Periodontist brings global perspective to dental school

As he neared his high school graduation in Genova, Italy, Maurizio Tonetti was wrestling with a difficult decision.

He had not one major interest in his life, but three: astrophysics, diplomacy, and dentistry. The one he chose to pursue in college would launch a career path he would likely follow for the rest of his life.

He chose dentistry.

“In the end, I was practical. Seeing that my father and grandfather were dentists, I knew I would be assured of a job!” he says.

Dr. Tonetti, professor and chair of the Division of Periodontology and head of the Department of Oral Health and Diagnostic Sciences at the School of Dental Medicine, says he hasn’t regretted his decision. He says his job incorporates his other interests: his research helps satisfy his thirst for scientific exploration and being head of department often calls for his diplomatic talents.

Tonetti brings a global perspective to the Health Center, having professional experience in four different countries – the United States, Italy, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

“We’re thrilled to have him here,” says Peter J. Robinson, dean of the dental school, who had conducted two world-wide talent searches before he learned that Tonetti might be available. “He has an incredible reputation among his peers, no one can compare in the clinical research area.”

Recently Tonetti was selected to receive the prestigious Clinical Research Award from the American Academy of Periodontology.

He was recognized for his work linking periodontitis, a chronic infection that affects more than 10 percent of adults, and chronic inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis, stroke, heart attacks, and the metabolic control of diabetes, osteopenia, and osteoporosis.

During clinical trials, Tonetti showed that intensively treating severe periodontitis not only improved the condition of the patient’s gums, it decreased inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein and interleukin-6. These markers have been associated with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.

“These treatment studies indicate the relevance of oral health goes beyond the obvious benefits of a pleasing smile, good chewing function, and speech,” says Tonetti. “Oral health is an integral component of the overall health and well being of our population and needs to be recognized as such.”

Before accepting the job at the Health Center, Tonetti was professor and head of the Department of Periodontology at University College London, where he worked within the British National Health Service.