Craniofacial medicine experts to convene at Texas A&M College of Dentistry symposium

Traditional dentistry focuses on the teeth and the mouth, however, there is much more to the profession. Texas A&M College of Dentistry is the home to the Center for Craniofacial Research and Diagnosis, which connects clinical dentistry with the broader concept of craniofacial medicine.

On February 20, nationally and internationally known clinicians, scientists and other scholars will converge at the College of Dentistry for a symposium on advances in craniofacial medicine and research.

“An Interdisciplinary Approach to Craniofacial Medicine” will:

• explore the history of the “authentic face” in the context of nose jobs and face transplants;
• introduce craniofacial form and function from a surgical perspective;
• examine the role of epigenetics and small molecules in craniofacial development and future patient care; and
• illustrate prosthetic approaches toward the rehabilitation of craniofacial deformities.

Speakers will provide examples for the multidisciplinary complexity of craniofacial care and intrigue the audience with the fascinating world of craniofacial biology.

The symposium will include a presentation about Dr. Bernhard Gottlieb — considered the father of oral biology — whose work laid the intellectual foundation for today’s craniofacial science. Gottlieb spent the final 10 years of his career as a faculty member at the college (then Baylor University College of Dentistry), and an endowed chair has been established in his honor.

The first holder of the chair, Dr. Thomas Diekwisch, professor and department head in periodontics and director of the CCRD, will be announced at the conclusion of the symposium.

The symposium, scheduled from 1 until 4 p.m., will take place on the sixth floor of the college, located at 3302 Gaston Ave. in Dallas. Dental professionals are eligible to receive four hours of continuing education credit for attending the event, which is free.