Finding ways to deal directly with the bacteria that cause periodontal disease has become increasingly important as researchers have discovered links between periodontal disease and cardiovascular diseases, says Loesche. Keeping periodontal bacteria in check may be a simple way of reducing one's risk for heart disease and stroke. The U-M School of Dentistry is one of the nation's leading dental schools engaged in oral health care education, research, and patient care. General dental care clinics and specialty clinics providing advanced treatment enable the School to offer dental services and programs to patients throughout southeast Michigan and the state. Classroom and clinic instruction trains future dentists, dental specialists, and dental hygienists for practice in private offices, hospitals, academia, and public agencies.
Research seeks to discover and apply new knowledge that can help patients worldwide.