Harvard School of Dental Medicine

10/15/2026

A little pumpkin painting to break up the semester 🎃

10/14/2026

After intensive chemotherapy, the bone marrow must rebuild the cells that produce blood and support the immune system. Recovery depends on a carefully coordinated response to injury, including the formation and eventual removal of fibrin, a protein that helps stop bleeding and provides a temporary framework for tissue repair.

New research from Lakmali Silva, assistant professor of Oral Medicine, Infection, and Immunity at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM), sheds light on what happens when that process goes awry. Published in Blood Advances, the study found that when fibrin remained in the bone marrow instead of being cleared, it interfered with the tissue’s ability to regenerate. Silva conducted the study with Rafaela Ferrer, DMSc29, Betul Ogan, a postdoctoral fellow, and other collaborators.

The findings complement Silva’s broader research program at HSDM, where her laboratory investigates the mechanisms through which persistent fibrin contributes to inflammation and tissue damage in the oral cavity, particularly in periodontal (gum) disease.

HSDM researchers uncover how persistent fibrin impairs bone marrow recovery and investigate its role in chronic inflammation and tissue damage in the oral cavity

10/05/2026

Autumn strolls on Longwood Ave

10/02/2026

A day worth smiling about! Happy World Smile Day from HSDM 😁

09/30/2026

Partners and stakeholders recently gathered in Heidelberg, Germany, to kick off SMILE-Bridge: Strategic Multinational Initiative for Leading Equity in Oral Health. The new joint initiative between HSDM and the Heidelberg Institute of Global Health brought together representatives from HSDM, Universität Heidelberg, and community partners from Germany, the U.S., and Chile to address the most pressing global oral health challenges.

"We are deeply inspired by the extraordinary commitment the SMILE-Bridge team has to advancing oral health equity around the world," said Catherine Hayes, department chair and associate professor of Oral Health Policy and Epidemiology and co-PI for the initiative. "The energy, shared purpose, and spirit of collaboration that emerged from our time together were truly inspiring."

Teams from both universities will conduct research in communities with vulnerable populations across Latin America, Germany, and the United States. Through joint, community-participatory research, they will assess local oral health needs and engage community stakeholders to develop and test program prototypes designed to address those needs and support feasible, sustainable improvements in oral health.

09/28/2026

The $150 million strategic research initiative seeks to strengthen pioneering Harvard research across fields including neuroscience, immunology, quantum science, artificial intelligence, and energy and climate.

University plans range of awards in basic and applied science, seeking to meet "moment of remarkable opportunity."

09/23/2026

HSDM students recently helped provide dental care to families in Cambridge and the greater Boston area, serving more than 20 patients at an oral health clinic.

Part of HSDM’s ACTION program, the event aims to increase awareness of and access to pediatric dental care in Cambridge and surrounding communities. Guided by HSDM faculty, DMD students served as providers and assistants, delivering dental exams, cleanings, and other preventive care.

09/22/2026

A little look back at fall on campus as we welcome the new season 🍁

09/21/2026

Last week, HSDM’s Global Endodontics Symposium: Future of Clinical Practice brought together endodontic professionals and researchers from around the world for two days of learning, discussion, and connection.

More than 115 participants from 15+ countries joined Harvard School of Dental Medicine Continuing Education in person and virtually to hear from leading experts and explore the latest advances in endodontic science, innovation, and clinical practice. The program explored topics including AI and emerging technologies, endodontic pain, tooth preservation, regenerative approaches, and long-term treatment outcomes.

The symposium also highlighted new research, with poster and oral presenters sharing their latest work and findings with the global endodontic community, while creating opportunities for collaboration and exchange across the field.

Thank you to our faculty, presenters, and attendees for helping make this a valuable opportunity to learn, connect, and advance the field of endodontics!

PC: Morgan Celistan

09/18/2026

Dean William Giannobile has received the 2026 Ohio Dental Association - ODA Callahan Memorial Award for his outstanding contributions, leadership, and research in the dental profession.

Giannobile’s research focuses on oral and periodontal regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and precision oral health. For more than 30 years, he has led a research program continuously supported by NIH funding, advancing new approaches to regenerate bone and soft tissues lost through periodontal and peri-implant diseases and craniofacial injury.

In his lab at HSDM, Giannobile and his team are working on several funded projects focused on rebuilding bone around teeth and dental implants, gene delivery approaches to accelerate dental implant osseointegration, and precision medicine approaches for patient stratification.

“Knowing the history of this international award and the distinguished individuals who have received it makes the recognition especially meaningful,” Giannobile said. “I view it not only as a personal honor, but also as recognition of the mentors, colleagues, students, research teams, and institutions that have supported me throughout my career.”

Read more: https://bit.ly/4xySYoH