Bennett Tochukwu Amaechi, B.D.S., M.Sc., Ph.D., MFDSRCPS (Glasg), FADI

Prof. Bennett T. Amaechi, BDS, MSc, PhD, MFDSRCPS (Glasg), FADI, Professor of Dentistry in the Department of Comprehensive Dentistry of the University of Texas Health San Antonio (UTHSA). He received his dental degree at the University of Ife, Nigeria. Dr. Amaechi began his career as a dentist with specialist training and Master’s degree in prosthodontics and dental implantology at Guy’s Hospital, University of London, UK, and he later gained a PhD degree in Cariology and Preventive Dentistry at the University of Liverpool, UK. His research interest, which is on dental caries and related fields has been supported by NIH grants and Industry contracts. He has authored several journal articles, monographs, book chapters and a book on dental erosion. He is a highly accomplished dentist, scholar, educator and a dedicated mentor, who touches the careers of many faculty and students within and outside his institution in more than 12 countries. He has been invited as guest speaker at local, national and international levels with more than 65 invited presentations. Dr. Amaechi is a reviewer to several scientific journals and grant funding bodies including NIH. He completed the UTHSCSA Leadership Program (2009) and the Teaching Excellence Course (2002) to enhance his teaching and mentorship activities. Dr. Amaechi was honored with 2010 Outstanding Mentor award by the UTSA Honor College, 2014 Faculty Leadership award by the UTHSCSA Faculty Senate in recognition of his leadership qualities and accomplishments, 2015 Teaching excellence award by UTHSCSA dental school Faculty Assembly, Humanitarian/community service award (2015) by his local community, Membership of Faculty of Dental Surgery by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (2016), and 2019 Presidential award for Sustained Excellence in Teaching. He is an active member and officer of various national and international professional and scientific organizations.

Cariology and Preventive Dentistry

Cariology research program consists of clinical trials, laboratory and epidemiological studies, that are centered mainly in areas of development and evaluation of oral health care products tailored for management of dental caries, dental erosion, dentin hypersensitivity, tooth-whitening, tooth restoration, tooth-brushing and saliva stimulation. We perform studies on demineralization & remineralization of enamel and root surfaces, early caries detection and management, biofilm studies and plaque acidity measurement, salivary studies, and community-based studies. Our program is supported by state-of-the-art seven-operatory clinical research facility, university core facilities, and a wide range of other clinical and laboratory devices, including facility for in vivo Plaque/Saliva pH and Fluoride Measurements.

Diseases Associated: Dental caries, Dental erosion, Dentin hypersensitivity

Techniques Used: In situ models (Fixed & removable appliances), Microbial Caries Models (Artificial mouth), pH Cycling Models, Demineralization-Remineralization techniques, Minerals uptake quantification device,  Transverse microradiography, Microhardness testing, Microcomputed tomography, Non-contact laser profilometry, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy, Quantitative Light-induced Fluorescence, Clinical trials.