The purpose of the Dental Research Center is to provide a focus for the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry, in collaboration with other units of MCG and the University System to do innovative, multidisciplinary research in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases of the orofacial complex so as to enhance the health and well being of the citizens of Georgia.  The current Director is George S. Schuster, D.D.S., M.S., PhD., Ione and Arthur Merritt Professor; Associate Dean For Research; and Chair, Department of Oral Biology and Maxillofacial Pathology.  Its membership includes faculty from the School of Dentistry who are involved in basic, translational and clinical research of diseases of the orofacial complex.  It may include individuals from other schools at MCG and the university system, as appropriate.

The research center also assists in the recruitment of talented research-oriented faculty; works in conjunction with other institutional offices to locate funding sources for research; facilitate development and integration of research programs; and provide support for all aspects of research on diseases of the orofacial complex.  Students with a degree in dentistry who are conducting research in conjunction with members of the research center may be candidates for the M.S. or PhD degree through the graduate program of the Department of Oral Biology and Maxillofacial Pathology.  The center also offers a seminar series focused on research topics related to the various areas of research.