UF College of Dentistry: Department of Dental Biomaterials

UF College of Dentistry
P.O. Box 100446
Gainesville, FL 32610-0446
Phone: 352.392.4351
Fax: 352.392.7808

Dental biomaterials are the natural tissues and synthetic products that are used to restore decayed, damaged or fractured teeth. Natural dental tissues include enamel, dentin, cementum, bone, and other intraoral tissues. The major synthetic dental material groups include metals, ceramics, polymers and composite structures. Research in the department is focused on the following three areas: (1) the fracture resistance and optimum design of ceramics and metal-ceramics; (2) resin-based composite wear and polymerization shrinkage; and (3) controlled release biomaterials for the prevention of primary and secondary caries.

The Department of Dental Biomaterials is responsible for conducting research and transferring basic and applied science and technology of biomaterials used in dentistry. The main educational goals of the department are to provide predoctoral students and graduate students:

1. an overview of the composition and microstructural features of preventive and restorative dental materials;
2. concepts of biocompatibility;
3. definitions and applications of the mechanical and physical properties of dental biomaterials;
4. principles of materials science that are related to dentistry;
5. training in the proper manipulation of dental materials;
6. critical-thinking skills for the analysis of material and structural defects and clinical failures of dental restorations and prostheses; and
7. criteria for selection of materials for clinical practice.

For a complete listing of publications and for other biographical information, please refer to the individual web sites of specific faculty or staff members.

Dental Biomaterials
Faculty, Staff, and Graduate Research Students