Four CDA Journal Articles Highlight Faculty-Student Research Collaborations

UCLA School of Dentistry names were well-represented in the Journal of the California Dental Association this fall, with D.D.S. students and residents partnering with primary investigators and other researchers on four peer-reviewed publications.

These collaborations reinforce UCLA Dentistry’s ongoing commitment to providing unique opportunities for dental, undergraduate, and graduate students to participate in a wide range of important oral health research while under the mentorship of some of the world’s most prolific investigators.

“I know I speak for my faculty colleagues when I say that seeing student and resident names alongside yours as authors on academic publications is as gratifying as the discoveries themselves,” said Associate Dean of Research Dr. Yvonne Hernandez-Kapila. “Embarking on the second year of our Dental Research Fellowship Program, the quality and quantity of investigations by predoctoral students are bound to increase.”

Very Meta: A Student-Led Study of Research in Dental Education
Anthony Nguyen, D.D.S. ’25, Joscelyn Chen, D.D.S. ’25, and Rachel Kulchar, D.D.S./Ph.D. ’31 surveyed 94 of their peers across California’s six dental schools to explore their involvement in research and future aspirations. Under the mentorship of Dr. Hernandez-Kapila the team confirmed that research plays a vital role in dental education, shaping evidence-based practices and advancing the field.

Most students had research experience before dental school, but fewer engaged during their programs—only 36% joined organized student research groups (SRGs), and just 18% participated in their first year. Once acclimated to the dental school environment the numbers ticked upward: Over half were involved in research during their studies, with 38% presenting at conferences and 26% publishing their work. Notably, 52% of students plan to continue research after graduation.

These results suggest the need for better promotion of research opportunities in dental schools, particularly early in students’ education. Encouraging participation in SRGs and other activities can strengthen students’ skills and help drive innovation in dentistry.

Nguyen, A., Chen, J. B., Kulchar, R. J., & Kapila, Y. L. (2024). Dental Student Engagement in Research: A Survey of California Dental Schools. Journal of the California Dental Association, 52(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/19424396.2024.2432676

Comparing Early Orthodontic Treatment Outcomes: Fixed Braces vs. Clear Aligners
Orthodontic treatment often makes maintaining oral hygiene challenging, leading to plaque buildup and potential dental issues. This study compared the early effects of two types of braces – traditional fixed appliances and removable clear aligners – on oral health over three months. Orthodontics residents Emily Duong D.D.S. ’23, O./M.S. 26 and Megan Haug, D.D.S. ’24, O./M.S. 27 and were active members of this research team, led by Dr. Renate Lux.

Nine patients participated: five with fixed braces and four with clear aligners. Researchers measured plaque levels, gum health, and the bacteria present in the mouth and aligner trays.

Findings showed that fixed braces led to more plaque, worse gum health, and higher levels of harmful bacteria early in treatment. In contrast, clear aligners were associated with healthier bacterial communities and better gum health, though the aligner trays also contained unique bacteria that require further study.

While clear aligners may offer advantages for oral health, good hygiene is essential for all orthodontic patients to prevent dental problems. More research with larger groups is needed to confirm these results.

Haug, M., Hopkins, A., Duong, E., Kelly, K. S., Esfandi, J., Shokeen, B., … Lux, R. (2024). The Effect of Initial Orthodontic Therapy with Clear Aligners and Fixed Appliances on Microbial Profiles and Clinical Parameters. Journal of the California Dental Association, 52(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/19424396.2024.2409957

Stress Analysis of Molar Restorations: Pinned vs. Non-Pinned Designs
Dr. Shahed Al-Khalfiah served as PI on this study exploring how different dental restoration designs handle stress and movement when subjected to strong pulling forces.  Researchers including Dr. Esteban Bonilla, Chelsea Frimpong, D.D.S. ’25, and Zhilin Zhao, D.D.S. ’25, compared molar restorations with and without small stabilizing pins in two-shoulder designs, using advanced 3D modeling and simulations.

The group tested four virtual molar models: complete and partial restorations, each with or without pins. A 1000 N pulling force was applied, and the stress distribution and movement of the resin core materials were analyzed.

Results showed that restorations without pins performed comparably to those with pins in terms of stability and stress handling. For example, non-pinned designs experienced slightly more movement but less stress overall compared to pinned designs.

The study concluded that restorations without pins can provide effective support for resin buildups, offering a simpler and equally durable option for dental treatments.

Bonilla, E. D., Zhao, Z., Maslucan, R. A., Frimpong, C., & Al Khalifah, S. (2024). Influence of Core Build-Up Designs on Preventing Early Failure of Composite Resin Core in Molars Under Traction Forces: A Finite Element Analysis Study. Journal of the California Dental Association, 52(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/19424396.2024.2426250

Oral Health Needs in California Schools: A Role for School Nurses
As a follow-up to a 2018-19 California Department of Public Health (CDPH) study highlighting significant oral health challenges such as retained root tips faced by third-grade children, Caitlin Neapole, D.D.S. ’25, distributed a survey to members of the California School Nurses Organization.

The 23-item query revealed that 81% had encountered children complaining of dental pain, and 46% had seen children with root tips. Encouragingly, 64% of nurses expressed willingness to conduct annual oral health screenings. Nurses with advanced degrees were more likely to notice these issues, indicating their potential as advocates for student oral health.

The findings suggest that with proper training, school nurses can play a critical role in promoting oral health, conducting screenings, and connecting children to necessary dental care. Their involvement could help address the dental health crisis in California schools and improve children’s overall well-being.

Neapole earned this year’s American Association of Public Health Dentistry Predoctoral Dental Student Merit Award for Outstanding Achievement in Community Dentistry and had the opportunity to present these findings at the organization’s National Oral Health Conference in St. Louis, accompanied by mentor Dr. Vinodh Bhoopathi.

Neapole, C., & Bhoopathi, V. (2024). California School Nurses Report on Oral Health Needs of Children and Willingness to Conduct Annual Oral Health Screenings. Journal of the California Dental Association, 52(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/19424396.2024.2400417