Dental Research Interview: Dr. Nathan Holton, Department of Orthodontics

How did you become interested in anthropology?

I enrolled in a biological anthropology class on a whim. I didn’t know much about the subject but quickly became fascinated by the study of human evolution.

How does your research area dovetail with orthodontics?

An understanding of craniofacial development is key for both biological anthropology and orthodontics. For anthropology, it’s important for studying evolutionary change. For orthodontists, it’s important for treating malocclusion.

What is one of your upcoming research projects?

To better understand how dietary behavior is reflected in the jaws of humans and other primates — the variable response of bone to loading and chewing during development.