She aspires to advance periodontal regeneration while shaping a more equitable future in oral health.

Wenwen Liu is a periodontics resident at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. As a first-generation college student, she first built her career in China, where she rose to associate professor at Peking University. She established herself as both a skilled clinician and an innovative researcher in biomaterials, publishing over 20 peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals. Her pioneering work on bone regeneration earned multiple national awards, continuous research grant funding, and three patents in dental regenerative materials.

Wenwen’s research focuses on improving outcomes for patients with periodontitis and peri-implantitis, inflammatory diseases that affect millions worldwide by damaging the bone and gum tissue supporting teeth and implants. Drawing on her background in biomaterials, she explores novel regenerative strategies to expand treatment options and improve access to advanced care. Her work has received support from the International Team for Implantology and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry Foundation, with recent publications in leading journals.

Alongside her demanding residency, Wenwen is raising her five-year-old son. Balancing patient care, lectures, and research with parenting has taught her to work efficiently, think creatively, and lead with compassion both in the clinic and at home.

Her career is also defined by a strong commitment to equity in healthcare. While still a dental student, she volunteered and served as a trauma doctor during the earthquake. This experience reinforced her belief that her career must combine innovation with inclusivity. For Wenwen, success is measured not only by publications or patents, but also by the impact she has on patients, students, and her community. Her journey as a clinician, researcher, educator, and mother reflects resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering dedication to healing. She aspires to advance periodontal regeneration while shaping a more equitable future in oral health.

CEW+ applauds Wenwen’s leadership in dental healthcare and names her a Sarah Winans Newman Scholar.