About

Francisco Ramos-Gomez, D.D.S., M.S., M.P.H. is a professor in the Section of Pediatric Dentistry and serves as the Chair of the Section of Pediatric Dentistry at UCLA School of Dentistry. He is also the Director of the Pediatric Dentistry Advanced Clinical Training Program (ACT) and the UCLA Center for Children’s Oral Health. Dr. Ramos-Gomez has been a pediatric dentist for more than 30 years with a specific focus and research in early childhood caries (ECC) prevention, oral health disparities, oral disease risk assessment, and community health, particularly among underserved populations and in population health. He joined UCLA as a faculty member in 2008 and has contributed significantly to clinical interventions and community-based research. His work includes conceptualizing and co-founding the UCSF Center to Address Disparities in Children’s Oral Health, aimed at identifying factors associated with health disparities among ethnic and racial groups to improve targeted interventions. Dr. Ramos-Gomez has been funded by NIH-NIDCR on ECC community-based intervention clinical trials for over 23 years. He has played active roles on the boards of the Hispanic Dental Association, Dental Health Foundation, and American Academy of Pediatrics, and has participated in the development of the Surgeon General’s Report on Oral Health. A proponent of global health, he supported the UC California-Mexico Health Initiative and chaired the Oral Health Task Force to foster collaboration between UC and Mexican scientists in dental, pediatric, and oral health policy. Throughout his career, Dr. Ramos-Gomez has received numerous awards, including the Kellogg Fellowship for International Development, the AAPD best research award, the National Dental Association Foundation Colgate-Palmolive Faculty Recognition Award for Research, and the IAPD Bright Smiles Bright Futures Award for innovative intervention-designed preventive clinical trials. In 2024, he received a HRSA interprofessional curriculum re-design grant for post-doctoral training in pediatric dentistry. His educational background includes a D.D.S. from Universidad Tecnologica de Mexico, an M.S. from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, and an MPH from Harvard School of Public Health.

Research topics

• Medicine
• Family medicine
• Nursing
• Environmental health
• Business
• Socioeconomics
• Psychology
• Dentistry
• Pathology
• Geography
• Economic growth
• Internal medicine
• Demography
• Medical education

Selected publications

• Caries Prevention for All Age Groups

  2025-01-01

  book-chapterOpen access1st authorCorresponding

  According to recent epidemiological analyses, caries risk continues throughout all age groups. Moreover, there are trajectories of oral health which an individual enters at an early age. Escaping to another trajectory with a better health perspective has shown to be difficult; therefore, it is important to start caries prevention even before birth to ensure that children start in a favourable trajectory. Health depends on social, environmental and economic determinants which are conceptually summarised in the life course theory. For oral health, this implies that primary health care providers can integrate oral health into their routine examinations with oral health screenings, preventive education and prophylactic fluoride applications. The main message for each age group is twice daily toothbrushing with age-appropriate amounts of fluoridated toothpaste individually supplemented with other oral hygiene techniques. If the oral hygiene technique fails, improvement can be achieved through composing self-care management goals, encouraging patients to formulate their own goals, action and coping planning, and control. The patient’s adherence to his own goals is strengthened by the oral care provider, who alerts the patient (and parents, caregivers or voluntary aids) continuously about his decisive influence on the control of caries in his own mouth. This requires tailored recall intervals for monitoring, motivation and stimulation. Self-management goals are the take-home message towards creating a stronger and healthier dental atmosphere at home and are a vital facet to preventing caries for all age groups.

  PublisherDOI

• Degenerative changes of the mandibular condyle and their relationship with joint space: A CBCT study

  Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dentistry · 2025-01-01

  articleOpen access

  Background: This study aimed to identify degenerative changes in the mandibular condyle and to evaluate joint space conditions in sagittal and coronal sections using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).Additionally, it sought to determine the frequency of these changes relative to sex, age, and side of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 88 CBCT scans meeting inclusion criteria.Degenerative changes were assessed, and joint spaces were measured following standardized tomographic protocols.Statistical analysis included chi-square, Student's t-test, and Mann-Whitney U tests, with significance set at p < 0.05.Results: The sample consisted of 24 males (27.2%) and 64 females (72.7%), with a mean age of 31.2 14.6 years.Erosion (30.6%) and condylar flattening (29.5%) were the most prevalent degenerative changes.No significant differences were found between right and left sides (p > 0.05) or between sexes (p = 0.445).However, degenerative changes varied significantly with age (p = 0.005), with sclerosis, osteophytes, and subchondral cysts more frequent in older adults.Comparison of joint spaces in sagittal and coronal sections revealed no significant differences between condyles with and without degenerative changes (p > 0.05).Conclusions: Degenerative changes in the mandibular condyle were common but did not significantly alter joint space dimensions.Erosion and flattening were the predominant findings, and age was associated with specific changes, while sex and side showed no association.CBCT proved effective for detailed assessment of condylar morphology and joint space.

  PublisherDOI

• Whose Data Are They? Data Ownership and Sovereignty in Oral Health Research

  JDR Clinical & Translational Research · 2025-10-18

  articleOpen access

  In the complex and ever-evolving landscape of oral health research, community-based participatory research methods provide essential tools for meaningfully engaging with vulnerable and socially marginalized populations. These methods reflect community needs and integrate their perspectives into oral health research. However, issues of data control, equity, ownership, and sovereignty can lead to ethical and legal challenges. To discuss these concerns, a symposium was held in March 2025 in New York City at the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research annual meeting. This event explored the intricate dynamics of data access, control, and sovereignty within the context of community-based participatory research, particularly involving vulnerable populations such as Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, and other sexual orientations and gender identities (2SLGBTQ+), as well as Indigenous peoples, racial/ethnic minorities, and others. As oral health data become increasingly accessible across various platforms, it is incumbent on investigators to understand appropriate access, ownership, legitimate rights, and the ethical use and reuse of data to uphold equity, rights, and representation. The symposium examined the complex challenges surrounding data access, ownership, and control and their implications for community and individual rights, emphasizing the importance of implementing best practices in inclusive research and prioritizing the voices, rights, and meaningful integration of vulnerable populations. Speakers presented and advocated for multifaceted frameworks that integrate cultural values and traditions, aiming to promote equitable oral health outcomes. The symposium also underscored the critical role of ethical data stewardship in big data and community-based oral health research in American Indian, Hispanic, and Global East African contexts. Case studies showcased collaborative approaches that meaningfully engage community stakeholders and service users throughout the research process, ensuring that data are utilized ethically and yield genuine benefits for the populations involved.Knowledge Transfer Statement:This symposium emphasized the critical role of data ownership and sovereignty in advancing oral health equity, particularly for socially marginalized groups such as 2SLGBTQ+ communities, Indigenous peoples, racial minorities, and others. It highlighted best practices for ethical data stewardship and inclusive research that centers community voices. The session offered actionable frameworks to help researchers, policy makers, and institutions build trust, integrate community values, and ensure culturally sensitive outcomes in their efforts to advance health equity.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• The first 1,000 days of life and early childhood caries: closing the global data gap

  Frontiers in Oral Health · 2025-11-19 · 2 citations

  articleOpen access

  The first 1,000 days of life represent a critical window for preventing Early Childhood Caries (ECC). However, a significant global data gap obscures the true scale of ECC within this critical period. This review aims to systematically examine the global availability of ECC data for children under 36 months, discuss age-specific prevalence trends, and synthesize evidence to highlight the implications of missing data. A comprehensive analysis of a global dataset reporting ECC prevalence across 193 United Nations member states (2007-2017) was conducted. Analysis of the data was organized by the World Health Organization Region. The analysis revealed a profound data gap: 73.6% of countries had no data for children under 36 months, and only 19.7% had current data. Where data existed, rates approach or exceed 50% in some countries (e.g., Egypt: 69.6%, Mongolia: 47.5%), indicating that ECC is often well-established in the first 1,000 days of life. Significant regional disparities were identified, with the highest burden in the European Region, the Eastern Mediterranean Region, and the Western Pacific Region. Even within regions, there are extreme disparities in prevalence between countries (e.g., Kuwait at 3.0% vs. Egypt at 69.6% in the Middle East; Finland at 0.3% vs. Kazakhstan at 45.0% in Europe). The scarcity of data and high prevalence rates highlight a public oral health problem in infancy. Closing this global data gap is an essential first step to mobilize resources and implement targeted, effective prevention strategies where we can have the greatest impact.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• A global survey of national oral health policies and its coverage for young children

  Frontiers in Oral Health · 2024-04-05 · 17 citations

  articleOpen access

  Background: There is no accessible information on countries with oral health policies. The purpose of this study was to identify World Dental Federation (FDI) member countries with oral health policies and their scope and extent of coverage of oral health care for young children. Methods: This international survey recruited chief dental officers, oral health advisors to national ministries of health, and other key informants of the 158 FDI member countries between December 2020 and December 2021. The survey tool was administered online to the study participants. Key questions explored the following outcome measures: countries with oral health policies; the thrusts of the oral health policies; policy thrusts targeting young children; and dental care plans as a component of a universal health care plan. Descriptive statistics were conducted to determine the number of countries with any of the study outcome measures and coverage per country. Results: Sixty (38%) of the 158 FDI member-countries responded to the survey. Forty-eight (55.2%) of the 60 countries had a national oral health policy document or position statement on oral health; 54 (62.1%) countries had plans on universal health care, and 42 (48.3%) included dental care within their universal health care plan. The most common policy thrusts addressing the oral health needs of children were the promotion of oral hygiene (71.7%), provision of fluoride products for children (53.3%), collaboration with primary care providers (35%), and prenatal oral health education (50%). There were differences in the scope of oral health care coverage and the coverage for young children between continents as well as between countries. Europe had many countries with children-friendly oral health policy coverage. Conclusions: About half of the surveyed countries had a national oral health policy. There were variations in the scope of oral health care coverage, particularly for young children, both between continents and among individual countries. These findings underscore the importance of understanding the landscape of oral health policies globally. Such insights can help inform targeted interventions to enhance oral health policies, thereby contributing to improved oral health outcomes on a global level.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Application of principles learned in a prevention‐focused pediatric dental residency curriculum to professional practice

  Journal of Dental Education · 2024-08-06

  articleOpen access1st authorCorresponding

  PURPOSE: This study examined whether pediatric dentists who participated in a pediatric dental residency program focusing on disease prevention and management training and screening for social determinants of health (SDOH) were applying these principles to their professional practice upon graduation. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional study design, a one-time-only online survey was disseminated to 75 pediatric dentists who graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles's training program between 2012 and 2022. The 21-item survey included questions on demographics, patient population characteristics, and application of preventive dentistry and SDOH to their professional practice. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were used to assess survey items. RESULTS: The survey response rate was 64%. Over two-thirds (67%) of alumni reported accepting Medicaid, 34% saw patients in a medically underserved area and all reported seeing children with special needs in their practice. Strategies used to address SDOH in their practice included providing anticipatory guidance (98%) and educating families on oral disease prevention and screening for SDOH (96%). Alumni accepting patients with Medicaid/public health insurance were more likely to address SDOH in their practice, such as assisting patients with filling out Medicaid paperwork (p < 0.05), conducting outreach to underserved communities (p < 0.05), and using interpreters in their practice (p < 0.01) in comparison with alumni not accepting patients with Medicaid/public health insurance. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that a pediatric dental residency program may be successful in training residents to educate children, families, and special needs patients on disease prevention and management in an ethical and culturally sensitive manner and screen for SDOH during patient visits.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• A 12-year follow up of principles learned in a pediatric dentistry Master of Public Health dual degree program applied to professional practice

  Frontiers in Medicine · 2024-04-24 · 3 citations

  articleOpen access1st authorCorresponding

  Introduction: Dental public health professionals play a critical role in preventing and controlling oral diseases. The purpose of this study was to assess the application of public health principles learned in a pediatric dentistry Master of Public Health (MPH) dual degree program to professional practice upon graduation. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with pediatric dentistry/MPH dual degree alumni who graduated from the program between 2012 and 2023. Interview questions inquired about characteristics of patient population, location of providers' clinic/organization, whether the program was worthwhile to their practice and application of principles learned in the program to their professional practice. Results: Twenty of the 22 program alumni agreed to be interviewed. All alumni thought the program was extremely worthwhile to their practice. They felt the MPH component of the program gave them the public health background and tools they needed to provide comprehensive and holistic care to their patients. Additionally, all alumni reported applying the public health principles they learned in the program to their professional practice through leadership roles, research and teaching that focuses on oral disease prevention and the promotion of dental health. Discussion: Given the importance of a dental public health professionals' role in reducing oral health disparities at the population level, more pediatric dentistry MPH dual degree programs are urgently needed. Additionally, more research is necessary to demonstrate the effectiveness of these programs, which will be critical to helping ensure the value of a dual degree in dentistry and public health is recognized and promoted worldwide.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Pediatric Oral Health Online Education for Rural and Migrant Head Start Programs in the United States

  International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · 2024-04-25 · 7 citations

  articleOpen access1st authorCorresponding

  Children living in rural and migrant areas in the United States disproportionately suffer from poor oral health. Additionally, there continues to be a shortage of pediatric dentists practicing in rural/migrant areas. The purpose of this formative research study was to assess whether staff, teachers and families from rural/migrant Head Start/Early Head Start (HS/EHS) programs in California were receptive to oral health online education workshops conducted by pediatric dental residents who were assisted by bilingual (English and Spanish) community oral health workers (COHWs). Our findings suggest that partnering pediatric dental residents with bilingual COHWs to educate HS/EHS teachers, staff and parents on oral health care in rural/migrant areas could result in a rewarding experience for pediatric dentists that might lead them to practice in these communities upon graduation from their residency program. Furthermore, the positive feedback received from the teachers, staff and parents who participated in the workshops indicates they were receptive to receiving oral health information related to oral health literacy from the dental providers and COHWs. COHWs can help increase access to oral health care by serving as a bridge between families and providers by relaying information in a cultural, linguistic and sensitive manner.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Oral Health Knowledge, Attitudes, and Learned Clinical Skills in Pediatric Medicine Residents and Nurse Practitioner Students: A Pre-Post Design

  Healthcare · 2024-09-10 · 4 citations

  articleOpen access

  (1) Background/Objective: California has one of the highest rates of pediatric dental caries in the nation. One way to combat this problem is through non-dental provider training programs that focus on prevention. However, there are limited data on healthcare provider training program integration and evaluation of oral health curricula focused on prevention of early childhood caries. This study will assess the change in healthcare providers’ attitudes, knowledge, and skills by implementing an interprofessional educational (IPE) oral health curriculum in medicine and nurse practitioner programs at one university in Southern California. (2) Methods: A mixed method design was employed using a pre- and post-educational survey, and end-of-program focus group interviews. Descriptive statistics and paired t-tests were used to assess group differences and thematic analyses for the focus groups. (3) Results: A total of 81 students (14 pediatric medicine residents, 18 pediatric, and 49 family nurse practitioners) completed the curriculum and surveys. Attitudes related to oral hygiene remained unchanged, with the nurse practitioner group showing improved clinical skills (all questions; p &lt; 0.021). Knowledge scores significantly improved across all groups (paired t-test; p &lt; 0.001). All focus groups expressed the helpfulness of the educational modules, the usefulness of the skills learned, and the benefits of IPE activities. (4) Conclusion: Healthcare providers showed improved oral health knowledge and clinical skills acquired through the oral health program and can serve as a model to educate across disciplines on the prevention of early childhood caries.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Visit to the Dentist for Oral Health Prevention at “Age One”: A proposed policy report from the Indian perspective

  Journal of Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry · 2024-01-01 · 3 citations

  articleOpen access1st author

  Early childhood caries is a major public health issue in India. The primary reason for poor oral health in children is a lack of awareness about the role of primary teeth and the importance of an early dental visit for infants and toddlers. The primary objectives of an early dental visit are to analyze the child's risk level, provide guidance to parents regarding proper oral hygiene measures, review dietary and eating habits, provide information regarding the infectivity of dental caries, review the risks of traumatic injuries and discuss factors which affect the development of occlusion. Through this paper, we are proposing an "Age One" policy that recognizes dentists, physicians, allied health professionals, community health-care workers, and nongovernmental organizations to work toward a child's overall health as partners to achieve this goal. The expectation is that this policy will provide guidance to childcare centers, pediatric dentists, other health-care professionals, and legislators regarding oral health activities and the promotion of oral health in infants. The purpose of the policy is to lay the foundation for a lifetime of preventive education and dental care, to help ensure optimal oral health beginning in childhood and continuing through the life course.

  PublisherDOI

Frequent coauthors

• Sudeshni Naidoo

  University of the Western Cape

  53 shared

• Caroline H. Shiboski

  49 shared

• TA Hodgson

  University College London

  49 shared

• Midion Mapfumo Chidzonga

  University of Zimbabwe

  49 shared

• Stuart A. Gansky

  The Coordinating Center

  40 shared

• Tracy L. Finlayson

  San Diego State University

  20 shared

• Jenny Liu

  Ng Teng Fong General Hospital

  16 shared

• Tracy Kuo Lin

  University of California, San Francisco

  16 shared

Education

• CERT, Dental Epidemiology

  University of California San Francisco

  1992

• MPH, Public Health

  Harvard School of Public Health

  1990

• MS, Pediatric Dentistry

  Tufts University School of Dental Medicine

  1988

• DDS, Dental Surgery

  Universidad Tecnologica de Mexico

  1980

• BS, Biochemistry

  Colegio Columbia

  1976

Awards & honors

• Kellogg Fellowship for International Development
• National Dental Association Foundation Colgate-Palmolive Fac…
• IAPD Bright Smiles Bright Futures Award in Glasgow (2015)
• HRSA interprofessional curriculum re-design grant for post-d…