Background: Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) are considered as a type of mesenchymal stem cell that is beneficial target for numerous clinical applications in periodontal tissue regeneration therapy.

Materials and Methods: This study examined the effects of dexamethasone (Dex) on human PDLSCs in vitro. PDLSCs obtained from the roots of patient’s teeth were cultured with Dex (0.01 μM), and their proliferation was measured. The osteogenic differentiation was assessed by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and Alizarin Red-S staining for calcium deposition.

Results: After the administration of 0.01 μM Dex, the activity of ALP increased significantly. Furthermore, mineralized nodule formation showing the intracellular calcium deposition was significantly higher in the Dex-treated cells than that of the control cells.

Conclusion: Collectively, Dex has positive effects on osteogenic differentiation of human PDLSCs in vitro. It is suggested that PDLSCs may serve as a potential material for periodontal tissue regeneration.