#  Clinical Research 

 



At HSDM, we leverage our scientific and clinical resources, along with strong connections to [Harvard Medical School](https://hms.harvard.edu/) and the [T.H. Chan School of Public Health](https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/). Our goal is to advance basic, translational, and global health research by fostering collaboration across disciplines. By focusing on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, we aim to push dentistry beyond traditional practices, embedding it firmly in modern biology.

Our clinical and translational research initiatives span a wide range of fields, including infectious disease, genomics, craniofacial biology, stem cell and regenerative medicine, immunology, and bioinformatics. These diverse programs offer opportunities to innovate in areas such as tissue engineering, vaccine development, and oral health, helping redefine the future of dental medicine.



 

 

 

###  Collaborative Clinical Practice-based REsearch Program for DENTal Schools (H-CREDENT) 

 

HSDM received $4.4 million from the [National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)](https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/) to establish the Collaborative Clinical Practice-based REsearch Program for DENTal Schools (H-CREDENT). This initiative will train future clinician-scientists by connecting students with community health centers and academic partners, providing opportunities for clinical research, specialized coursework, and mentorship. H-CREDENT will strengthen HSDM’s curriculum and foster interdisciplinary collaboration, enhancing dental education and research.



 [Learn more about the H-CREDENT program east](https://hcredent.hsdm.harvard.edu/) 

 



      ![patient in a clinical setting. The students are wearing blue surgical gowns, masks, and gloves, while the instructor supervises closely.](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2025-01/H-CREDENT%20.jpg?itok=dq6_67x4) 

 

 

  

 



 

 

 

 

### 360° Chat-TMD 

 

**360° Chat-TMD** is a $13.4 million initiative funded by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) focused on advancing the understanding and treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Developed through a multi-institutional collaboration, the program brings together thought leaders, clinicians, and patients to accelerate discovery and translate research into real-world clinical practice.

[**Drs. Fernando Guastaldi** ](/people/fernando-guastaldi "Fernando Guastaldi")and [**Shruti Handa**](/people/shruti-handa "Shruti Handa"), assistant professors of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at HSDM and MGH, serve as co–principal investigators on the U54 grant.



 [Visit the 360° Chat-TMD website east](https://360tmd.ai/) 

 



      ![woman in pain holding the side of her face](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2026-01/TMD3.jpeg?itok=omY0KXh2) 

 

 

  

 



 

 

 

 

### Interdisciplinary Pain and Headache Rounds 

 

The Harvard Interdisciplinary Pain and Headache Rounds offer a complimentary lecture series fostering evidence-based learning and collaboration on pain, headache, and related topics.



 [View the 2025–2026 schedule east](https://www.painandheadacherounds.com/25-26schedule) 

 



      ![X-ray of a man's head on blue background. Jaw joint is highlighted by yellow red color](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2025-09/AdobeStock_469380129.jpeg?h=c9c0da75&itok=me9A8gdq) 

 

 

  

 



 

 

 

 

##  Related news 

 



  [### Slug slime inspires adhesive hydrogel for treating oral lesions

 ](/news/2024/11/slug-slime-inspires-adhesive-hydrogel-treating-oral-lesions) November 19, 2024 

A slug-inspired adhesive patch from Harvard may soon revolutionize dental care, sealing wounds and treating painful oral lesions with sutureless precision.



 

 

   ![slug on a leaf](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2024-11/TOC-slug-thumbnail.jpg?itok=0kJARHyl) 

 



 

 

   [### Researchers explore immune checkpoint therapy to treat aggressive form of oral precancerous disease

 ](/news/researchers-explore-immune-checkpoint-therapy-treat-aggressive-form-oral-cancer) February 09, 2024 

 In one of the first clinical trials to explore treatment of an aggressive form of oral precancer with immune checkpoint therapy (ICT), researchers from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and other collaborators... 

 

 

   ![mouthwithgerms.jpg](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/dental/files/mouthwithgerms.jpg?itok=NgRUK8XV) 

 



 

 

   [### New research links periodontitis treatment with improved cancer outcomes

 ](/news/new-research-links-periodontitis-treatment-improved-cancer-outcomes) May 31, 2023 

 It is well established that periodontitis plays a role in developing numerous diseases and disorders unrelated to oral health. But now, a multidisciplinary team of researchers from Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM), Massachusetts General Hospital... 

 

 

   ![Person wearing blue gloves holding set of test tubes](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/dental/files/rsz_test_tubes_in_lab.jpg?itok=GvrNef57)