Dental Arts of Boston
Distinguished Professor · Pioneer · Innovator
Dr. Athena
Papas
DMD, PhD, FACD · Tufts Distinguished Professor
Dr. Erling Johansen Endowed Professor of Dental Research · Tufts University
With degrees from Tufts, MIT, and Harvard — over 100 clinical trials, $24 million in research grants, and groundbreaking discoveries that have changed the lives of patients worldwide — Dr. Athena Papas is among the most distinguished dental scientists in America. She brings that world-class expertise to every patient she sees at Dental Arts of Boston.
100+
Clinical Trials Led
$24M+
Research Grants Secured
50+
Years at Tufts Faculty
4,959
Research Citations
15+
NIH-Funded Trials
1st
Woman to Earn MIT PhD in Oral Biology
In 1971, Dr. Papas became the first woman in history to receive a doctorate in oral biology from MIT — pioneering a path for women in dental research at a time when fewer than 3% of American dentists were female.
1st
Endowed Professor at TUSDM
In 2000, Dr. Papas was appointed the Dr. Erling Johansen Endowed Professor of Dental Research — the first faculty member in Tufts University School of Dental Medicine’s history to receive an endowed professorship.
1/7
Accredited Oral Medicine Residency in the U.S.
Under Dr. Papas’ leadership, Tufts achieved CODA accreditation for its Oral Medicine Residency Program in 2014 — one of only seven such accredited programs in the entire nation, placing Tufts at the pinnacle of oral medicine education.
Academic Journey
Education & Training
Bachelor of Science in Biology
Tufts University (Jackson College) · 1966–1967
Earned her BS at Tufts University’s Jackson College, laying the scientific foundation for one of the most decorated academic careers in American dentistry. Her father, Dr. Elias Stevens, ran a dental practice on the very same Marlborough Street address where she practices today.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Oral Biology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology · 1971
Earned a PhD in oral biology from MIT — one of the world’s most prestigious research institutions — becoming the first woman to receive this degree from MIT. She also held predoctoral fellowships with the National Institute of Dental Research and at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Historic First
Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD)
Harvard University School of Dental Medicine · 1974
Received her DMD from Harvard University — one of the most selective dental programs in the world. She graduated at a time when women represented barely 3% of all American dentists. That same year, she joined the Tufts faculty, beginning a 50+ year commitment to academic dentistry.
NIDCR Postdoctoral Fellowship
Harvard University · Children’s Hospital Boston
Completed a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship funded by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) at Children’s Hospital, affiliated with Harvard Medical School — further sharpening her expertise in oral biology and clinical research methodology.
Scientific Contributions
Research That Changes Lives
Dr. Papas has dedicated her career to the patients most overlooked by mainstream dentistry — the elderly, the medically compromised, cancer survivors, bone marrow transplant recipients, and those living with Sjögren’s syndrome. Her research has produced life-changing treatments adopted worldwide, backed by more than $24 million in grants and over 100 clinical trials.
Breakthrough Treatment
Caphosol — Healing Mouth Sores in Cancer & Transplant Patients
Dr. Papas invented Caphosol, a supersaturated calcium phosphate rinse that heals the severe oral mucositis (mouth sores) experienced by patients undergoing bone marrow transplants and radiation therapy. This patented treatment is now used in oncology centers worldwide, dramatically improving quality of life for cancer patients during their most vulnerable moments.
Sjögren’s Syndrome Pioneer
Stimulating Saliva Production in Sjögren’s Patients
Dr. Papas pioneered the use of interferon alfa as a drug that stimulates salivary gland function in patients with Sjögren’s syndrome — an autoimmune disease that destroys the glands responsible for saliva production. Her phase III clinical trials, involving nearly 500 subjects, demonstrated significant improvements in unstimulated saliva flow and oral dryness symptoms.
Diagnostic Innovation
Salivary Exosomal Marker for Sjögren’s Syndrome
In collaboration with Exosome Diagnostics, Dr. Papas developed a novel salivary biomarker that enables earlier, less invasive diagnosis of Sjögren’s syndrome — reducing the need for painful minor salivary gland biopsies that have been the diagnostic standard for decades.
Geriatric Dentistry
Oral Health & Aging — A Lifetime of Research
As Co-Head of the Division of Geriatric Dentistry at Tufts and Director of the Rubenstein Oral Medicine Clinic, Dr. Papas has led decades of research into caries progression, periodontitis, and xerostomia in aging populations. Her work has directly influenced clinical guidelines for managing oral health in medically complex elderly patients across the United States.
Recognition & Honors
Awards & Distinctions
Tufts Distinguished Professor — Diagnostic Sciences & Oral Medicine
Named a Distinguished Professor by Tufts University — an honorary title established in 1985 and reserved for a small number of senior professors who have made exceptional contributions to their discipline, students, and the University. The designation recognizes outstanding teaching, mentoring, discovery, and service that embodies the finest of Tufts’ traditions.
IADR PTT Distinguished Scientist Award (2009)
Selected as the 2009 recipient of the International Association of Dental Research’s most prestigious honor — the PTT (Pharmacology, Therapeutics & Toxicology) Distinguished Scientist Award. Dr. Papas also served as President of the PTT division and chaired its Distinguished Scientist Awards Committee.
Senior Member — National Academy of Inventors
Named a Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors, among 230 inventors collectively holding more than 2,000 U.S. patents. Her patents include Caphosol for xerostomia and mucositis treatment, a rapid COVID and pathogen detection test, and a salivary exosomal diagnostic marker for Sjögren’s syndrome.
Pierre Fauchard Award & Gavel Award
Recipient of both the Pierre Fauchard Award — given by the Pierre Fauchard Academy to dentists who have advanced the profession — and the Gavel Award, recognizing exceptional leadership and service to organized dentistry at the highest levels.
Sjögren’s Foundation Healthcare Professional Leadership Award
Honored by the Sjögren’s Foundation with their Healthcare Professional Leadership Award, recognizing Dr. Papas’ decades of pioneering clinical research and patient advocacy that have transformed outcomes for the millions of people — 90% of them women — living with Sjögren’s syndrome.
Lucy Hobbs Award & Heroes Among Us — Boston Celtics
Recognized with the Lucy Hobbs Award — honoring women who have advanced the dental profession — and celebrated as a “Hero Among Us” by the Boston Celtics organization for her extraordinary contributions to healthcare and community. She is also a Life Fellow of the American College of Dentists (FACD).
Clinical Focus
Areas of Expertise
Dr. Papas brings a uniquely research-backed, evidence-based approach to patient care — specializing in the oral health needs of medically complex, elderly, and immunocompromised patients that other clinicians may find challenging to treat.
Specialty Care
Sjögren’s Syndrome
- Dry mouth diagnosis & management
- Salivary function testing
- Saliva-stimulating therapies
- Oral complications of autoimmune disease
- Caries prevention in dry mouth patients
Medically Complex
Oncology Oral Care
- Pre- & post-radiation oral care
- Bone marrow transplant patients
- Chemotherapy oral side effects
- Mucositis treatment (Caphosol)
- Oral health during cancer therapy
Geriatric
Elderly & Aging Patients
- Medication-induced xerostomia
- Caries management in seniors
- Periodontal care for aging populations
- Oral health & systemic disease links
- Nutrition & oral health interaction
Oral Medicine
Oral Medicine & Pathology
- Oral mucosal disease diagnosis
- Oral lichen planus treatment
- Salivary gland disorders
- Oral ulceration management
Comprehensive
General Dentistry
- Dental cleanings & exams
- Restorative care
- Patient education & prevention
- Interdisciplinary care coordination
Research
Clinical Trials & Dry Mouth Clinic
- Active clinical trial participation
- Rubenstein Oral Medicine Clinic
- Xerostomia treatment & management
- Tufts Dry Mouth Clinic director
Patents & Inventions
From Laboratory to Patient
Caphosol — Supersaturated Calcium Phosphate Rinse
Dr. Papas holds a U.S. patent for Caphosol, a mouthwash composition that supersaturates oral tissue with calcium and phosphate ions to heal and prevent mucositis — the painful mouth sores that plague patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. Caphosol is now distributed globally and used in leading cancer centers worldwide.
Rapid COVID & Pathogen Detection Test
Co-invented a rapid diagnostic test for COVID-19 and other pathogens in collaboration with chemistry researchers at Tufts — demonstrating how Dr. Papas’ research mindset extends beyond oral health into urgent public health innovation. The patent reflects her versatility as a scientist and inventor.
Salivary Exosomal Biomarker for Sjögren’s Syndrome
Developed a novel salivary-based biomarker test in partnership with Exosome Diagnostics that enables non-invasive, earlier diagnosis of Sjögren’s syndrome — potentially sparing patients from painful surgical biopsies. This invention bridges Dr. Papas’ decades of Sjögren’s research with cutting-edge molecular diagnostics.
Academic & Leadership Roles
Positions at Tufts University
Distinguished Professor, Diagnostic Sciences — Oral Medicine
Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
Dr. Erling Johansen Endowed Professor of Dental Research
Tufts University School of Dental Medicine · Appointed 2000 — First Ever Endowed Professor at TUSDM
Director, Rubenstein Oral Medicine Clinic
Tufts University School of Dental Medicine — Dry Mouth & Oral Medicine
Co-Head, Division of Geriatric Dentistry
Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
Head, Division of Oral Medicine & Public Health Research
Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
Faculty — Nutrition Science & Policy
Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy
Director, Oral Medicine Residency Program (CODA Accredited)
Tufts University School of Dental Medicine · Accredited 2014 — One of only 7 programs nationally
Professional Affiliations
Organizations & Memberships
FACD
American College of Dentists — Life Fellow
IADR
International Assoc. for Dental Research — Past President, PTT
NAI
National Academy of Inventors — Senior Member
PFA
Pierre Fauchard Academy — Award Recipient
“The patients who have been overlooked by mainstream dentistry — the elderly, the medically compromised, those living with chronic illness — deserve the same excellence in care as anyone else. That is what drives my research and my practice.”— Dr. Athena Papas, DMD, PhD, FACD · Distinguished Professor, Tufts University
Patient Stories
What Patients Say
★★★★★
“Athena is an amazing clinician and treats her patients with the greatest of skill and respect. She is truly awesome.”
★★★★★
“Dr. Stevens is a gifted dentist and a kind man. His entire staff treats me like family. I am grateful for the smile they gave back to me, and so much more.”
★★★★★
“Words fail to express how one visit forever changed three individuals — two traumatized by dentists in the past. Every single person on the team made me feel completely at ease.”
World-Class Care in Boston’s Back Bay