Mauro Santamaria: 2025-26 University Research Professor Q&A

Mauro P. Santamaria, D.D.S., Ph.D., associate professor in the Center for Oral Health Research and Division of Periodontology in the UK College of Dentistry, has been honored as a 2025-26 University Research Professor.

Santamaria studies diseases affecting the gums — known as periodontology — with a focus on problems with the gums and tissue around the teeth, wound healing and treatment of receding gums.

The goal of his work is to advance precision therapy for patients with impaired wound healing. Santamaria is also developing a novel drug delivery system to help the soft tissue inside the mouth heal.

Santamaria joined UK in 2022 after teaching in Brazil for more than a decade. He has published more than 170 peer-reviewed manuscripts and 13 book chapters.

Santamaria spoke with UKNow about his latest honor as a University Research Professor in this Q&A.

UKNow: What does it mean to you to be recognized as a University Research Professor?

Santamaria: Being recognized as a University Research Professor is both an honor and a humbling affirmation of the work I have devoted myself to over the years. It acknowledges not only the outcomes of my research but also the process — perseverance, collaboration and continuous learning. This recognition strengthens my commitment to academic excellence and encourages me to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in my field. It is also deeply meaningful to know that the university values and supports research that strives to make a tangible difference.

UKNow: How will the professorships program advance your research?

Santamaria: The support provided by the professorship program will allow me to accelerate key aspects of my current research agenda. With this funding and institutional recognition, I can invest in additional data collection, expand collaborative partnerships and publish high-impact findings.

UKNow: What inspired your focus on this area of research?

Santamaria: The real-world needs of my patients inspired my research focus. As a periodontist, I have spent much of my clinical career performing surgical procedures — an essential component of periodontal therapy. Over the years, I have witnessed patients experiencing significant postoperative discomfort, as well as clinical outcomes that often fell short of the full potential of the procedures performed. In many cases, these limitations were due to inadequate healing or outdated protocols.

These experiences motivated me to focus my research on improving the quality of care we can offer. My goal is to refine and advance treatment strategies in periodontics, reducing patient discomfort, enhancing clinical outcomes and making care more cost-effective. Ultimately, my work aims to translate basic research into meaningful improvements in patients’ care and quality of life.

UKNow: How does your research impact Kentucky?

Santamaria: My research directly addresses health issues that significantly affect communities across Kentucky. Periodontal disease impacts nearly one in two Americans, and mucogingival problems may affect over 90% of the population, particularly individuals with comorbidities such as diabetes. Notably, Kentucky has one of the highest rates of diabetes in the country, placing a substantial portion of its population at increased risk for oral health complications.

By developing more effective and cost-efficient treatment options, my research aims to improve access to care, especially for underserved and vulnerable populations. Advancing periodontal therapies that reduce discomfort, shorten recovery time and lower overall costs has the potential to make a meaningful difference in the oral and systemic health of Kentuckians.

About the University Research Professors
Each year, the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees approves a cohort of faculty as University Research Professors. The distinction recognizes excellence in work that addresses scientific, social, cultural and economic challenges in Kentucky and the world.

College leadership developed criteria for excellence within their area of expertise and then nominated faculty who excelled at these criteria. Each University Research Professor receives a one-year award of $10,000 and participates in other events planned around the program.