Dental Society of Western Pennsylvania

04/05/2026

Dr. Mairobys Socorro Receives IADR 2026 Award

Mairobys Socorro, DDS, PhD, research assistant professor, was awarded the Joseph Lister Award for New Investigators during the 2026 IADR/AADOCR/CADR General Session & Exhibition held on March 25-28, 2026. This award, which is managed by the International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (IADR), recognizes outstanding new investigators who show exceptional promise in dental research. It’s considered one of the top early-career awards in the field. Recipients of this award are recognized for conducting high-quality, innovative, and original research that advances the prevention of oral diseases and promotes oral health.

Dr. Socorro, who is a faculty member in the Center for Craniofacial Regeneration and the Department of Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, studies molecular mechanisms underlying genetic predisposition to dental caries. Her research focuses on the molecular communication between ameloblasts and odontoblasts, with particular emphasis on how transcription factors regulate this crosstalk and influence enamel and dentin formation, with deficiencies in these factors contributing to increased susceptibility to dental caries.

04/05/2026

March is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. If you have a disability, or manage care for someone who does, tell your dentist. Dental offices have ways to make your visit more accessible, like offering a private exam room or scheduling an appointment at a quieter time. Some even have specialized dental chairs. Learn more at MouthHealthy.org/disability.

04/05/2026

Thank you Dr.Wells and Leona!

Dr. Jay Wells and his wife, Leona, represented PADPAC at a recent fundraiser for Senator Devlin Robinson held at the St. Clair Country Club in Pittsburgh. Dr. Wells’ efforts reflect the continued commitment of Pennsylvania dentists to build strong relationships with policymakers and ensure dentists have a voice in Harrisburg.

Sen. Robinson expressed his appreciation for PADPAC’s ongoing engagement and support. PADPAC’s presence at events like this helps strengthen key relationships and reinforces the value of organized dentistry’s advocacy efforts. We thank Dr. and Mrs. Wells for representing Pennsylvania dentistry and helping advance PADPAC’s mission of supporting candidates who understand and support issues important to the dental profession and the patients we serve.

Dental Society of Western Pennsylvania

04/05/2026

The International College of Dentists is excited to announce a new partnership with Colgate-Palmolive, a caring, innovative growth company that is reimagining a healthier future for all people, their pets and our planet. This work supports the College’s Building a Legacy of Impact campaign and showcases that global oral health can only advance when expertise, innovation and community leadership are aligned with purpose.

With Colgate-Palmolive’s support, the ICD will expand the work of its two major initiatives— its Global Oral Health Leadership Institute (GOHLI) and humanitarian outreach projects serving at-risk populations worldwide. Together, they will identify new opportunities and build upon existing efforts to address oral health inequities locally and globally, creating greater impact.

04/05/2026

Patience Matters- we take 1 step at a time! We could use your help- come join us!!

04/05/2026

Awesome- right here in Pgh!!

On a former industrial lot in Manchester once occupied by a disintegrating warehouse sits a neat general store with a welcoming interior. Since the opening of Freeman Family Farm & Greenhouse last year, residents can now buy shelf-stable goods and fresh produce in a low-income neighborhood with no full-service grocery store.

Adjacent to the store is a high tunnel that has not yet begun serving its purpose this season.

“We grew a full marketplace in here,” founder Lisa Freeman says, indicating empty raised beds. “Carrots, yellow squash, zucchini, 50 million brand types of tomatoes, herbs, greens, 50 million types of hot peppers.”

Behind the store is a project that just received funding. Freeman imagines a sensory garden where disabled or blind visitors will be able to appreciate the garden through smell, taste and sound.

“They can follow the path and be guided,” she says. “There’ll be Braille markers and QR codes and audio readers.”

Her work — and that of all women farmers — is receiving a moment of recognition. Designated the International Year of the Woman Farmer by the United Nations, this year is meant to spotlight the often undervalued labor of women who feed and sustain communities.

Freeman calls what she does a movement.

Link in comments to read more. ⬇️

04/05/2026

Oral Cancer Awareness Month!

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. Regular dental checkups can save your life by detecting oral cancer early, but it’s important for you to know the symptoms, too. Common warning signs you should always bring to your dentist include a mouth sore that isn’t going away, red or white patches on your tongue or gums, and difficulty chewing or swallowing. Learn more at MouthHealthy.org/oralcancer.

And stay tuned for more oral cancer resources throughout the month!

04/05/2026

Happy Easter and Happy Passover from the Dental Society of Western Pennsylvania!

03/03/2026

Happy Dental Assistants Recognition Week!

02/20/2026

02/20/2026

Dental Assistants Recognition Week
March 1 to March 7, 2026

02/20/2026

University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
T.F. Bowser Memorial Lecture CE Event
A Symposium on the Multidisciplinary Dental Practice
Saturday, March 28, 2026
8:30am-1pm

University of Pittsburgh Scaife Hall
This year’s “Bowser Lecture” will focus on advances in prevention, treatment, and continued care through the collective disciplines of dentistry.

Dr. Ankur Gupta is the keynote speaker discussing innovative diagnostic and treatment strategies.

His presentation will be followed by 8 topic-focused breakout lectures by Pitt Dental Medicine faculty.

Dr. Craig McKenzie
University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine Assistant Professor
Director, Center for Patients with Special Needs (CPSN)
Pills, Protocols & Peace of Mind: Enteral Sedation Simplified
Are your dental patients clenching with fear before they even hit the chair?
Enteral sedation offers a safe, effective, and patient-friendly way to transform dental anxiety into calm cooperation — no needles or gas tanks required.
In my course, you'll explore the art and science of enteral sedation, with a focus on minimal sedation delivered through the oral route.

Register for this outstanding Annual CE Event at the link in the comments >