Oral Medicine and Public Health
This division is dedicated to improving the quality of life in high risk and medically compromised populations by engaging in basic and translational research to promote general health through good oral health practices; and uniting that research with clinical care to serve our patients. From managing large, multi-site research grants to providing non-surgical management of medically related conditions, the division is dedicated to helping the School of Dental Medicine address the many oral health issues that jeopardize general health.
Research
Our research focus is on identifying and implementing novel therapies. As part of its translational research approach, the division pinpoints key laboratory and research discoveries and creates interventions that are applied to patient care.
The Division has conducted dozens of clinical trials and manages research initiatives spanning a wide range of topics, such as:
Sjögren’s Syndrome
Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that affects between 1 and 4 million people in the United States, with a nine times greater incidence in women than in men. It is characterized by a sicca complex of decreased tears and saliva, burning mouth and the involvement of other organs and systems in the body. Our research activities include the identification of biomarkers for the disease, research on the effect of Omega-3 fatty acids on salivation, assessment of cognitive dysfunction associated with Sjögren’s Syndrome and numerous FDA trials on potential therapeutic interventions.
Xerostomia (Dry Mouth)
As a result of cancer therapy, bone marrow transplantation, medication, or Sjögren’s Syndrome. Visit the Dry Mouth Clinic website.
Geriatrics
Oral healthcare for an aging population. Specifically, caries progression and Periodontitis.
Clinical Trial Participation
The division frequently recruits individuals for participation in its clinical trials. Depending on the trial, participants may receive a stipend, free dental cleanings or exams, gift certificates, or other incentives. To learn about current trials, call 617-636-3931
Oral Medicine Clinic Appointments
617-636-3932
Division Faculty
Dr. Athena Papas
Director, Rubenstein Oral Medicine Clinic;
Co-Head Division of Geriatric Dentistry
Phone: 617-636-3932
Fax: 617-636-4083
athena.papas@tufts.edu
Dr. Papas is the Erling Johansen Professor of Research, the Co-Head of Geriatric Dentistry, and the Director of the Oral Medicine Department at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. With expertise in the oral healthcare of the elderly, medically compromised and cancer and bone marrow transplant patients, she is a member of more than 15 professional organizations including: The American Academy of Oral Medicine, The American Society of Geriatric Dentistry, The American Association for the Advancement of Science, and The International Association of Dental Research
Dr. Papas is a reviewer for Special Care in Dentistry, The New England Journal Of Medicine, Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology, along with 5 other journals. She is the dental chairperson for the Massachusetts Public Health Association, a member of the professional advisory board for the Sjögren’s Syndrome Foundation, Inc., the Dental Director of the N.E. AIDS Education & Training Center in addition to participating in 14 other organizations.
Dr. Papas has published numerous papers based on her extensive clinical research experience in the fields of Geriatric Dentistry, Sjögren’s Syndrome, medically compromised patients, and xerostomia. She offers lectures to students, faculty, and the general population at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and at the Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. Dr. Papas is part of the Tufts Dental Associate Group, located at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston.
Dr. Mabi Singh, DMD, MS
Co-Investigator and Trained Dental Examiner
mabi_l.singh@tufts.edu
Dr. Singh is an assistant Professor in the Department of Public Health Research and Oral Medicine at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Singh has worked with Dr. Athena Papas since 1999. He works with high risk patients to manage dental diseases and the oral complications of systemic diseases and therapies in the Oral Medicine Clinic (OMC). His thesis studied the therapeutic effects of using remineralizing solutions in addition to fluoride in a high risk population. He has also examined the effectiveness of of a sialagogue in a Sjögrens’ population to maintain salivary flow and to prevent new caries. He has been a caries examiner for 10 years. Dr. Singh is trained in ICDAS, which is a new way of measuring caries. He works closely with Dr. Papas to identify the best evidence-based care to improve oral health outcomes of care and incorporates such research into the diagnostic and treatment protocols at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine.
Dr. Britta Magnuson, DMD
Co-Investigator & Trained Dental Examiner
britta.magnuson@tufts.edu
Dr. Magnuson screens, examines, and evaluates dental patients for clinical studies. She also researches and edits reports and journal articles, and assists in the development of protocols for clinical research studies. In addition, she works closely with the post-graduate departments to guide postgraduate students through the IRB process for their research studies.
Division Staff
The Staff of the Division of Public Health Research and Oral Medicine is responsible for the day-to-day Oral Medicine Clinic and research activities of the department. Key responsibilities involve assisting dentists from the department with the care and management of our medically compromised patients as well as recruiting, scheduling and data management of all clinical trials to assure quality control and compliance.
Pamela M. Corrado, BS
Program Manager
Phone: 617-636-3932
Fax: 617-636-6511
pamela.corrado@tufts.edu
Pamela M. Corrado has assisted Dr. Athena Papas in the management of several clinical trials and has managed the operations of the Oral Medicine Clinic since 2000. She supervises the staff as the Program Manager. She also works closely with Dr. Papas to ensure quality control, study compliance, subject retention, and the efficient financial operation of this clinical center.
Research Coordinators
Elizabeth Tzavaras
Certified Dental Assistant
Phone: 617-636-2408
Fax: 617-636-4083
elizabeth.tzavaras@tufts.edu
Kristina Hatzipetrou
Phone: 617-636-3932
Fax: 617-636-4083
kristina.hatzipetrou@tufts.edu
Kalen Wilczek
Phone: 617-636-3931
Fax: 617-636-4083
kalen.wilczek@tufts.edu
Office Assistants
Michelle Colindres
Phone: 617-636-3932
michelle.colindres@tufts.edu
Joseph Cimmino
Phone: 617-636-3932
joseph.cimmino@tufts.edu