Dr. Lorri Ann Morford PhD

Dr. Lorri Ann Morford is a tenure-track, Assistant Professor and PhD-level scientist in the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry (UKCD), Division of Orthodontics. Currently, she serves as the Director of the Hereditary Genetics/Genomics Laboratory in her College, and she is the Director of Orthodontic Research within her Division. With her strong background in immunology, molecular biology, and genetics, her laboratory focuses on studying genetic factors that influence oral and craniofacial disease. In particular, Dr. Morford is interested in learning more about the genetic factors and biological pathways that contribute to: (a) Class III malocclusion (particularly mandibular prognathism), (b) specific patterns of dental agenesis (e.g., lateral incisors and 2nd premolars), and (c) External Apical Root Resorption (EARR). In addition, she has been studying the facial shapes of Class III malocclusion within large families and between different racial and ethnic backgrounds using Geometric Morphometric techniques. Dr. Morford has been involved in dental research since 2008 and continues to enjoy collaborating with a number of different clinician scientists in Orthodontic research. Over the past 10 years, she has served in various leadership capacities for the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) Craniofacial Biology Research (CFB) Group and is currently the group's Councilor. Dr. Morford is also part of a funded U01 grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that aims to identify the genetic factors which influence the formation of Grade C Stage 3-4 molar-incisor pattern periodontitis in young patients (previously termed Localized Aggressive Periodontitis or LAP).