Meet The Dentist

Dr. Marcelo Freire's career has been dedicated to studying and treating oral inflammation that impacts the whole body. Recognizing the mouth as a portal to systemic organs, he is passionate about bridging the gap between patient care and scientific innovations. He and his team have developed sophisticated models to understand oral-systemic issues, such as the influence of periodontal inflammation on diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and autoimmune conditions.

Dr. Freire is fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, and English. After completing his education in Brazil, he attended the University of Southern California (USC) and subsequently the Harvard School of Dental Medicine for a four-year residency, which included a combined Doctor of Medical Sciences degree. His periodontology program, within the Department of Oral Medicine, Infection, & Immunity, focused on systemically compromised patients, minimally invasive surgical techniques, and tissue regeneration. Throughout his career, he has received numerous awards, including the prestigious Balint Orban Award by the American Academy of Periodontology, and received the first research award from the American Association for Dental Research.

In addition to providing individualized patient care, Dr. Freire enjoys teaching and learning from his peers. He values interacting and collaborating with general dentists and embraces a team approach to oral care.

Education and Experience

• Associate Professor, Department of Genomic Medicine & Infectious Diseases, JCVI, UCSD
• Affiliate Faculty, Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, UCSD
• Assistant Faculty, Applied Oral Sciences, The Forsyth Institute, Harvard University
• Instructor, Division of Oral Medicine & Infection and Immunity, Harvard University
• Elected AAAS Fellow: American Association for the Advancement of Science, 2023
• Board Certification: The American Board of Periodontology and Implant Diplomate Board Certification, 2016.
• Harvard University Periodontology and Implantology residency and D.Med.Sc. (Doctor of Medical Sciences) class of 2016
• University of Southern California School of Dentistry, Doctorate class of 2012
• University of São Paulo (Bauru Campus) Periodontology residency class of 2006
• Campos College of Dentistry, Rio de Janeiro, D.D.S. class of 2003

Dr. Freire is deeply involved in the leadership of dentistry, periodontology, and oral medicine science. He has served as President of the Clinical and Translational Science Network of the International Association for Dental Research. He is an Adjunct Professor at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and contributes to the UCSD Student-Run Free Clinic Project. Additionally, he is a Scientific Advisory Board member for the Polybio Foundation. Dr. Freire is a frequent speaker at national and international forums on topics including inflammation, the oral microbiome, and salivary immune proteomics. He states, “It is a privilege to learn, mentor, and serve as an ambassador for our evidence-based periodontal and implant care team, ultimately impacting lives positively.”

Personally, Dr. Freire enjoys baking excellent brownies and cookies, and reading international books. He, his partner, and their two dogs enjoy spending time outdoors, hiking, biking, photographing, cooking, and making a positive difference wherever and whenever possible.