Martha Somerman

Dr. Martha Somerman is the Chief Field Editor of Frontiers in Dental Medicine. She was the Director, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health (NIH) from August 2011 to December 2019 and then served as a senior advisor for NIDCR until her retirement on May 31, 2021. In addition, she was the Principal Investigator for the Laboratory of Oral Connective Tissue Biology, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, NIH, from August 2011 to May 31, 2021. Her laboratory team focused on identifying factors controlling the development of the periodontal complex and applying this knowledge toward developing strategies to regenerate periodontal tissue lost as a consequence of disease. Prior to becoming NIDCR director, Dr. Somerman was Dean of the University of Washington School of Dentistry, a position she held since 2002. From 1991 to 2002, Dr. Somerman was on the faculty of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry where she served as a professor and chair of periodontics/prevention and geriatrics. From 1984 to 1991, Dr. Somerman was on the faculty of the University of Maryland College of Dental Surgery. Dr. Somerman received a bachelor's degree in biology and a D.D.S. from New York University, a Masters in Environmental Health from Hunter College, and a Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the University of Rochester. She completed her periodontal residency at the Eastman Dental Center in Rochester, New York and is a diplomat of the American Board of Periodontology.