Po-Jung Chen, DDS, MDS, MDentSc, has earned accolades for his work to improve the oral health of the people of Nebraska and beyond.
Dr. Chen, an assistant professor in the department of growth and development at the UNMC College of Dentistry, recently received notification of two prestigious national honors, both of which he will receive in April:
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) Milo Hellman Research Award, which is given for the most outstanding and meritorious research project completed in orthodontics in 2022; and
The American Society of Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR) John Haddad Young Investigator Award, given to facilitate the professional development of young basic and clinical scientists in the field of bone and mineral metabolism.
Dr. Chen will be recognized at the AAO annual meeting and the ASBMR/AIMM (Advances in Mineral Metabolism) annual conference, both in April.
The Milo Hellman Award recognizes Dr. Chen’s research on novel therapeutics of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) degeneration. TMJ degeneration significantly increases the risk of joint discomfort, restricted joint mobility, and reduced quality of life.
Dr. Chen is studying the translational potential of FDA-approved products (PTH and Bisphosphonates) in alleviating TMJ degeneration. The goal of Dr. Chen’s current NIH-funded research is to regenerate diseased TMJ in old age. The incidence of TMJ degenerative disorders is expected to rise substantially over the next several decades as aging populations increase.
The Milo Hellman Award, given annually since 1957, is one Dr. Chen said he “aspired” to bring to UNMC – it is the first time a UNMC faculty member has received the award.
“It is very encouraging for me to receive this award at a very early stage in my academic career,” he said.
“This recognition not only brings a multitude of career benefits to Dr. Chen, but also increases the visibility of the UNMC Department of Growth and Development in the research arena,” said Sumit Yadav, BDS, MDS, MBA, PhD, chair of the department.
Dr. Chen said he was honored to receive the John Haddad Young Investigator Award, “as it acknowledges outstanding research by an organization that is outside of the orthodontic specialty.”
Dr. Chen will present his research and establish collaborative relationships with senior and young investigators at the ASBMR/AIMM annual conference, which brings scientists and clinicians together to translate basic science advances into clinical concepts.
“The John Haddad Young Investigator Award will allow Dr. Chen to establish collaborative relationships not only at an individual level, but also for the department of growth and development and the UNMC College of Dentistry,” said Dr. Yadav.
“On behalf of the entire college, I commend Dr. Chen on his tremendous research achievements,” said Rowen Zetterman, MD, MACP, MACG, FCPS, interim dean of the College of Dentistry. “He is making a significant impact in oral health research and has made great strides to change patients’ lives.”
“Dr. Chen could not be more deserving of these awards. He is a vital member of the college’s team of clinical and basic scientists; his cutting-edge work is advancing the college’s research program,” he said.
Dr. Chen thanked his mentors for their roles in his research achievements.
“I would especially like to thank Dr. Sumit Yadav, who was my mentor at the beginning of my research career, for his support and guidance. He encouraged me to start in basic research,” he said.
What a great honor – twice!!! Proud that you’re at UNMC College of dentistry.