Prof. Piancino - ICCMO.IT

Dr. Maria Grazia Piancino is a prominent figure in Turin's academic and professional dental landscape, whose career seamlessly integrates teaching, advanced research, and clinical practice.

Education and Academic Career

Dr. Piancino received her education at the University of Turin, where she earned her M.D. in 1984, completed her postgraduate specialization in Dentistry in 1988, and obtained a Ph.D. in Masticatory Function in 1998. At the same institution, she serves as an Associate Professor, is the Director of the Postgraduate School of Orthodontics, and teaches in both the Dentistry degree program and Ph.D. programs, dedicating her work passionately to training the next generation of researchers.

Her internationally recognized research focuses on masticatory function and its correlations with cognitive development, posture, and neurodegenerative diseases. She has particularly investigated the protective role of mastication on the hippocampus and the impact of malocclusions on cognitive abilities. She is the author of numerous scientific publications, including the book "Understanding Masticatory Function in Unilateral Crossbites" (Wiley), and her work is highly cited in scientific literature. She also serves as a reviewer and an editorial board member for prestigious scientific journals, including the Journal of Dental Research.

Clinical and Outreach Activities

Alongside her research, Dr. Piancino maintains her clinical practice as an orthodontist at the Città della Salute e della Scienza (Health and Science City) of Turin and in private practice. She is deeply committed to scientific outreach, participating as a speaker at conferences and promoting projects such as "L'intelligenza vien masticando" ("Intelligence Comes from Chewing"), aimed at raising public awareness about the importance of mastication for overall health and cognitive development.

Internationally, Dr. Piancino is a Fellow of the International College of Dentists. She is a member of major scientific societies, including the Italian Orthodontic Society (SIDO) and the European Orthodontic Society (EOS), and is a past president of the Nutrition Research Group of the IADR (International Association for Dental Research).