Frank Scannapieco
Professor and Chair
There's quite a diverse group of studies that we're working on. For example, we are now investigating the role of oral health in systemic disease, particularly the effects of oral health on hospital-acquired pneumonia. We are also studying saliva as a diagnostic fluid, particularly for periodontal disease. We're also conducting basic studies of the microbiology of the oral micro flora.
Dentistry is merging into medicine. At the same time, I think that physicians are becoming more aware of the importance of oral health. Due in large part to the work of dental researchers, some of whom are here in Buffalo, the field is moving forward and becoming more integrated.