Dr. Villa's research interests are focused primarily on the early diagnosis of oral cancer. In particular, Dr. Villa is working on a predictive model for oral cancer in patients affected by oral potentially malignant disorders. His research aims to identify molecular processes, pathways, and regions that may be targeted for the future pharmaceutical treatment of the oral potentially malignant disorders. Dr. Villa has contributed to the oral medicine literature with numerous journal articles and book chapters. He is a peer reviewer for several professional journals. His clinical interest includes treatment of oral mucosal diseases, salivary gland disorders and oral complications from cancer therapy. As postgraduate director of the Oral Medicine residency program at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Dr. Villa teaches in the clinic as well as in class.
