SOD students show prowess at annual Research Day

Published on Monday, January 10, 2022

By: Ruth Cummins

Students in the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry are also budding scientists and researchers, and their work was in the spotlight during the SOD’s 2022 Research Day. 

The March 1 event gave students and faculty the opportunity to present research that will improve oral health and the field of dentistry, said Dr. Jason Griggs, associate dean for research and professor of Biomedical Materials Science at the School of Dentistry.

Students gave PowerPoint presentations summing up their research in lieu of traditional posters. This year’s winners:

• Dentsply Sirona SCADA (Student Competition for Advancing Dental Research and its Application) Award for “Variability of Fusobacterium-Specific Antibodies in Gingival Crevicular Fluid of Patients with Periodontal Disease,” Michael Bierdeman, D1; Charlie Cook (’19, Biomedical Sciences, School of Graduate Studies in the Health Sciences); Kaitlin McNeely (’21, Biomedical Sciences, SGSHS); Dr. Jennifer Bain, associate professor of Periodontics and Preventive Science; and Dr. John Bates, assistant professor of Microbiology and Immunology.

“Michael Bierdeman’s data are encouraging and are preliminary to a future project that may develop a vaccine against periodontal disease,” Griggs said.

• Omicron Kappa Upsilon (Dental Honor Society Award and American Association for Dental Research Award, “Bacterial and Blood Contamination in Dental Student Operatories,” Denton Garvey, D1; Catherine Gatewood, dental hygiene educator; Dr. Niping Wang, associate professor of Periodontics and Preventive Science; Dr. Scott Phillips, professor of Care Planning and Restorative Sciences; Dr. Stephen Stray, associate professor of Microbiology and Immunology; and Bain. 

“Denton Garvey’s research results are an important confirmation of the cleanliness of UMMC’s dental clinics,” Griggs said. “There were no body fluids and almost no bacteria on surfaces in the clinic.

• Hinman Student Research Award and Ivoclar Vivadent People’s Choice Award, “Evaluation of Artificial Intelligence for Automatic Teeth Detection and Periapical Pathosis on Panoramic Radiography,” Tammy Vujanovic, D1; and Dr. Rohan Jagtap, assistant professor of Care Planning and Restorative Sciences.

 “Tammy Vujanovic found that the artificial intelligence software had a good level of accuracy in identifying teeth and identifying disease at the tips of tooth roots,” Griggs said. “While not yet a replacement for experienced human eyes, AI can be a valuable time saver in initial screening of patients.”