University of Washington School of Dentistry

A team led by UW researchers from the Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM) and the School of Dentistry have used a sophisticated 3D modeling system, originally developed to measure the force of beating heart cells, to reveal new insights about the cellular dynamics at work in the periodontal ligament. The team features Dr. Tracy Popowics from the Department of Oral Health Sciences, Dr. Priti Mulimani, who finished her postdoctoral studies at the UW this year, and Dr. Nate Sniadecki, a Professor of Mechanical Engineering an Interim Co-Director of ISCRM. The collaboration was born when Popowics learned about an innovative tool developed in the Sniadecki Lab. “When I found out Nate was studying the mechanobiology of cells and tissues, I was really excited,” says Popowics, who spent time researching in the Sniadecki Lab in between teaching basic sciences to first year dental students. “It was clear to me that his engineered heart tissue system could be adapted to study the periodontal ligament.” Read more about the team’s project and their interdepartmental collaboration on the ISCRM website: https://lnkd.in/gVzJDe5w

HealthPoint and NYU Langone Dental hosted a table at the University of Washington Dental Fair to talk about our Dental Residency program! We were excited to see Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Lord Farquaad, Vector, and other amazing characters so interested in Dental Residency. We're sure they'll make amazing Dentists! 🧡🎃

The UW School of Dentistry has signed a lease to create an oral health care training center in the UW-Gonzaga University Health Partnership’s 840 Building to support the growing RIDE program, which just recently secured $2.5 million in funding for expansion. “This investment will enable us to scale the program to meet the needs of our region,” Dr. Art DiMarco, RIDE’s Spokane director and EWU faculty member, says in a release. “The partnership with Eastern Washington University is a huge part of RIDE’s success in Spokane, and the new training space opens up more possibilities for interdisciplinary training and access to digital technologies, which will benefit students in both schools.” Read more about the procurement of the new training center on the Spokane Journal of Business website: https://lnkd.in/gjdRh4QT

Yesterday, marked the end of the Presidency of Dr Linda Edgar, the 160th President of the American Dental Association. I am proud of what she achieved and thank her immensely for her service. Linda exemplifies authenticity and service. We also know that her work isn’t done and look forward to her partnership in the launch our reimagined membership model in 2025. Thank you Linda!

Digital Dentistry has become an integral part of oral and craniofacial patient care. Whether that includes using an electronic health record, digital x-rays, intra oral scanning, digital smile design, or AI to automate oral diagnosis, digital dentistry is only growing. The School of Dentistry is working to make progress in this space, to ensure our students and patients enjoy the many benefits that digital dentistry offers to our curriculum, patient care and research efforts. Students are excited to learn even more about this technology and its inclusion in the curriculum is becoming a key area they evaluate when making admission decisions. To learn more about the UW School of Dentistry's efforts towards modernizing our spaces and technology, visit the following page on our website: https://lnkd.in/g6ytFjuh

On Friday the School of Dentistry’s Scholarship Luncheon was held in Room 316 of the South Campus Center. The event was sold out with a total of 110 people in attendance. The event’s program started with Dean André Ritter giving a welcome speech and update on the School, followed by some words from 2026 Class President Rhianna Dooley, who was representing the students. Associate Dean for Student Services and Admissions Dr. Susan Coldwell announced all the scholarship recipients. Everyone was able to enjoy a great lunch, while scholarship recipients and donors were able to connect at their tables.

Dr. Whasun Oh Chung, Chair of the Department of Oral Health Sciences, was selected as one of five distinguished faculty members from the UW to represent the University as a 2024-25 Big Ten Academic Alliance Department Executive Officer Program Fellow. This unique leadership development program, established in 1997, allows the approximately 75 selected fellows from across the Big Ten institutions to provide immersive leadership experiences aimed at building leadership skills and competencies, and an opportunity to network with peers at UW and within the Big Ten. The School of Dentistry is proud to have Dr. Chung represent the UW as part of this program, which you can learn more about here: https://lnkd.in/gJjNwhxj

Please register for our upcoming 10/18 info session! The Graduate Program in Oral Health Sciences within the UW's School of Dentistry provides advanced interdisciplinary training for graduate students to enable them to become academic and research leaders in the dental and craniofacial sciences, and to contribute to the improved understanding of human oral and system health and disease.    Our information session will focus on the PhD and DDS/PhD dual degree programs. 

Presenting your newest white coat bearers, the UW School of Dentistry Class of 2026 👏👏👏 This past Saturday, the Class of 2026 took part in the annual White Coat Ceremony at UW’s Kane Hall. After two years of quizzes, simulation labs, lectures and leaning on one another for support, the newly third-year students received their clinical coats, marking a significant milestone in their dental journeys. Congratulations, Class of 2026!

Earlier this month, a mix of 36 UW School of Dentistry and Shoreline Dental Hygiene students, plus five UWSOD faculty, took part in an annual trip to Westmoreland, Jamaica with Great Shape! Inc. The trip is put on in coordination with Great Shape!’s 1000 Smiles project, which was founded in part by its Clinical Program Director and School of Dentistry alum Dr. Sherwin Shinn (‘74). The group put in five full days of volunteer work to provide the Westmoreland community with much-needed dental care. In total they helped over 650 patients by delivering restorative treatment, hygiene services, extractions and more. This year marks the 11th year of UW students volunteering their own time to help the communities in Jamaica. “The experience was transformative for the students,” said trip leaders Zain Natha, Parker Allegood and Serena Patel. “We were thrilled to witness their growth and dedication to providing quality care. Overall, it was a rewarding and heartwarming experience—one love!” “This is an awesome program that’s a win-win situation for all,” said Dr. John Yae, one of the faculty who attended the trip. “I am planning to go again next year and am sure we will have more students involved.” Shoreline Community College