Lincoln Memorial University–College of Dental Medicine (LMU-CDM) fourth-year Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) student Kyle Morris has been published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal for his research paper titled “Exploring the Role of Oral Microbiota in the Pathophysiology and Treatment of Bruxism.”
Morris’s work explores a novel connection between oral microbiota imbalances and the onset of bruxism—a condition traditionally attributed to stress, malocclusion, and behavioral habits. His findings suggest that inflammation and neuromuscular changes influenced by microbial ecosystems in the mouth may play a significant role in the development and progression of bruxism.
“This is exactly the kind of innovation and academic excellence we strive to support at LMU-CDM,” said Dr. Qi Wang, Dean of the College of Dental Medicine. “Kyle’s research not only reflects his intellectual curiosity and dedication but also contributes meaningfully to the future of patient-centered dental care.”
The research was conducted under the mentorship of Dr. Modar Kassan, chair of Biomedical Sciences, and Dr. Ammaar Abidi, associate dean of research, along with Drs. Karima Ait-Aissa, Amal Sahyoun, and Dean Wang at LMU-CDM. Their collaboration reflects the college’s commitment to fostering research that bridges basic science with clinical practice.
By integrating microbiology into the conversation around bruxism, Morris’s work opens doors for biologically targeted therapies and reshapes the traditional framework used to diagnose and treat the condition.
His publication marks a significant academic milestone and highlights the growing influence of LMU-CDM in the field of dental research.
The full article can be accessed here: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12404231/
Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in the liberal arts and professional studies. Lincoln Memorial University-College of Dental Medicine (LMU-CDM) encompasses the Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) and Dental Hygiene (DH) programs and is located at the LMU Tower, 1705 St. Mary's St., Knoxville, TN 37917. For more information about LMU-CDM programs contact, CollegeofDentalMedicine@LMUnet.edu.
