Ariadne Letra

Dr. Ariadne Letra is a tenured Professor and Assistant Dean for Faculty Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, holding joint appointments in the Departments of Oral and Craniofacial Sciences and Endodontics. She earned her DDS from Fluminense Federal University, MS in Endodontics from the State University of Rio de Janeiro, and PhD in Oral Biology from the University of São Paulo. Her research focuses on craniofacial genetics, molecular mechanisms of oral diseases, and genetic risk factors for conditions like cleft lip/palate and apical periodontitis. She leads NIH-funded studies and serves on editorial boards of major dental journals. Notable awards include the Journal of Endodontics Best Paper Award (2020/2024) and the IADR Hatton Award (2016). Dr. Letra collaborates with the Center for Craniofacial and Dental Genetics and Center for Craniofacial Regeneration, advancing translational research in oral health.

Her work integrates genomic approaches with clinical endodontics, emphasizing precision medicine for dental diseases. Recent studies include genome-wide association studies for apical periodontitis and functional analysis of PDGFRA mutations in cleft lip/palate. She also investigates microRNA regulation in inflammatory processes and the impact of irrigation protocols on root canal sealers. Dr. Letra’s contributions bridge basic science and clinical practice, addressing both congenital anomalies and acquired oral pathologies.