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Cara B. Gonzales, D.D.S., Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Department of Comprehensive Dentistry

Dr. Gonzales is a tenure-track assistant professor in the Department of Comprehensive Dentistry where she performs translational research in the field of oral cancer.

Her research focus is two-fold:

Characterization of novel mechanisms of oral cancer pain; and drug development to treat oral cancer and cancer related pain. In this regard, she has demonstrated that tumor secreted molecules activate pain receptors in the trigeminal system, and identified novel compounds that are currently being tested, in vitro and in vivo, for the ability to halt tumor progression and alleviate the tumor-related pain.

In addition to her research, she practices as a general dentist in the Faculty Practice Clinic. She also assists with screening potential patients for the dental school and overseeing students in the clinic. Her teaching duties allow her to work closely with the students in the classroom, the clinic and the laboratory.