The College of Dentistry will showcase students’ oral health research projects during their annual Research Day on February 26 from 12:30 – 5 p.m. The event, which will be held virtually, will feature the 54th annual Frank M. Wentz Student Scientific Program and keynote speaker Dr. Mark Herzberg, president of the American Association for Dental Research. The UNMC community is invited to attend either part of or the entire event to learn about and show support for College of Dentistry student research.
"Each year, our third-year dental students, fourth-year dental hygiene students and postgraduate students present the results of their original research projects," said Amanda Dolen, RDH, Research Day committee chairman and an instructor in the department of dental hygiene. "They work with faculty mentors, gaining insight into how they can help shape the future the oral health through research."
The presentations will cover a wide range of topics from clinical and basic sciences to educational research. There will be first, second and third place winners in three categories – dental, dental hygiene and postgraduate.
Last year’s winner in the dental category was Colton Allen. His project title was titled "Desquamation of Palatal Epithelial Cells in Palate Development" and his faculty mentor was Ali Nawshad, PhD, an associate professor in the department of oral biology.
"I researched palate development and how to help patients’ improve their speaking abilities," Colton said. "This project helped be better understand how I can improve the quality of my patients’ lives through research."
Last year’s winners in the dental hygiene category, Yahia Al Sarhani and Emily Walker, recognized how oral health research can have a worldwide impact.
"I come from a third-world country and our research – "The Discoloration Effect of Kool-Aid and Coca-Cola on Glass-Ionomer Sealants" – could be very beneficial for that part of the world," Yahia said. "I have a plan when I go back to visit to bring what I learned. I think our research could really help people."
Their faculty mentors were Mark W. Beatty, DDS, MSE, MSD, MS, professor, William W. Johnson, DDS, MS, professor, and Bobby Simetich, research coordinator, in the department of adult restorative dentistry.
Last year’s winner in the postgraduate category was Yanqiu Li, a graduate student in the department of oral biology. Her project was titled "Regulation of MASTL Kinase in Oral Cancer Resistance" and her faculty mentor was Aimin Peng, PhD, an associate professor in the department of oral biology.
"I learned a lot about DNA damage and repair, as well as how to think in a scientific way, which will benefit my future clinical practice and research," Yanqiu said.
Dr. Herzberg, the keynote speaker, is a professor in the department of diagnostic and biological sciences in the School of Dentistry – University of Minnesota and the current president of the American Association for Dental Research, a nonprofit organization dedicated to driving dental, oral and craniofacial research to advance health and well-being. His presentation is titled "Developing calprotectin-specific mRNA as an antimicrobial therapy."
The event will conclude with a virtual awards ceremony. Register here to receive the Zoom link.
Dental professionals can receive two free dental continuing education credits – one credit for viewing at least six student research presentations and one credit for viewing the keynote speaker.