Looking ahead, London envisions MUSC research leaning towards national research issues and advances affecting the overall treatment of dental, oral and craniofacial health problems. One example would be to explore further NIH findings linking periodontal or gum diseases and cardiovascular disease. According to the Journal of Periodontology, research has discovered how infection and inflammation, caused by periodontal disease, may significantly increase the risk for coronary heart disease. There s so much good work going on around campus that it s exciting, London said. That s how I see growth associated with the College of Dental Medicine s research.
Departments can cross-research their work with others.
For example the physiology department can collaborate with the College of Medicine s neurology department s research to follow the case of a dental patient suffering from a pain-related problem. This is just one example of many future collaborative efforts of the College of Dental Medicine within the university community.