#  Basic and Translational Research 

 



Basic and translational research in dental, oral, and craniofacial fields is essential for advancing scientific knowledge, driving innovation, and enhancing clinical practices. At the Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM), research initiatives encompass key areas such as embryonic development, skeletal and vascular morphogenesis, tissue regeneration and repair. These investigations provide critical insights into conditions like craniofacial and tooth anomalies, osteoarthritis, fibrosis, and osteoporosis, contributing valuable knowledge that informs new therapeutic approaches and enhances patient care.

This focus on basic and translational research is complemented by robust teaching and mentoring programs that support postdoctoral fellows, periodontic, orthodontic, endodontic, oral medicine, oral pathology and prosthodontic fellows, pediatric dental residents, DMD students, MD and PhD candidates at Harvard Medical School, and undergraduates at Harvard University. The collaborative research environment fosters the development of future leaders in both academic and clinical settings, ensuring continued progress in the field.

Research efforts conducted within HSDM laboratories push the boundaries of knowledge in developmental biology and related disciplines. This commitment to discovery keeps basic and translational research at the forefront of innovation, driving significant advancements in dental medicine and contributing to a comprehensive understanding of human health.



 

 

 

##  Related news 

 



  [### Department of Defense funding will advance study of rare bone disease at HSDM and MGH

 ](/news/department-defense-funding-will-advance-study-rare-bone-disease-hsdm-and-mgh) May 18, 2023 

Researchers at HSDM and MGH received a $3M Department of Defense grant to study Fibrous Dysplasia, aiming to uncover treatments for this rare skeletal disease.



 

 

   ![doctor holding xray of skull](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/dental/files/doctor_xray_web.jpg?itok=3MfEb2UP) 

 



 

 

   [### New study reveals how mechanical stimuli control early embryonic growth and development 

 ](/news/new-study-reveals-how-mechanical-stimuli-control-dorso-ventral-back-belly-patterning) June 13, 2023 

New research out of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine sheds light on a largely underexplored frontier of developmental biology – how mechanical stimuli control growth and patterning in embryonic development.



 

 

   ![a microscope](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/dental/files/microscope.png?itok=BVkLCuPT) 

 



 

 

   [### Investigating the Role of Stem Cells in Tooth Repair

 ](/news/researchers-investigate-role-stem-cells-repairing-teeth) January 10, 2022 

 Dr. Yingzi Yang, professor of Developmental Biology, and Dr. Jennifer Gibbs, assistant professor of Restorative Dentistry and Biomaterials Sciences and program director for Endodontics, have been awarded $200,000 in seed grant funding from the Harvard... 

 

 

   ![Drs. Gibbs and Yang](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/dental/files/_dsc1337.jpg?itok=nCg5atea)