Bulletin of Dental Education Article

New research from the Lyon College School of Dental Medicine (Lyon College SDM), located in Little Rock, AR, suggests that maintaining good oral health may play a far greater role in preventing Alzheimer’s disease and other chronic conditions than previously understood.

Josh Landers, Ph.D., D.P.T.

Josh Landers, Ph.D., D.P.T., Chair of Biomedical Sciences and Assistant Professor at Lyon College SDM, was the lead author of “Oral Health as a Determinant of Alzheimer’s Disease,” a narrative review published in the journal Physiologia. The paper synthesizes emerging evidence that bacteria associated with periodontal disease can contribute to neuroinflammation, blood–brain barrier disruption and vascular injury—all key components in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

“This research reinforces what many in the dental and medical fields have suspected for years,” said Dr. Landers. “The mouth is not separate from the rest of the body. Chronic inflammation that begins in the gums doesn’t just stop there. It can enter the bloodstream, travel to the brain and impact long-term neurological health.”

The narrative review includes contributions from two Lyon College SDM students and three faculty members—the first published work from the new dental school to feature student researchers. Dr. Landers said the school recently received approval from the Lyon College Institutional Review Board to begin two studies involving students, marking an important milestone for Lyon College SDM’s growing research program.

“We’re excited to see our students engage in this level of scientific inquiry so early in their training,” he said.

Stefanie Leacock, Ph.D., Director of Research at Lyon College SDM, said the publication reflects the institution’s commitment to building a robust scientific culture from the ground up. 

“Research is woven into the fabric of our program,” said Dr. Leacock. “Seeing our students co-author peer-reviewed work in the school’s first year is extraordinary, and it’s just the beginning. Our students are getting hands-on experience and contributing to research questions that matter for the future of oral-systemic health and dental education.”

The review highlights a growing body of studies showing that pathogens such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, commonly found in periodontal disease, have been identified in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. Research cited in the review also shows that individuals with poor oral health may have more than twice the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

“While we are still uncovering the exact mechanisms, the evidence is compelling,” said Dr. Landers. “Good oral hygiene, including brushing, interdental cleaning and routine periodontal care, isn’t just about preventing cavities. It may also play a role in reducing disease burden later in life.”

Burke Soffe, D.M.D., M.Ed., Founding Dean of the Lyon College SDM, said the study underscores the school’s mission to advance integrated, preventative health care.

“Dr. Landers’ work shows how dentistry fits squarely into the broader health conversation,” said Dr. Soffe. “We have long understood the oral-systemic connection, but this research brings sharper focus and urgency to that relationship. It is further proof that dentists, physicians and specialists must work together if we are serious about preventing chronic disease.”

The review also explores practical strategies that patients can adopt to reduce inflammation and bacterial spread, including scaling and root planing, nutrition practices and emerging tools such as salivary diagnostics and AI-supported risk assessments.

“The paper presents a series of actionable steps that the students intend to share with the local community to support oral health literacy outreach,” said Dr. Landers.

“Our goal is to put actionable science into the hands of providers and patients,” continues Dr. Landers. “Preventing oral inflammation today could mean a healthier brain decades from now.”

The Lyon College School of Dental Medicine opened in summer 2025 and is Arkansas’ first dental school. The institution emphasizes interdisciplinary research, rural oral health access and patient-centered clinical education.

To read the paper, visit https://www.mdpi.com/2673-9488/5/4/49.

For more information about the Lyon College School of Dental Medicine, visit lyoninstitute.com.

Courtesy of Lyon College School of Dental Medicine

Published on January 14, 2026