University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus · Mathematics & StatisticsGenetics of Oral Health Lab
John R Shaffer · Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Research Focus
Dr. John R. Shaffer's lab focuses on understanding the genetic basis of oral diseases like dental caries and periodontitis, which affect billions of people worldwide. By conducting extensive genetic research and collaboration with over 800,000 participants, the lab aims to uncover new genetic associations and enhance tools for predicting and preventing these diseases. The ultimate goal is to improve oral health outcomes and reduce disparities in dental care through personalized approaches based on genetic insights.
geneticsoral diseasesdental cariesperiodontitisgenome-wide association studiespolygenic risk scoresgene-environment interactionsprecision dentistry
Research Aims
5AIM 01Identify novel genetic associations related to dental caries and periodontitis.
AIM 02Conduct genome-wide association scans with a large consortium of participants.
AIM 03Develop and validate polygenic risk scores for predicting oral diseases.
AIM 04Explore gene-by-environment interactions that affect oral health outcomes.
AIM 05Create tools for DNA-based risk assessment and preventive strategies in dentistry.
Skills the Lab Values
genome-wide association studies (GWAS)polygenic risk score developmentdata analysisstatistical modelingbioinformaticsepidemiological study designSAS programmingR programminggenetic data interpretation
Output against the department
Publications219bottom 47% of dept.68th of 131
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations7.1kbottom 48% of dept.68th of 131
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.