ABSTRACT This K23 application is to support the research and career development of Dr. Dayane Oliveira by providing her with an intensive mentored experience in order for her to complete the transition to an independent clinician- scientist with a patient-centered research program focused on an unexplored area of designing and implementing novel dental biomaterials using red light in their application. Light-cured materials revolutionized dentistry as they allowed to control the setting of the materials in a timely manner simply upon light exposure. The use of light-cured materials in dentistry was made possible by adding photoinitiators to the composition of dental materials. Although blue light has been routinely used to cure dental restorative materials for over 50 years, there are still potential risks to dental patients. These risks include gingiva burn/recession and pulp inflammation that can lead to necrosis in more severe situations caused/induced by the heat generated by this short wavelength. As well as the direct effects on the gingival and pulpal cells, including the induction of irreversible reactive oxygen species levels imbalance, damage to the mitochondrial DNA, and collagen degradation. On the other hand, long wavelengths (such as red light) are known to induce less heat and have opposing effects on cellular function, reducing inflammation and increasing cell proliferation. Although the blue- light hazards in dentistry are well known, little can be done as to date as there were no photoinitiators capable of absorbing longer wavelengths. Our group has overcome this hurdle by synthesizing a dental photoinitiator activated by red light, thus opening the door for red light to be used in restorative dental procedures. Our in vitro preliminary data demonstrate the positive effects of red light on temperature during the curing process as well as on fibroblast and odontoblast viability and their initial signaling responses. Thus, as the next step in filling this clinical need, we here propose to conduct an exploratory Phase 1 medical device study combined with a further ex vivo mechanistic study as the next logical steps in translating this improved clinical care from laboratory findings to clinical practice. Our central hypothesis is that longer wavelengths will mitigate pulpal and gingival damage during dental restorative procedures. The results of this work will lay the groundwork to support a future medical device Phase 2 study application in order to achieve the long-term goal of using red light as a new strategy for light-curing in Dentistry. Thus, ensuring a safer and more effective treatment strategy to improve oral health. Dr. Oliveira has established a multi-disciplinary mentoring team to provide expertise in translational research training and mentorship in her career development. A training plan including didactic, hands-on, and career development experiences has been put forth to enable this transition together with this str...