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Richard Valachovic, D.M.D., gives the Wentz Memorial Lecture. Photos by Peggy Cain. |
The March 24 event is a celebration of the scholarly activities of the College of Dentistry and an opportunity for students to present their table clinics during the scientific program.
Richard Valachovic, D.M.D., executive director of the American Dental Education Association, told students there has never been a better time to enter the profession. “The need for dentists is growing,” Dr. Valachovic said while presenting the Wentz Memorial Lecture. “There are a lot of opportunities for new graduates.”
The challenges, research and demands in oral care will bridge the gap between medicine and dentistry in what the dentist does, Dr. Valachovic said. “Dentists are no longer just providing preventive and emergency care,” he said. “Today they are involved with systemic care, the aesthetic quality of teeth and taking part in research.”
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Dental student Chad McClellanwith his first-place poster. |
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Dental hygiene students Megahn Schaepler, left, and Cori Baquero-Cruz receive top honors. |
He also talked about the growing research in using tooth stem cells to grow new teeth.
“The stem cells can be extracted from the primary teeth and third molars,” he said. “This tissue is showing great potential.”
After the lecture the winners of the student scientific program were announced. The first place winners were:
Dental: Chad McClellan
“Effect of Autopolymerizing acrylic Resin Splinting and Indexing Technique on
Accuracy of Open-tray Implant Impressions”
Faculty mentors: Drs. Brian Chang, Eunghwan Kim, & Randall Toothaker
Dental hygiene: Cori Baquero-Cruz & Megahn Schaepler
“Comparison of Two Over-the-Counter Mouthrinses on Oral Mucosa: A Clinical Study”
Faculty mentors: Dr. Nagamani Narayana & Professor Caren Barnes
Graduate student: Drs. Melissa Morris & Mark Lavin
“Effects of Local Simvastatin Injections on Periodontal Clinical Parameters in Dogs”
Faculty mentor: Dr. Richard Reinhardt