Whether the result of radiotherapy for cancers of the head-and-neck, bacterial or viral infection, or chronic inflammation due to autoimmune conditions like Sjögren’s Syndrome, regaining function following salivary gland damage remains an elusive goal. Xerostomia can lead to a number of health complications that impact the quality of life for affected patients including dental caries, periodontitis, yeast and bacterial infections, loss of taste, and difficulties with mastication, swallowing, and speaking, Most current therapeutics, such as artificial saliva and muscarinic receptor agonists to induce secretion, only address the symptoms temporarily, underscoring the necessity for regenerative approaches. This session aims to introduce up-to-date information regarding salivary gland biology that elicits glandular damage, and share the most recent advancements in the field of salivary gland development and regeneration that can inform future therapeutic developments.