UIC College of Dentistry Clinic & Research Day sees record number of abstract presentations
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On March 5, the UIC College of Dentistry hosted its 39th Annual Clinic & Research Day, featuring a record-breaking number of poster presentations. Chaired by Dr. Ana Bedran-Russo, associate dean for research and head of oral biology, the year’s event showcased 141 abstracts from undergraduates, dental students, postgrads and residents across several categories including basic sciences, clinical sciences, educational research, population health sciences, case reports and literature reviews. With more than 150 presenters, Clinic & Research Day highlighted the depth of scientific inquiry and clinical innovation emerging from the college.
More than 80 judges evaluated the abstracts and selected 64 award recipients. Honors included awards from the Illinois State Dental Society (ISDS) Foundation, Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU), and UIC’s Office of Technology Management (OTM) reflecting the strong support of external partners and the college’s commitment to advancing oral health research.
Award
The most notable recognition was the inaugural Dr. Anne George & Dr. Carla Evans Award for Research Excellence. Established by Dr. Jianjun Hao, ’11, the award honors Hao’s mentors in oral biology and orthodontics and is designed to support excellence in interdisciplinary student research. The first-ever recipient is Syed Farhan, a first-year dental student.
Farhan’s abstract, “TGF-β Induces Stress Fiber Formation in Mandibular Fibrochondrocytes”, focused on TMJ molecular changes in degenerative progression. His project was conducted under the mentorship of Dr. David Reed, associate professor in oral biology at the UIC College of Dentistry.
“Dr. Anne George’s research inspired me to come to the United States, and Dr. Carla Evans encouraged and mentored my training in orthodontics. After finding pride and achievement in 15 years of hard work in academia and private practice, it’s time for me to give back to the college by honoring my mentors,” said Hao.
Speakers
The keynote speaker was Jacques E. Nör, DDS, MS, PhD, Donald A. Kerr Endowed Professor of Dentistry and dean of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. His presentation highlighted advances of stem cells in dental pulp tissue regeneration.
Three UIC College of Dentistry faculty also delivered brief research presentations: Dr. Luisa DiPietro, professor in periodontics presented “Two Degrees, One Unexpected Path: Dentistry, Research, and the Mentors Who Made It Possible”; Dr. Sath Allareddy, department head and professor in orthodontics presented “Big Data and Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry: Applications in Patient Care and Dental Education”; and Dr. Shlomo Elbahary, clinical associate professor presented “Bridging Clinical Practice and Research in Endodontics.”
“Clinic & Research Day highlights the creative and groundbreaking research done at the college,” said Bedran-Russo. “We are so proud of the amazing work of all mentors and students!”
This year’s Clinic & Research Day was made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including Bisco and Envista as gold sponsors, and GC America as silver sponsor.
Overall, Clinic & Research Day drew more than 480 faculty, staff, students and alumni attendees reinforcing the college’s mission or better oral health through transformative innovation.
