Stem cells. Few research discoveries hold as much promise of single-handedly expanding medical treatment options as they do. Miraculously able to act as transformers—either re-creating or morphing into a variety of cell types found within the organisms they originate from—stem cells offer humanity hope for new, more effective therapies against a number of chronic and terminal diseases. And finding them is surprisingly easy.

Stem cells. Few research discoveries hold as much promise of single-handedly expanding medical treatment options as they do. Miraculously able to act as transformers—either re-creating or morphing into a variety of cell types found within the organisms they originate from—stem cells offer humanity hope for new, more effective therapies against a number of chronic and terminal diseases. And finding them is surprisingly easy.

“Stem cells can be extracted from nearly any living tissue,” said Dr. James Mah, director of UNLV’s advanced education program in orthodontics, doctor of dental surgery, and dental researcher. “In fact, stem cells can even be found in tissues of the deceased.”

Meet Dr. Tina Brandon Abbatangelo. She’s the director of the School of Dental Medicine at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She’s an animal dentist who learned her chops from the father of that field. Oh by the way, she was named Ms. Nevada 2016.

Children throughout the Las Vegas Valley received dental work today at no cost to their parents. The Southern Nevada Dental Society, UNLV School of Dental Medicine, Roseman University, and corporate sponsor teamed up to treat the kid’s dental needs, for free, at the annual Give Kids A Smile Day.

The 8-year-old student-run clinic, operating out of the UNLV School of Dental Medicine, was founded by alumnus John Ferrin in honor of his brother, who died in 2004 while serving in Iraq.

Nearly one in four children who are 2 to 11 years old have untreated cavities in their baby teeth, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Sonora prosthodontist Dr. Michael Scherer is one of a handful of dentists in California to use 3-D printer technology in his practice.

Dr. Celeste Latham didn’t like what she was seeing. The patient’s teeth were visibly dull, chalky and rough in texture — telltale signs of acid erosion, which had developed in just six months since her last checkup.

With the next few months packed with various holidays, teeth are likely to be bombarded by sugary foods and drinks, which can wreak havoc on our smiles.

A bottle can be found on just about every bathroom countertop or in just about every medicine cabinet in America.

“Whoops.” That’s the last thing you want to hear from your dentist as he hovers over you. Unfortunately, it’s not that uncommon.