Dr. Jonathan An

The Aging Mouth

Title

The Aging Mouth

Presented By

Dr. Jonathan An

Assistant Professor, Oral Health Sciences

Assistant Graduate Program Director, Oral Health Sciences

University of Washington School of Dentistry

General Dentist, Pacific Northwest Smiles, Mill Creek, WA

Presentation Time

1:45-2:30PM

Abstract

Aging is a universal phenomenon observed across species, and it is the single greatest risk factor for many diseases that affect older adults, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and periodontitis. Hence, targeting this phenomenon may reduce the impact of all chronic diseases simultaneously. Over the years, scientists have discovered specific pathways that drive the aging process and have successfully targeted them to extend lifespan and improve healthspan in animal models. Despite the intricate connection between oral and systemic health, the impact of aging on the oral cavity has often been overlooked.

In this presentation, we will delve into the field of Geroscience (aging biology) and explore its implications on oral health and oral biology during the aging process. Specifically, we will attempt to connect the various aging hallmarks with their effects on the aging oral cavity. Additionally, we will discuss the scientific progress, both published and unpublished, from the laboratory regarding efforts to extend the oral healthspan in humans.

Meet the Speaker

Dr. Jonathan An is an Assistant professor and Assistant Graduate Program Director in Oral Health Sciences at the University of Washington School of Dentistry. He also is an active dentist in Mill Creek, Washington. He completed his dual DDS and PhD degree at the University of Washington, where his PhD was on the basic biological mechanisms of aging in the context of oral biology. His laboratory was one of the first groups to demonstrate the effects of oral rejuvenation by targeting the biological aging process. He is also leading one of the first human clinical trials to evaluate whether targeting an important aging pathway called mTOR can improve periodontitis in older adults, and the only group to have received FDA IND approval to complete this trial. His laboratory works with various animal models, from worms, mice, rats, and non-human primates, to study the impact of aging on oral health and oral biology. In addition to his role at the UW School of Dentistry, he provides care as a dentist in his private practice, merging modern and innovative technology, such as in-house, same-day crowns, clear aligner therapy, and restorative and implant dentistry for his patients.