Dr. Pouran Famili stands as a full professor within the Department of Periodontics and Preventive Dentistry at the University of Pittsburgh. Her leadership is further exemplified by her tenure as chair of the department from 2005 to 2014. Additionally, Dr. Famili holds a secondary professorship at the University of Pittsburgh’s Clinical and Translational Science Institute, showcasing her broad expertise and influence across multiple disciplines. Her academic journey includes a certificate in periodontics from the School of Dental Medicine Periodontics Residency Program and a master’s degree in dental science from the University of Pittsburgh, culminating in her DMD. Continuing her pursuit of knowledge, she earned an MPH and a PhD in epidemiology, demonstrating a robust foundation in public health and research methodologies.
Since joining the periodontics faculty in 1986, Dr. Famili has consistently served the University and the dental profession with notable distinction. She has achieved the esteemed status of Diplomate in both periodontics and implantology, signifying her advanced expertise and board certification in these specialties. Further underscoring her contributions to the field, she is recognized as a Fellow in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, the American College of Dentists, and the International College of Dentists, among other prestigious organizations. Dr. Famili is actively involved in both local and national chapters of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) dental honorary society, and in 2005, she was honored as a finalist for the Chancellor’s Distinguished Teaching Award, highlighting her commitment to education and mentorship.
Dr. Famili’s research is centered on the intricate relationship between periodontal disease and osteoporosis. Her work further investigates the impact of osteoporosis on the long-term success of dental implants, a critical area in contemporary dental practice. Her scholarly contributions are substantial, marked by numerous publications on these subjects. Moreover, her research endeavors have been supported by grants from respected bodies such as the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and NobelBiocare, specifically for studying the connection between dental implant placement and osteoporosis.
As a member of both the American Academy for Dental Research and the International Academy for Dental Research, Dr. Famili actively participates in the global scientific community. She frequently presents her research findings at national and international conferences, contributing to the dissemination of knowledge and advancements in the field. Throughout her career at the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Famili has dedicated herself to mentoring periodontics residents and dental students. This commitment is evident in the numerous publications, presentations, and service learning opportunities she has facilitated, all presented at peer-reviewed meetings focused on dentistry and implantology. Her expertise is further recognized through her regular peer-review activities for research funding proposals submitted to the National Institutes of Health. She also contributes to curriculum development for the MedEdPortal knowledge website, a resource supported by the Association of American Medical Colleges and ADEA, and reviews scholarly articles for a variety of journals in the dental press, ensuring the rigor and quality of published research.
Dr. Famili is deeply engaged in academic dentistry, participating in the American Dental Education Association’s Women’s Affairs and Minority Affairs Committees. She is a frequent presenter at symposia, sharing her insights on implantology, mentorship, and the foundational professional education of young dentists. Beyond her academic and research roles, Dr. Famili dedicates her clinical expertise to patients, practicing periodontics exclusively within the University of Pittsburgh faculty practice, University Dental Health Services, providing advanced care and contributing to the clinical mission of the institution.
