Basic science research within the department focuses heavily on pain research through the Levine Lab. Past projects have emphasized understanding the transition from acute to chronic pain, neurotoxic effects of cancer chemotherapy, and the use of hyaluronan in the treatment of pain.

Translational research in OMFS focuses on tissue engineering and regeneration. An example includes the interventional study for the evaluation of a bioengineered living bone graft for mandibular ramus reconstruction, with the work coming from faculty at the San Francisco VA Medical Center. 

OMFS faculty conducts clinical research across all of our sites and focuses on research questions in the areas of maxillofacial trauma, craniofacial surgery, benign pathology, malignant pathology, reconstruction, dental implants, temporomandibular joint disorders, sleep medicine/surgery, and surgical education.