Dental students, residents, postdoctoral fellows and research associates presented their findings in Millberry Union during the RCED poster session.The 21st annual Research and Clinical Excellence Day (RCED), held on October 16, brought together learners, faculty and staff from across the School of Dentistry in celebration of scientific exploration and clinical innovation.
Following opening remarks from Sarah Knox, PhD, assistant dean for basic science research and Dean Michael Reddy, DMD, DMSc, invited guest speaker Tara L. Aghaloo, DDS, MD, PhD gave a presentation entitled “Bone Therapeutics: Translational Findings with Clinical Applications.” Dr. Aghaloo, a professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of California, Los Angeles, discussed treating patients with osteonecrosis and the challenges of taking research from bench to bedside.
Dental student Ansen Lai researched the sociocultural effects of children's caries.Throughout the day, dental students, residents, postdoctoral fellows and research associates presented their latest findings via short oral presentations covering a wide-range of topics. Clinical cases on orofacial granulomatosis, Crohn's disease and evaluation of impacted canines were presented alongside epidemiological and health policy research. Discoveries from the lab were also highlighted, including the repair of carious dentin by remineralization and the development of jaw adductor muscles.
A lunchtime poster session in Millberry Union featuring more than 50 projects was a particularly lively highlight of the day. Presenters stood proudly next to their posters while explaining their findings and fielding questions from attendees. An esteemed panel of faculty members evaluated each presentation and poster, and the top projects received special recognition at the conclusion of the event.
UCSF Dentistry faculty keynotes featured Jean Star, DDS, MPH who presented on minimally invasive approaches in pediatric dentistry and oral medicine expert Caroline Shiboski, DDS, MPH, PhD who received the Outstanding Clinician Award.
Jean Star, DDS, MPH delivered the Spotlight on Clinical Excellence lecture, discussing approaches to enhancing the overall dental experience for children.Dr. Star, an assistant professor in the Department of Orofacial Sciences, discussed a number of approaches to reduce discomfort and enhance the overall dental experience for children. Her talk included practical information on various treatment techniques and when they are most appropriate to consider.
“I had a great time at RCED. It’s always one of my favorite days of the year! I was thrilled to share insights on minimally invasive dentistry techniques and advances in evidence-based practice with the SOD community. As clinicians, it's vital that we continually enhance our knowledge and skills to make the best treatment decisions for our patients,” said Dr. Star.
Dr. Shiboski’s lecture focused on the interface of dentistry and medicine as well as her own career trajectory beginning as a foreign trained dentist to becoming a leader in UCSF’s famed Oral Medicine practice. Her selection as this year’s Outstanding Clinician makes her the first faculty member to receive recognition at RCED for both research and clinical excellence. At RCED 2022, Shiboski was recognized as the Faculty Research Lecturer.
“It was a great honor for me to receive the 2024 Outstanding Clinician Award, and I was particularly pleased to be able to highlight Oral Medicine and the many outstanding mentors I have had the privilege to learn from during my long journey at UCSF,” Dr. Shiboski said.
Congratulations to all award winners!
Winner: Research Associate Category
Kevin Lu (Mentor: Dr. Stefan Habelitz)
Winners: Resident Category
3rd Place: Dr. Michele Lodolo
2nd Place: Dr. Miranda Yip
1st Place: Dr. Katherine Tse
Winners: Postdoctoral Category
3rd Place: Dr. Nathan Griffin
2nd Place:Dr. Chan Hee Mok
1st Place: Dr. Arvind Arul Nambi Rajan
Winners: Graduate Category
3rd Place: Tony Qu (Mentor: Dr. Licia Selleri)
2nd Place: Ameera Haque (Mentor: Dr. Ophir Klein)
1st Place: Minyoung Kim (Mentor: Dr. Erica Hutchins)
People’s Choice Award:
Tony Qu (Mentor: Dr. Licia Selleri)
Winners: Predoctoral Category
3rd Place: Jotham Sadan (Mentor: Dr. Jeffrey Bush)
2nd Place: Anny Yang (Mentor: Dr. Jean Star)
1st Place: Ernst Newbrun Award for Research Excellence
Paolo Orobia (Mentor: Dr. Stefan Habelitz)
by Joey Greaber
