The field of dental science has witnessed remarkable advances in molecular biology, biomaterials, regenerative medicine, and digital technologies. Despite this progress, a significant gap remains between benchside discoveries and their translation into clinical dental practice. This editorial addresses the urgent need to bridge this divide, emphasizing that scientific innovation alone is insufficient without effective clinical integration. In periodontology, host-modulation therapies and microbiome research have redefined disease understanding, yet practical applications remain limited. In prosthodontics, although novel biomimetic materials and digital workflows are emerging, their clinical uptake faces barriers such as cost, training, and long-term validation. Regenerative dentistry, with advances in stem cell applications and tissue engineering, promises to restore dental structures biologically, but complex translational challenges delay their routine use. Similarly, artificial intelligence shows potential for diagnostics and treatment planning, but concerns about reliability, standardization, and ethical implementation remain. The editorial also explores the role of personalized dentistry, behavioral sciences, and implementation research as essential components for effective translation. It advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration, integration of systemic health considerations, and global equity in oral healthcare delivery. Bridging the gap between research and practice is not merely a scientific task but a multidisciplinary challenge requiring alignment of clinical, educational, economic, and policy efforts. A comprehensive approach to translational dentistry can ensure that innovations lead to measurable improvements in patient outcomes and public oral health, making advanced care more accessible, efficient, and personalized across diverse populations and healthcare systems.
Sadia Tahsin - (Wed,) studied this question.