George Huang, DDS, director and professor in the Department of Bioscience Research in the College of Dentistry at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC), is the recipient of the 2015 Distinguished Scientist Award in Pulp Biology given by the International Association for Dental Research (IADR).
Dr. Huang was recognized during the opening ceremonies of the 93rd General Session and Exhibition of the IADR, which were held in Boston in conjunction with the 44th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Dental Research and the 39th Annual Meeting of the Canadian Association for Dental Research.
The IADR Pulp Biology and Regeneration Award is supported by L.D. Caulk DENTSPLY International and is one of the highest honors bestowed by IADR. It consists of a monetary prize and plaque. The award recognizes, encourages and stimulates outstanding research contributions in the field of pulp biology and is one of the 17 IADR Distinguished Scientist Awards.
Dr. Huang obtained his dental degree from Taipei Medical College, Taiwan (now Taipei Medical University). He received clinical specialty training at Boston University. Subsequently, he acquired basic science training in oral biology for his Doctor of Science degree at Boston University, and completed his postdoctoral studies in a mucosal immunology laboratory in the School of Medicine at the University of California, San Diego.
Dr. Huang’s research specialty is stem cells and regenerative therapies. He is the first dental professional to bring to the endodontic community the concept of preserving stem cells in the root canal for potential tissue regeneration. He is a leader in the clinical regenerative treatment in root canal therapy, and he has collaborated with various investigators to test and examine tooth tissue regeneration with stem cells in large animal models or in human clinical cases.
Dr. Huang and his collaborators have found that to regenerate the tissue in the root canal, termed dental pulp and dentin, would require the delivery of stem cells from outside sources. This important finding directs how researchers in this field should plan their research design to reach the goal of pulp/dentin regeneration.
The International Association for Dental Research is a nonprofit organization with nearly 11,000 individual members worldwide, dedicated to advancing research and increasing knowledge to improve oral health worldwide, supporting and representing the oral health research community, and facilitating the communication and application of research findings. To learn more, visit www.iadr.org.