EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE PROGRAM

Faculty/Staff Program Leadership Team

Peter T. Gakunga

Peter GakungaDr. Peter Gakunga is an Assistant Professor, Orthodontics, in the department of Developmental Dentistry.  Dr. Gakunga received his Bachelor of Dental Surgery Degree from the University of Nairobi, Kenya.  This was followed by service as a dental surgeon with the Government of Kenya Medical Service and the University of Nairobi, Kenya.  He completed his basic science training in the United states, receiving his Master of Science (Oral Biology) degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Ph.D. (Oral Biology) from the University of California, San Francisco.  This was followed by an NIH National Research Service Award for Postdoctoral Research in the Department of Biomedical Sciences and Center for Craniofacial Research, Baylor College of Dentistry-Texas A&M Health Science Center, Dallas.  He obtained his Specialty Certification in Orthodontics at UT Health Science Center San Antonio School of Dentistry. Dr. Gakunga’s research uses contemporary investigative tools of molecular biology, organ culture and transgenic animal modeling, to investigate craniofacial development.   He has worked on cranial sutures and craniosynostosis, and currently focuses on mechanisms of growth in the cranial base growth plates.   He is also involved in orthodontic clinical studies; on white spot lesions as well as on clinical modalities for increasing the rate of tooth movement.

Department: Developmental Dentistry/Orthodontics Division
Bldg/Rm: HSC-School of Dentistry/4.546U
210-567-3507

gakunga@uthscsa.edu