longevity by healing mechanical damage through biomimetic processes. This will be accomplished through incorporation of one or more of the following materials: piezoelectric ceramics, invert glasses, and hydrothermal glasses. They will be designed for use in esthetic, all-ceramic dental restorations.

TeleMedicine/TeleDentistry: The Sabastian TeleHealth Model

This community health project received $141,000 in support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The project is designed as a two-year demonstration project to illustrate the feasibility of using telemedicine and teledentistry to bring health care to remote under served communities. Sebastian, in south Texas was selected for this model as it is a federally designated Empowerment Zone. In addition to providing health care, there are distance education and environmental health awareness components of the project.

By the Roots - An Oral Health Curriculum for K-6

The primary objective of "By the Roots" is to educate children from kindergarten through sixth grade (K-6), using hands-on applied science learning modules based on the science of dentistry, on how to have better oral health, to understand the changes in their mouths as their teeth develop into adulthood and to take better care of their teeth at an earlier age. A secondary objective is to develop an interactive web site and several interactive learning modules to educate children from K-6 about having better oral health, going to the dentist's office, and child nutrition via the world- wide-web or distance learning centers.

Leica TCS SP Confocal Microscope

This grant provides matching funds to purchase a major piece of equipment through the NIH Shared Instrument Grant Program. The purpose of the application is to acquire an updated confocal microscope for the established Baylor College of Dentistry microscope core facility, which includes eight primary NIH-grant supported users that have been identified at BCD, along with six secondary research groups who would have research needs using the confocal scope.