Welcome to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences. We are a comprehensive unit encompassing all diagnostic disciplines of Dental Medicine. Our faculty direct several courses in our undergraduate and graduate curriculum that highlight the importance of a strong foundational knowledge of basic sciences to the practice of Dental Medicine. Our full-time members are board certified in their respective disciplines and offer comprehensive exposure to our students to routine patient screening and evaluation as well as diagnostic work-up of challenging cases. Our clinical services cover the School of Dental Medicine, the University Hospitals system (in collaboration with the Departments of Oral Surgery, Pediatric Dentistry, and the AEGD program) and local practicing dentists and physicians.
Mission: To provide education for the competent management of disorders of the oral and maxillofacial region to dental students and graduate dental practitioners. We also provide excellent interdisciplinary care to patients in search of relief of head and neck pain, oral mucosal complications, osseous disease, sleep breathing disorders, salivary complications, and effects of cancer treatment.
Vision: We will be a world-class center in oral and maxillofacial medicine, radiology, and pathology. We will accomplish this through innovative education, research, and patient-centered care.
Interprofessional education and practice lie in the core of this mission, and we actively participate in several joint projects with the Schools of Nursing and Medicine. Our research involves orofacial pain, oral premalignant disorders, pediatric oral medicine, and interprofesional education outcomes. I appreciate your interest in our department and invite you to explore the additional pages that contain relevant information about who we are.
Ali Syed Graduates from ADEA Emerging Leaders Program
The ADEA Emerging Leaders Program is designed to provide aspiring leaders in dental education with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their careers. Successful completion of this program demonstrates a commitment to advancing dental education and leadership potential.
Participants in the program engage in a comprehensive curriculum that includes leadership development, mentorship, and networking opportunities. They learn about the latest trends and best practices in dental education and how to manage teams and inspire others.
Upon completing the ADEA Emerging Leaders Program, participants are equipped with the tools and confidence they need to take on leadership roles within their institutions and the dental education community. Graduates of the program go on to make significant contributions to dental education, shaping the future of the field and improving the oral health of communities around the world.
Ali Syed selected for ADEA Leadership Institute
Ali Syed of Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences has been selected for the one-year ADEA Leadership Institute program.
“I'm excited to be a part of the ADEA Leadership Institute program and am looking forward to growing as a leader in dental education while making a positive impact in the field," said Syed. "As a participant, I will have the opportunity to develop my leadership skills and expand my knowledge of leadership theories and practices. I will also have the chance to network with other dental educators from around the country and learn from their experiences and perspectives."
Congratulations to Dr. Syed!
Abrar Alamoudi New Board Certified Member of ABOMR
Dr. Abrar Alamoudi, second year MSD student in the department of OMMDS, recently achieved a board certification in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology making her one of three board certified members in the entire state of Ohio. The American Board of Oral and maxillofacial radiology (ABOMR) upholds the highest standards of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology to ensure optimum patient care and this certificate is one of the highest recognitions that an Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologist can achieve. Dr. Alamoudi will be officially recognized as a Diplomate at the upcoming American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology’s annual meeting, held in Atlanta, Georgia in October 2023.
Dr. Alamoudi said “Thank God, I am officially a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology. I would like to thank my family, teachers and friends for their unwavering support. Moreover, I would like to convey my special thanks to CWRU School of Dental Medicine for all the help, education and support."
Dr. Syed, her program director, said “I am happy and glad to be part of her successful journey”.
Andres Pinto named Associate Editor of the OOOO Journal
The first Case Western Reserve faculty member to be named as such, Pinto has been appointed as Associate Editor of the Oral Medicine Section of the Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology journal. This journal is one of the top three journals in the OMMDS specialty worldwide.
Andres Pinto invited Fall 2022 to be member of the US Sjogren's Foundation Clinical Trials Task Force
Pinto was the only US oral health representative invited by the Sjogren's Foundation to form part of the Task Force assessing barriers and opportunities facing outcomes and the development of novel therapies for Sjogren's.
Pinto was also invited to be part of the Design Lab, an initiative of Tufts and Johns Hopkins to bring a diverse group to brainstorm trial issues in Pediatric Sjogren's. The lab met for an entire day in the Fall of 2022 and included multiple stakeholders, including members of NIDCR, patients, researchers and clinicians.
Veterans Day Clinic 2022
As part of continued efforts to extend dental care benefits to veterans, the School of Dental Medicine Dental Clinic, led by Assistant Professor and Admitting Clinic Director Ali Syed, offered oral care services for veterans and military personnel on Friday, Nov. 11, in honor of Veterans Day.
Dr. Andres Pinto shares expertise with The Atlantic
Released over the Thanksgiving 2022 holiday weekend, an article about the origin of canker sores in The Atlantic quoted Dr. Pinto: "Pinto explained: Immune dysregulation is the 'common denominator' behind the ulcers. Inflammation can help the body heal, but too much inflammation can cause the mucosa to break down, which is what we see when we look at the oval-shaped wounds." Read the full article to learn more.
New Department Chair Orientation
On Aug. 23, OMMDS Department Chair Andres Pinto was invited to participate in the New Department Chair Orientation welcoming them to the university. Organized by the Provost’s office, the event held a Chair's Panel Discussion, on which Pinto sat, to discuss "Things I Would Have Liked to Know When I Started as Department Chair".
ADEA Emerging Leadership Program
Assistant Professor Ali Syed recently attended the Emerging Leadership Program (ELP) from July 20-23, 2022, hosted by the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) in Washington, D.C.
The program is designed for early and mid-level faculty aspiring to be academic dentistry leaders. This three-day intensive program provides the guidance, insight and skills needed to be academic leaders. Moreover, ADEA provides a platform and avenue to interact with senior leaders.
In addition, this ELP provides professional networking and mentoring across the country from various dental schools. "I am honored to be part of the 2022 cohort and represented Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine," said Dr. Syed. "Faculty who want to grow as leaders in academic dentistry should consider the ADEA ELP program because it is highly structured, interactive and geared to a highly engaged learning environment."
Dr. Ali Syed invited to ADA Give Veterans A Smile (GVAS) Summit
Assistant Professor Ali Syed was recently invited to the American Dental Association's Give Veterans A Smile Summit on May 5 and 6. GVAS is a new initiative by the ADA to support the oral health of veterans. As Dr. Syed has championed the dental school's veteran-outreach efforts, his perspective at the summit was very welcomed.
Ali Syed Invited To Speak at Prestigious Lecture Event
Ali Syed, OMMD faculty member was invited to present his lecture, "A Spatial Based Approach: Practical Tips in Diagnosing H&N Lesions" at the Prestigious Chalmers J Lyons Academy- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Conference on March 2, 2022 at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
Dr. Pinto Speaking at High Level Authorities Forum
Dr. Andres Pinto, chair and professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, will be speaking on Feb. 16 2022 at the Organization of American States (OAS) Inter-American Telecommunication Commission (CITEL) High Level Authorities Forum. The OAS strives to facilitate and promote the integral and sustainable development of interoperable, innovative, and reliable telecommunications/ICTs in the Americas, under the principles of universality, equity, and affordability.
Dr. Pinto Invited to Speak on Sjogren's Foundation Panel
Dr. Andres Pinto, chair and professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, was honored as the sole US dentist invited to speak at the first annual State of Sjögren's event on Jan. 28, 2022. The Sjögren's Foundation works on behalf of all Sjögren’s patients and is dedicated to conquering the complexities of this life-altering and debilitating disease.