Salivary Diagnostics

Salivary Diagnostics surveys one of the most exciting areas of research in oral biology. Regarded as the mirror of the body, saliva has immense potential to yield real clinical improvements in our ability to diagnose, and hence treat, oral and systemic conditions. The composition of saliva and other oral fluids reflects the tissue fluid levels of therapeutic, hormonal, and immunological molecules, as well as the presence of markers for systemic and oral disease.

David Wong is Associate Dean of Research, Professor of Oral Biology, Oral Biology & Medicine, and Director of Dental Research Institute at UCLA. Dr. Wong is a dentist-scientist focusing his research on the molecular determinants (genomic and proteomic) of head and neck cancer. His research has been continuously funded by the NIDCR and NCI for the past 18 years. He has achieved two 4-year award U01 awards from the NIDCR for the creation of the UCLA Collaborative Oral Fluid Diagnostic Research Center and the Human Salivary Proteome project.