Genetic Engineering: A Ray of Light for Paediatric Dentistry

Advances in biotechnology have brought gene therapy to the forefront of medical research. The concept of transferring genes to tissues for clinical applications has been discussed nearly half a century, but the ability to manipulate genetic material via recombinant DNA technology has brought this goal to reality. Applications of gene therapy to dental and oral problems illustrate the potential impact of this technology on dentistry. Preclinical trial results regarding same have been very promising.In 1995, the Bruice J and a colleague described the potential impact of gene therapy on dentistry, on the basis of initial studies of gene transfer applications to salivary glands, keratinocytes and cancer cells. Their conclusion was that gene therapy would have a significant impact on the nature of dental practice within 20 years. In the past years, remarkable progress has been made in the field of gene therapy, including various areas relevant to pediatric dental practice.