Audio Recording

Presenter: Dr. Darcy Benghenia

In 2000, the first dental stem cells were isolated from human dental pulp and have become one of the most fascinating and rapidly expanding fields of modern dentistry. They are easy to harvest and have unique biochemical properties compared to other types of stem cells, which has captured the interest of stem cell researchers all over the world. This lecture gives an overview of the science of stem cells, and their ability to regenerate and treat diseased and damaged tissues and organs. It describes the different types of dental stem cells isolated to date, where they are located and the various ways they are being applied in the laboratory and in the clinic. They are used to regenerate and treat diseased and damaged dental and craniofacial structures, including: bone, dentin, dental pulp, nerves, periodontium and even the regeneration of entire teeth. This lecture also discusses U.S. and international ethical standards concerning stem cell research, the banking (storage) of dental stem cells, and future considerations and challenges.