Primary Teeth, Brain Science and Future Regenerative Medicine: The Pediatric Dentist's Role in Stem Cell Education

Presented by: Tamara K. Robison, DDS

Original Lecture/ Publication Date: September 16, 2026 (Webinar Series)

Course Description:

Primary teeth contain a unique population of autologous stem cells that can be harvested during natural exfoliation or planned extraction and cryopreserved for potential future use. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognizes dental stem cells as an emerging area of regenerative medicine and encourages evidence-based parent education regarding collection, storage, viability, and ethical procurement; however, no human treatments using harvested dental stem cells are currently available. At the same time, neuroscience research has increasingly highlighted the importance of white matter connectivity in brain development and neurodevelopmental conditions, including autism and traumatic brain injury, reinforcing the concept that neural communication depends on microstructural network integrity. This session will review the current policy, biologic rationale, and practical steps involved in primary tooth harvesting and banking, while emphasizing the limits of current evidence and the importance of informed consent. Participants will also learn how pediatric dentists can serve as trusted educators for families seeking future-focused regenerative options without conflating emerging science with proven therapy. The presentation will conclude with a discussion of how interdisciplinary collaboration among pediatric dentistry, medicine, and regenerative science may shape future care innovations.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the current AAPD policy on harvested dental stem cells and explain why primary teeth are a unique autologous source for future regenerative applications.
2. Discuss the neuroscience of white matter connectivity and summarize why brain network development is relevant to future regenerative medicine conversations.
3. Identify the pediatric dentist’s role in ethical family education, informed consent, and responsible counseling about stem cell banking as an emerging science.

Participants will learn how to:

• Educate families about dental stem cell banking using current evidence while explaining that no approved human therapies currently exist.
• Refer interested families to pediatric dentists early enough to discuss stem cell collection before tooth loss or extraction.
• Distinguish emerging regenerative research from established treatments to support informed, ethical decision-making.

Speaker Bio:

Dr. Tamara K. Robison is a board-certified pediatric dentist with more than 30 years of clinical experience caring for children, adolescents, and patients with special health care needs. She practices at Beachside Smiles Pediatric Dentistry in Florida and is a passionate educator, speaker, and advocate for interdisciplinary, evidence-based care. Dr. Robison serves as the East Coast Representative for the Florida Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and collaborates with industry leaders on educational initiatives. Her lectures focus on pediatric restorative dentistry, zirconia restorations, access to care, fluoride science, AI integration, and interdisciplinary treatment planning, combining practical clinical insights with engaging, patient-centered education.