Juan Carlos Villalobos, DMD, is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry (ULSD). Before joining ULSD, Dr. Villalobos gained extensive experience during his career in Mexico City, where he practiced pediatric dentistry and also served as a faculty member. He completed both his dental education and specialty training in Mexico.

Dr. Villalobos' research focuses on the intersection of oral health and systemic well-being in pediatric populations. He is particularly interested in:

• Oral Microbiome and Inflammation: Exploring how microbial communities in the oral cavity influence inflammatory responses and contribute to the development of Early Childhood Caries (ECC).
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC): Investigating the multifactorial etiology of ECC, with an emphasis on microbial, behavioral, and environmental risk factors.
• Caries Risk Assessment: Developing and refining tools for early identification of caries risk in children, aiming to support preventive and personalized care strategies.
• Patient and Caregiver Empowerment: Promoting education and behavioral interventions that empower families to take an active role in managing and preventing dental disease in pediatric settings.