2021 Iowa Section of the AADR Keynote Speaker

Dr. Pamela Den Besten

Pamela Den Besten is professor in the Department of Orofacial Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of California San Francisco. She directs the Center for Children’s Oral Health Research, and co-directs the DDS-PhD and PhD programs in Oral and Craniofacial Sciences. Dr. Den Besten is president of the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) and past chair of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Section on Dentistry & Oral Health Sciences. Dr. Den Besten received the IADR Distinguished Scientist Award in Pulp Biology and Regeneration in 2009, is an AAAS honorary Fellow, has published over 125 scientific manuscripts in peer reviewed journals and 18 book chapters. An international leader in in enamel fluorosis research, Dr. Den Besten’s research focuses on tooth formation, and in particular enamel and dentin regeneration and biomineralization.

Keynote Address: Environmental Impacts on Tooth Enamel Formation and Implications for Oral Health

Tooth enamel pathologies may result from mutation of genes involved in matrix production or environmental conditions. Bilateral hypomineralized enamel defects are generally described as enamel fluorosis. However, as fluorosis has steadily increased, the question arises as to whether this increase may be related to additional environmental stressors. This presentation will introduce data showing that in addition to fluoride or other endocrine disrupting chemicals, adverse life stressors including poverty may alter tooth and enamel formation. Such correlations suggest that tooth enamel may be a biomarker for development-related health risk factors.