Dr. Sylvia A. Frazier-Bowers DDS, PhD

Dr. Sylvia Frazier-Bowers is the Richard L. and Nancy M. Christiansen Professor of Orthodontics and Oral Facial Genetics at Indiana University School of Dentistry, where she also serves as an Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Admissions. She began her journey at UIC (Chi-town) and continued in Chapel Hill at UNC-CH, where she completed her orthodontics residency and genetics and molecular biology Ph.D. She spent a short time in Houston, Texas, as a postdoctoral fellow and faculty in Orthodontics before returning to UNC-Chapel Hill as an Assistant Professor in Orthodontics. The crux of Dr. Frazier-Bowers’ translational research program inspires a paradigm shift in orthodontics from "how to move teeth--to how teeth move." She studies focus on the genetics of inherited tooth disorders (Tooth agenesis, Class III malocclusion, and PFE), publishing widely on eruption disorders. Her recent academic roles include teaching at the graduate and pre-doctoral levels and mentoring students in research projects. She also maintains a strong link to the national and international craniofacial community in service and leadership as past president and Councilor for the IADR Craniofacial Biology Group (CBG) and past SAO Scientific Affairs Committee member; past Chair of the AAO Council on Scientific Affairs, AAO PBRN Committee, and the current Vice-Chair of the AAOF PARC. She is also the past winner of the ADEA Gies Award and the AADOCR Faculty Award for Mentoring by the AADOCR Student Research Group, which recognizes her accomplishments as an educator and clinician.