Salivary biochemistry in Buffalo: the legacy of Michael J. Levine

Oral biology in middle age: a history of the University at Buffalo Oral Biology PhD Program

In 1960, the first Department of Oral Biology in the United States dedicated to the conduct of research, graduate biomedical research education, and the provision of basic oral science education for the DDS curriculum was established at the University at Buffalo. In 1963, the Department organized the first PhD Program in Oral Biology in the United States. This PhD program has produced a large cadre of oral health researchers, many of whom have gone on to make major contributions to dental research and education. This article provides a brief history of the program, the context within which the program was organized and developed, and a description of some of the many faculty, students, and fellows associated with the program. Additionally, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this program, a symposium, entitled "The Oral Microbiome, Immunity and Chronic Disease", was held on June 12-14, 2013, in Buffalo, New York. The proceedings are published online in Advances in Dental Research (2014, Vol. 26).

Science is the fuel for the engine of technology and clinical practice

BACKGROUND

The biological, chemical, behavioral and physical sciences provide the fuel for innovation, discovery and technology that continuously improves the quality of the human condition. Computer power derived from the dramatic breakthroughs of the digital revolution has made extraordinary computational capacity available for diagnostic imaging, bioinformatics (the science of information) and numerous aspects of how we practice dentistry in the 21st century.

OVERVIEW

The biological revolution was initiated by the identification of the structure for DNA in 1953, a discovery that continues to catalyze improvements in patient care through new and better diagnostics, treatments and biomaterials. Humanity's most basic and recognizable characteristics--including the face--are now better understood through the elucidation of our genome and proteome, the genes and proteins they encode. Health care providers are beginning to use personalized medicine that is based on a person's genetic makeup and predispositions to disease development.

CONCLUSIONS

Advances in the fields of genetics, developmental and stem cell biology, and many other disciplines continue to fuel innovative research findings that form the basis for new diagnostic tests, therapeutic interventions and procedures that improve the quality of life for patients. Scientists are on the threshold of applying knowledge in stem cell biology to regenerative medicine and dentistry, heralding an era when clinicians can consider using biological engineering to replace tissues and organs lost to disease or trauma.