Tel Aviv University’s Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine has marked another year of significant progress, innovation, and renewal. Despite extraordinarily challenging circumstances, the School continued not only to operate, but to grow, innovate, and invest in the future of dental education, research, and patient care.

Prof. Rachel Sarig Promoted to Full Professor

Prof. Rachel Sarig, PhD, DMD, Head of the Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine at the Gray Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, has been promoted to Full Professor at Tel Aviv University. Prof. Sarig is also a Principal Investigator and heads the Dental Anthropology Laboratory.

A graduate of Tel Aviv University, Prof. Sarig completed her DMD, PhD in Anatomy and Anthropology, and postgraduate studies in Orthodontics, summa cum laude, at the Gray Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences. Her interdisciplinary research bridges dentistry, anthropology, human evolution, and biohistory.

She is also a researcher and member of the Dan David Center for Human Evolution and Biohistory Research and the Shmunis Family Anthropology Institute. Her promotion recognizes her outstanding contributions to research, education, and academic leadership.

Building the Future: A New Simulation Laboratory

This year, the School began the long-awaited renovation of its Simulation Laboratory, one of its most significant infrastructure projects in many years.

The previous Simulation Laboratory.

Work underway on the new state-of-the-art Simulation Laboratory.

The new facility will provide students with a modern, technologically advanced environment for preclinical education and simulation-based training, significantly enhancing the way the School prepares the next generation of dentists.

Renovation and development of new research laboratories have also begun. These facilities are being designed to provide advanced technologies and modern research infrastructure, enabling the School to expand its scientific activities and attract outstanding researchers and students.

The laboratories will create new opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and provide a foundation for discoveries that can translate from the laboratory into improved oral and systemic health.

Welcoming Dr. Roman Meledin

Joining the Dental School from the University of Zurich, Dr. Roman Meledin brings cutting-edge expertise in chemical biology, molecular immunology, protein engineering, and real-time cellular imaging.

Dr. Meledin will establish an independent laboratory at the School, opening new directions for interdisciplinary and translational research. His research focuses on the development of advanced genetically encoded biosensors and FRET/FLIM imaging technologies that enable researchers to visualize cellular signaling and protein interactions in real time.

His expertise also includes antibody and cytokine engineering, protein and peptide chemistry, and translational research. His recruitment expands the School’s molecular and imaging capabilities and creates new opportunities for collaboration across dentistry, medicine, biotechnology, and industry.

Research Excellence: Prestigious Competitive Grants

Three researchers from the Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine received prestigious Israel Science Foundation grants this year, reflecting the growing strength and diversity of research at the School.

	Dr. Evgeny Weinberg received an ISF grant for his research on the role of gingival stromal cells and TGFβ1 in the development and prevention of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ).
	Dr. Benjamin Coyac was awarded funding for his work investigating the role of PHEX in craniofacial bone healing and its functions beyond mineralization.
	Dr. Livnat Afriat-Jurnou received an ISF grant for her research exploring enzyme evolution, promiscuity, and specificity under macromolecular crowding.

These highly competitive grants represent an important achievement for the School and demonstrate the breadth of its research, from oral and craniofacial biology to molecular and evolutionary science.

In addition, Prof. Lihi Adler-Abramovich received the prestigious Rappaport Prize for Excellence in Biomedical Research, recognizing her innovative and impactful contributions to biomedical science. She also received an ERC Proof of Concept Grant supporting the translation of groundbreaking scientific discoveries toward practical applications.

Dentistry for Everyone

Social responsibility remains central to the School’s mission. This year, the School advanced its collaboration with Beit Issie Shapiro, developing an initiative to improve access to appropriate and compassionate dental care for people with disabilities and special needs.

The project combines clinical care and education with a commitment to ensuring that dentistry is accessible to everyone.

The Purple Badge Initiative: Trauma-Informed Dental Care

The Dental School recently participated in the launch conference of the National Initiative for a Compassionate, Humane, and Trauma-Informed Healthcare System, led by the Israeli Ministry of Health and the Mabat Forum.

The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, together with Dr. Nir Uziel and Dr. Efrat Gilon from the Unit for Medical Education and Behavioral Sciences, presented the work of the unit and its unique clinic dedicated to treating patients with dental anxiety.

This work complements the Purple Badge Initiative for survivors of trauma and sexual assault. The initiative emphasizes the importance of educating future dentists not only in clinical skills, but also in the understanding and sensitivity required to care for patients who have experienced trauma.

The events of recent years have also demonstrated the effects that prolonged stress and trauma can have on health, including the masticatory system.

The School has continued developing its Stress and Orofacial Pain Clinic, bringing together clinical care, research, and innovative approaches to address stress-related orofacial pain, bruxism, temporomandibular disorders, and related conditions.

Innovation in Clinical Care: New Laser Clinic

The School recently established a new Laser Clinic, expanding the range of innovative, minimally invasive treatment options available to patients across several areas of dentistry while integrating new technologies into everyday clinical practice.

Beyond patient care, the clinic will serve as an important platform for clinical research, professional training, and education, allowing students, residents, and faculty to gain experience with advanced laser technologies.

The clinic will also create new opportunities for interdisciplinary research and international collaboration.

Looking Ahead

From new educational and research facilities to faculty achievements, competitive research grants, expanded access to care, and innovative clinical programs, the Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine continues to strengthen its contributions to dental education, oral health research, and patient care.

Adapted from information provided by Tel Aviv University Canada, September 2026.