Dr. Papapanou is Professor of Dental Medicine, Chair of the Section of Oral, Diagnostic and Rehabilitation Sciences, and Director of the Division of Periodontics, Columbia University College of Dental Medicine.

He is internationally recognized for his research in the epidemiology of periodontal diseases, the assessment of microbial and host-derived risk factors, the pathobiology of periodontitis and its role in as a general health stressor in atherosclerosis and pregnancy complications. His research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health, foundations and industry.

He is a member of the advisory board of several scientific journals, a Fellow of the American College of Dentists and a Past President of the Periodontal Research Group of the International Association of Dental Research.