Fang Gu, B.D.S., M.S., Ph.D., and Can Wang, B.D.S., M.D.S., Ph.D., have joined the Department of Endodontics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry.
Gu earned her dental degree from West China University of Medical Sciences, a master’s degree in biostatistics and a doctorate in oral biology from UCLA, and completed endodontic specialty training at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She practiced privately in Austin, Texas, for 15 years before joining UAB. Gu will direct the D4 Endodontics course, the Endodontics D4 Elective, and the IDP Endodontics course, and will teach students and residents in the clinic. She will also work in the Dental Faculty Practice.
Wang completed clinical residencies in general dentistry and endodontics (M.D.S. with honors, Wuhan University, China) and earned a doctorate from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. Her research has focused on gene expressions in oral biofilms and bacterial adhesion forces, providing new insights into biofilm formation and the development of preventive treatments and restorative materials. At UAB, Wang will continue her research on oral biofilms, bacterial–host interactions and will begin exploring endodontics-related clinical studies. She will also provide pre-doctoral clinical coverage in endodontics.
As a postdoctoral researcher at Université Catholique de Louvain in Belgium, Wang investigated microbial adhesion mechanisms at single-cell and single-molecule resolution. Her work has been published in high-impact journals including Nano Letters, PNAS Nexus, Cell Reports, mBio and NPJ Biofilms and Microbiomes. Wang has received honors such as the Chinese Government Award for Outstanding Students Abroad and a CED-IADR Travel Award, and serves on the editorial board of Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces. Prior to joining UAB, she practiced as a full-time endodontist at Wuhan University Hospital of Stomatology.
“Dr. Gu and Dr. Wang bring a wealth of clinical and research expertise to our department,” said Ashraf F. Fouad, D.D.S., M.S., professor and chair of endodontics. “Their diverse backgrounds and commitment to excellence will enhance our educational programs and strengthen our clinical and research missions. We are excited to welcome them to UAB.”