Position: Associate Dean for Research, UTHSC College of Dentistry; Chair, Department of Bioscience Research

Biography Text: Douglas Dixon DMD, MSD, PhD, Associate Dean for Research and Interim Chair, Department of Bioscience Research, University of Tennessee Heath Science Center, College of Dentistry, TN. Dr. Dixon received his dental degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1993, and completed his periodontics training, MSD and PhD in 2001 and 2005, respectively. Dr. Dixon’s initial research interests focused on pathogenic bacteria, lipopolysaccharides, and innate immunity. He later worked to develop synthetic peptides to augment the body’s natural antimicrobial defenses within the saliva and oral environment. He has gone on to develop various research projects involving bone and soft tissue regeneration (rhBMP-2 directed osteo and angiogenesis), cytotoxic effects of oral bacteria surface proteins, as well as implant and surgical wound healing studies. He is currently serving as a primary investigator NIH funded collaborative efforts with the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Institute characterizing specific T-cell populations associated with oral immunity and cancer. Clinically, Dr Dixon’s publications have focused on soft and hard tissue augmentation, perio-restorative factors in dental implantology and immediate implant esthetics. Previously, he has served the Academy in leadership positions in DISTRICT 8 and as Vice-Chair for the AAP task force to update the Academy glossary of terms and has been currently serving on the American Board of Periodontology as both an Examiner and as a Director of the Board.