Dr. Priscilla Sosa’s path to periodontology began with her grandfather’s struggle with periodontal disease in Peru, an experience that gave her an early understanding of the life-changing impact of oral health.
For the now third- year resident in periodontology, that experience planted the seed for dentistry, where she later discovered the unique blend of science, art, and compassion the field requires.
At UAB School of Dentistry, she has found an environment that challenges her academically and clinically while surrounding her with a culture of mentorship and collaboration. She credits residency with reinforcing the importance of humility and teamwork, recognizing that the strongest clinicians are those who embrace shared learning and keep patient goals at the center of care.
Advancing Periodontal Care Through Research
In her research, Dr. Sosa seeks to address one of implant dentistry’s ongoing challenges—insufficient keratinized tissue surrounding dental implants. Recognizing the essential role of keratinized tissue in implant stability and patient comfort, her study explores innovative approaches to improve outcomes while reducing patient discomfort.
Dr. Sosa credits a 2015 case series as the inspiration for her current work, which examined combining strip gingival graft and xenograft techniques for treating severe mucogingival effects. Building on this concept, she investigates a novel blend of strip gingival graft (SGG) and acellular dermal matrix (ADM) to achieve both functional and esthetic success.
“The importance of keratinized mucosa around implants is well-established for long-term implant success, stability, and patient comfort,” she explains. “However, current techniques often require trade-offs between esthetics, patient satisfaction, patient discomfort, and healing outcomes.”
Her research bridges multiple facets of dentistry—tissue health, esthetics, and patient experience—reflecting her commitment to patient-centered innovation. She also anticipates grafting techniques becoming more integrative and less invasive.
“Innovations in biomaterials and graft substitutes will likely improve outcomes further. Additionally, the role of digital technologies, such as intraoral scanning and 3D imaging, to create customized, image-based grafting scaffolds will continue to enhance treatment planning and follow-up care,” said Sosa.
Empathy, Mentorship, and Collaboration
“Dr. Sosa is a resident who is a true team player—whether that be for the students she mentors, her residency colleagues, or with her patients, she believes that we all get further by working together,” said Mia Geisinger, D.D.S., M.S., Professor and Acting Chair of the UAB Department of Periodontology. “The thoughtful way that she approaches research is grounded in solving clinical challenges and improving patient care delivery for all her colleagues.”
Dedicated to both local and global service, Dr. Sosa is especially passionate about reaching Hispanic patients. Her fluency in Spanish allows her to build trust in moments that may otherwise feel intimidating and expand access to education and preventive care. Her leadership experience with the Florida Dental Association reflects her drive to advocate for patients and mentor others in the profession.
“An interesting fact about Dr. Sosa is that she loves alpacas—the lovable cousins of llamas so prevalent in Peru. And I believe that Dr. Sosa is a lot like an alpaca. Alpacas are social animals and work best in a collaborative group,” Geisinger shared.
Rooted in Heritage, Guided by Purpose
Looking ahead, she hopes to return to Sarasota to practice, but her long-term dream is to open a clinic in her mother’s hometown of Cajamarca, Peru—a project that ties her roots, her skills, and her commitment to serving the underserved. With each step, Dr. Sosa demonstrates not only excellence in her field but also a vision for how dentistry can transform lives and communities.