Dentistry Holds Ceremonial Ribbon Cutting

Photo of College of Dentistry and Delta Dental officials preparing to cut ribbon
UK, College of Dentistry and Delta Dental officials prepare to cut the ribbon

The facility represents new research space for the college and the COHR. The center boasts three state-of-the-art clinical research operatories, space for secure record storage, and office space for the clinical coordinators and dental hygiene staff.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 19, 2005) -- A ribbon cutting ceremony was held today for the Delta Dental of Kentucky Clinical Research Center (DDKCRC) located in the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry.

The DDKCRC is the clinical arm for the Center for Oral Health Research (COHR), which is studying ways to positively affect oral health disparities and access in Kentucky. Kentucky currently has some of the worst oral health in the nation.

The Center is possible because of a gift of $750,000 given by Delta Dental Plan of Kentucky and a matching gift from the Commonwealth of Kentucky Research Challenge Trust Fund boosting Delta Dental’s investment to UK to a total of $1.5 million. The funds will enhance clinical research efforts into oral health problems and improving oral health for Kentuckians.

"Delta Dental Plan of Kentucky is thrilled to participate with the UK College of Dentistry in a facility that is aimed at making Kentuckians healthier,” said Cliff Maesaka, president and C.E.O. of Delta Dental Plan of Kentucky. “Dental health is a part of overall health, and basic scientific research is a vital link in helping Kentuckians make healthy lifestyle choices."

“This facility provides the college the opportunity to apply research from more basic, molecular level bench science to the very real quality of life issues plaguing too many Kentuckians,” said Sharon P. Turner, dean, UK College of Dentistry. “We are excited about the possibilities of helping people with the discovery of new, readily applicable knowledge and we are extremely grateful to Delta Dental of Kentucky for making this long-held dream a reality.”

Participating in the official ceremony were Dr. Clifford Maesaka, president and C.E.O., Delta Dental Plan of Kentucky; UK Provost Mike Nietzel; Dr. Sharon P. Turner, dean, UK College of Dentistry; and Dr. Jeffrey Ebersole, associate dean for Research & Graduate Studies, UK College of Dentistry.

After the ribbon cutting, tours of the clinic were available.

The DDKCRC provides a state-of-the-art facility to support planning, education and completion of clinical research studies. The close proximity and collaborations with UK’s General Clinical Research Center and Clinical Research Organization provides a unique opportunity for carrying out clinical research involving multi-disciplinary teams of dentists, physicians and health care ancillaries.

Kentucky has the highest rate of edentulism – total loss of teeth – in the United States, resulting from periodontal disease and/or tooth decay. In addition, when the bacteria in the mouth or their toxins from the bacteria get into the blood, they can increase the risk for general health problems, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and appear to contribute to the pre-term and low-weight birth of newborn infants that may lead to long-term health problems for the child.

Among a variety of federal and industry sponsored research projects, current research studies include: effects of periodontal disease/chronic infections on pre-term birth; effects of gestational diabetes on periodontal disease and their relationship to obstetric outcomes; the effects of nutritional supplementation on the treatment of periodontal disease; the relationships between smoking, genetics and periodontal disease; the viral-bacterial interactions in periodontal disease; and the use of saliva for diagnosis of oral and systemic conditions.