![researchers in the lab](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_21_9__1920x825/public/2025-12/reseach-banner_0.jpg?itok=FyfvxSHV) # Looking back on a year of science and discovery at HSDM From AI-driven research to advances in tissue regeneration, global collaboration, and public health, these stories reflect the breadth and impact of research at Harvard School of Dental Medicine. December 18, 2025 Over the past year, research at Harvard School of Dental Medicine advanced across multiple fronts—spanning artificial intelligence, basic and translational science, global collaboration, and public health. From uncovering the molecular signals that drive tissue regeneration and disease progression to exploring how data-driven tools could reshape cancer care, HSDM investigators continued to push the boundaries of oral and systemic health research. These stories reflect both the depth and breadth of HSDM’s research enterprise: fundamental discoveries at the cellular level, clinical insights with real-world impact, and partnerships that extend across institutions, disciplines, and borders. Together, they highlight a year marked by innovation, collaboration, and a shared commitment to improving health through science. [### Mapping dental deserts in the U.S. ](/news/mapping-dental-deserts-us) January 14, 2025 New HSDM research reveals widespread lack of access to care ![Map of dental deserts](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-01/dental%20deserts%20map_0.jpg?itok=o296YYmz) [### Future clinician-scientists selected for Harvard Presidential Scholarships ](/news/2025/03/future-clinician-scientists-selected-harvard-presidential-scholarships) March 18, 2025 New scholars recognized for their dedication to research, education, and public service. ![Scientist with equipment and science experiments ,laboratory glassware containing chemical liquid](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-03/research%20banner.jpg?itok=JCqWmnoT) [### Research day shines a spotlight on innovative student work ](/news/2025/04/research-day-shines-spotlight-innovative-student-work) April 09, 2025 Degree candidates present findings at annual event ![student pointing to screen describing her research to a judge](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-04/research-thumbnail.jpg?h=fecc1313&itok=b1OztH9R) [### HSDM and University of São Paulo Schools of Dentistry strengthen research ties ](/news/2025/02/hsdm-and-university-sao-paulo-schools-dentistry-strengthen-research-ties) February 19, 2025 Harvard School of Dental Medicine and the University of São Paulo agree to advance research and student training opportunities in dental medicine and oral science. ![students in white lab coats, wearing masks. One student is warming a sample over a Bunsen burner](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-02/Brazil-partnership-thumbnail.png?itok=pM187tzF) [### Uncovering a key molecular switch linked to liver cancer ](/news/2025/04/uncovering-key-molecular-switch-linked-liver-cancer) April 23, 2025 Finding by HSDM scientists may lead to new treatment interventions. ![scan image of liver](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-04/LiverCancer_thumbnail.jpg?itok=lG6R8PTx) [### Calculating the costs of a nationwide fluoride ban ](/news/2025/06/calculating-costs-nationwide-fluoride-ban) June 06, 2025 Modeling study shows eliminating fluoride from drinking water would substantially increase children’s tooth decay and dental costs. ![girl drinking a glass of water](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-05/fluoride%20thumbnail.jpg?itok=b-IJjJU4) [### A setback to research that offered hope for Fibrous Dysplasia patients ](/news/2025/07/setback-research-offered-hope-fibrous-dysplasia-patients) July 18, 2025 Promising HSDM research into the rare and debilitating disease was halted due to withdrawal of federal funding. The research had implications for treating a range of skeletal conditions and broader medical applications. ![Dr Yang in lab](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-07/Dr%20Yang%20banner.jpg?h=90b3a9eb&itok=N9n_uYwW) [### Researchers uncover key cell signal that triggers tissue response to amino acid insufficiency ](/news/2025/10/researchers-uncover-key-cell-signal-triggers-tissue-response-amino-acid-insufficiency) October 06, 2025 Their new finding, published in *Science,* overturns a longstanding hypothesis regarding this physiologically important process. ![Four researchers standing together in a lab](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-10/IMG_1866%203.jpg?itok=ilqlypzE) [### New study identifies how stem cells mobilize to mend a fracture ](/news/2025/10/new-study-identifies-how-stem-cells-mobilize-mend-fracture) October 21, 2025 Much like EMTs rushing to the scene after an accident, stem cells hurry to the site of a skull fracture to start mending the damage. A new finding has uncovered the signaling mechanism that triggers their response. ![skull x-rays](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-10/AdobeStock_494434971.jpeg?itok=78aKeOFB) [### AI takes center stage at Harvard School of Dental Medicine symposium ](/news/2025/11/ai-takes-center-stage-harvard-school-dental-medicine-symposium) November 25, 2025 Rapid advancements are poised to reshape dentistry from classroom to clinic ![poster session](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-11/0151_1114_HSDM_151%20%281%29.JPG?h=d0309d4c&itok=hHKLZ3su) [### Study identifies molecular pathway that may restore bone strength ](/news/2025/12/study-identifies-molecular-pathway-may-restore-bone-strength) December 05, 2025 HSDM researchers uncover a key mechanism for bone health that could lead to potential therapeutic agents to mimic the effects of exercise ![Medical illustration of osteocytes in a lacunar canalicular network within mineralized bone matrix showing dendritic signal pathways](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-12/Osteocytes.jpeg?itok=luoZNHYa) [### Using AI to treat head and neck cancers ](/news/2025/12/using-ai-treat-head-and-neck-cancers) December 16, 2025 HSDM researchers explore how data-driven tools could reshape oral cancer care ![decorative](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-12/genome.jpeg?itok=2hq89zBe) ## Support our research By supporting HSDM research, you help transform scientific insight into meaningful improvements in oral health and patient care. [ Make a research gift arrow\_forward ](https://community.alumni.harvard.edu/give/51718842?appealcode=N25RLP) See also:- [ Alumni ](/news-and-events/alumni) - [ Research ](/news-categories/research)