Oral Facial Genetics
Welcome to the Oral Facial (Craniofacial) Genetics Program of the Department of Orthodontics and Oral Facial Genetics at the Indiana University School of Dentistry.
History
Founded in 1971 by Dr. David Bixler, a dentist and scientist, as a separate department at the Indiana University School of Dentistry. Dr. Bixler also held a joint appointment as an Associate Professor in the Indiana University School of Medicine Medical Genetics department, enabling him to foster a close collaboration between the Dental and Medical Schools.
Dr. Bixler retired as Professor Emeritus of Oral Facial Genetics and Medical and Molecular Genetics in 1993. During his tenure and under his supervision sixteen postdoctoral fellows received training in oral facial genetics. Following departmental consolidation in 1993, Oral Facial Genetics became a division in the department of Oral Facial Development with Dr. James K. Hartsfield Jr., as the Director of the Oral Facial Genetics Program.
Although Dr. Hartsfield currently holds the E. Preston Hicks Endowed Chair in Orthodontics at University of Kentucky College of Dentistry, he maintains an official relationship with the University as Adjunct Professor in our department and Medical and Molecular Genetics in the School of Medicine. Dr. Hartsfield continues to collaborate with faculty and research initiatives.
Mission
The focus of the Oral Facial Genetics Division has evolved from syndrome delineation and research into the etiology of craniofacial anomalies to the study of the interaction of genetic and environmental factors that influence non-syndromic craniofacial growth and development, and the response to orthodontic treatment.
Experimental root resorption in mice following orthodontic force
External apical root resorption (EARR), pre (left) and post (right) treatment radiographs
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