School of Dentistry community gains insights, accolades at annual conferences
American Dental Education Association Annual Session
March 9-12, New Orleans, LA
Yu Sun, DDS ’27, was drawn to talks by powerful individuals, including Maurice Ashley, the first African American chess Grandmaster, and Katya Echazarreta, the first Mexican-American female astronaut. “Their stories have motivated me to adopt a similar resilience and strategic-thinking mindset in my studies and in my future career.”
Sophie Chweya, DDS ’26, attended the Student Diversity Leadership Program, a two-day interactive program providing professional development, exploration of leadership issues and connections. “As I move along in my studies and in leadership, I will take what I have learned with me,” she said. “I want to ensure that when faced with future public health emergencies, equity concerns are addressed alongside overall and oral health concerns.”
American Association of Dental, Oral and Craniofacial Research Annual Meeting
March 13-16, New Orleans, LA
“It’s an important opportunity for our students to present their work, get feedback from the community and network. Our students and faculty represent our school so well.” - Kristin Artinger, PhD, Associate Dean of Research and Discovery
Bruno Lima, DDS, PhD, assistant professor of basic sciences, was represented on three posters and helped to organize a symposium for junior investigators in the microbiology and immunology research group.
“The conference was a great space to meet and network with some other incredible scientists I have only read about.” - Boluwatife Olu Afolabi, second-year PhD candidate
American Association of Endodontists Annual Meeting
April 17-20, Los Angeles, CA
W. Craig Noblett, DDS, MS, FACD, FICD, clinical associate professor and director of the Division of Endodontics, was named vice president of the AAE. As vice president, Noblett will complete the work of the Special Committee to revise Cone Beam Computed Tomography guidelines, establish a Special Committee to study artificial intelligence and oversee additional projects.
Adjunct instructor and alumna Katherine Divine, DDS ’13 and Certificate in Endodontics ’18, received the AAE Spirit of Service Award for New Practitioners. “It was impactful for me to receive this award and recognition for work that I truly enjoy doing, for the intrinsic reward of volunteerism and helping others,” Divine said.
American Association of Orthodontists Annual Session
May 3-6, New Orleans, LA
Brent Larson, DDS, MS, professor and director of the Division of Orthodontics, received the 2024 Jacob A Salzmann Award. Sponsored by the AAO Foundation, the award is named in honor of Dr. Jacob Salzman and includes the invitation to provide the Salzman lecture.
Larson’s presentation sought to “highlight the research efforts of our division and specifically summarize the research projects of four recent orthodontic residents.” Larson was “incredibly honored and humbled” by the award. “To be recognized by your peers is a wonderful feeling!”
Cheryl Anderson-Cermin, DDS ’86, received the Humanitarian Award, recognizing a member for “significant contributions to improve the quality of human life that extend beyond the usual scope of private practice, academic functions or organized dentistry.”
American Association of Orofacial Pain Annual Meeting
May 9-12, Scottsdale, AZ
Mariona Mulet, DDS, MS & Certificate in TMD & Orofacial Pain ’03, was installed as president of the AAOP. As president, Mulet hopes to improve recognition for the specialty, increase access to care for patients and ensure the promotion of research and evidence-based practices. “We are a rapidly-growing field, with a lot of work ahead of us,” she explained. “I hope I can direct us to grow wisely and efficiently as a specialty.”
Talia Just, DMD, first-year resident in TMD and Orofacial Pain, received a poster award for her master’s project research on patients with traumatic brain injuries and temporomandibular disorders.
American Dental Hygienists’ Association Conference
July 26-28, New Orleans
Cyndee Stull, DHSc, MDH, RDH, director of the Division of Dental Hygiene, and Michelle Arnett, RDH, MS, associate professor of dental hygiene, presented on the use of brief motivational interviewing for HPV vaccination discussions.
Stull also received the ADHA Standout Seven Administrator Award, which she said “is a reflection of the hard work our division has done to influence the advancement of the dental hygiene profession.”
Brooke Schmeling, BSDH ’24, Mackenzie Judy, BSDH ’24, and Rylee Burnett, BSDH ’25, presented in the Undergraduate Student Professional Presentation Program, on motivational interviewing for oral home care regimens.