Sharon Gordon

Sharon M. Gordon, DDS, MPH, PhD is a Professor and the inaugural Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Research at Kansas City University College of Dental Medicine. She holds dual roles in leadership and academia, focusing on advancing dental education and research. Dr. Gordon earned her DDS from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, an MPH in Epidemiology and PhD in Clinical Investigation from Johns Hopkins University. Her career spans 13 years at NIH, where she conducted clinical research and managed educational programs at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.

Her research emphasizes pain mechanisms, analgesia, and interprofessional education. She has authored over 150 publications and secured continuous research funding since 2004. Notable awards include the Distinguished Scientist Award from IADR and mentorship accolades like the Sokolove and Davis Awards.

Dr. Gordon’s work bridges clinical practice and research, with recent focus on evidence-based pain management and oral health disparities. She leads interdisciplinary initiatives funded by CDC and HRSA, emphasizing primary care training for dental and medical students. Her research spans facial pain epidemiology, chemotherapeutic mucositis, and translational pain therapeutics.