Rate My Professor Keith Kirkwood

Keith Kirkwood, DDS, PhD, is the Senior Associate Dean for Research at the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine and Centennial Endowed Chair in the Department of Oral Biology. A board-certified periodontist (Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology), he received his DDS from West Virginia University in 1991 and completed his Certificate in Periodontology, PhD in Oral Biology in 1997, and postdoctoral fellowship in molecular biology at the University at Buffalo. His prior roles include Professor and Founding Chair of the Department of Oral Health Sciences, Senior Associate Dean for Research, and Director of the Center for Oral Health Research at the Medical University of South Carolina College of Dental Medicine, as well as tenured Associate Professor at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry.

The Kirkwood Lab focuses on immune signaling mechanisms underlying inflammatory periodontal bone loss and oral cancer progression, myeloid cell differentiation (osteoclast progenitors and myeloid-derived suppressor cells), tumor microenvironment in oral squamous cell carcinoma, immunometabolic reprogramming, and microbiome-driven inflammation. Utilizing advanced techniques in immunology, molecular biology, microbiome analysis, and translational animal models, the lab seeks therapeutic targets to prevent destructive inflammation and preserve alveolar bone. Dr. Kirkwood has secured major funding, including a $7.3 million NIH grant for the UB Microbiome Center Gnotobiotic Animal Research Facility and NIH awards for training programs and research on immunometabolic regulation in periodontitis. With over 104 peer-reviewed publications, key works include "Increased Stability of Tristetraprolin mRNA Supports Bone Health and Decreases Frailty During Aging" (2026), "Tristetraprolin regulates the skeletal phenotype and osteoclastogenic potential through monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells" (2024), and "Inflammaging" (2018). His impact is evidenced by election as a 2026 AAAS Fellow, the IADR Distinguished Scientist Award, two IADR/GSK Innovation in Oral Care Awards, Tarrson Fellowship Career Development Award, and Sunstar Fellowship Research Award. He is affiliated with the Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Research Program at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.