Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry Research Day 2025

Monday, March 31, 2025   10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry Research Day 2025

Theatre B, BMSB & Joe Doupe Concourse

Research forms the foundation of advances and developments in the field of dentistry. Come and learn about the important research taking place at the Dr. Gerald Niznik College of Dentistry and in the global dental community.

10:00 AM in Theatre B, BMSB:

Invited Guest, Faculty and Student research presentations

Main Speakers:

Dr. Jacqueline R. Starr, PhD, MS, MPH: Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard University

“Spatial Image Analysis of Oral Microbiomes”

Summary:

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)-based spectral imaging techniques provide a rendering of microbial biofilm labeling distinct taxa. The striking, complex architecture in FISH images indicates how cells might interact with neighbors and with their environment. Quantifying and testing hypotheses about microbes’ spatial distributions can help identify key interactions that may serve as new targets for clinical interventions.

I will show FISH images of dental plaque and tongue biofilm and will describe statistical measures of spatial clustering that can be used to quantify or explore spatial relationships among microbial taxa. I will present spatial statistical models that we have developed for combining spatial data across images.

Learning objectives:

1) Introduction to the spatial organization of oral microbial communities

2) Introduction to the spatial cross-correlation function as a measure of spatial clustering

3) Appreciation for limits and challenges of spatially analyzing biofilm image data

Dr. Chrysi Stavropoulou, DDS, MDent, FRCD(C): Assistant Professor, Graduate Periodontics Program Director, Department of Dental Diagnostics & Surgical Sciences, Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, University of Manitoba

“The role of the oral microbiota and intrinsic host factors in peri-implant diseases”

Summary:

Patients diagnosed with peri-implant health (Group H), peri-implant mucositis (Group PM) or peri-implantitis (Group P), were recruited from the Dr Sam Borden Periodontology Specialty Clinic at the University of Manitoba. Subgingival plaque samples and crevicular fluid samples were collected from implant sites and healthy natural teeth to study the composition of bacteriome and mycobiome and the host innate immune profiles, respectively. Our findings show that peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis have similar microbial communities and cytokine profiles. The presence of certain bacterial and fungal species may play a role in the transition between peri-implant diseases.

Learning objectives:

1. Characterize and compare the oral microbiota and host biomarkers in patients with peri-implant health, peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis.

Dr. Anil Menon, BDS, MBA, MSc, FRCD(C), FRSPH: Assistant Professor, Division Head Dental Public Health & Community Dentistry, Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, University of Manitoba

“Bridging the Oral Health Gap for Seniors: Insights from Dental Screenings and Future Policy-Driven Research”

Summary:

This presentation will explore the oral health status and needs of seniors living in long-term care facilities, drawing on findings from recent dental screenings. The talk will highlight the current gaps in access to care and innovative approaches to engaging seniors and families in shaping oral health solutions. Emphasis will be placed on how these findings can inform future policy and care delivery models that improve oral health outcomes and quality of life for aging populations.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the key oral health challenges and unmet treatment needs of seniors residing in personal care homes.
2. Examine innovative, collaborative research approaches—such as participatory action research—that engage seniors and families in co-creating solutions to improve oral health care in long-term care settings.
3. Discuss how research findings can inform policy recommendations and system-level changes to integrate oral health into broader health and aging care frameworks to improve outcomes for seniors.

Flash Talks:

Gary Goel, MSc Student: Department of Oral Biology

“Mexican tetra (Astyanax mexicanus) as a model to study the human inner ear hair cell regeneration”

Daniel Su, DMD, Periodontics Resident: Department of Dental Diagnostics & Surgical Sciences

“Long-Term Effectiveness of Crown Modification in the Treatment of Persistent Peri-Implant Mucositis”

Dr. Bucky Olatosi, PhD Candidate: Department of Oral Biology

“NOHRS at a Glance: Strengthening Oral Health Research in Canada”

12:00 PM in Joe Doupe Concourse:

Poster session and Lunch

Registration

Registration fee is complimentary.

Registration is required for assignment of CDE credit hours.  Please open/sign into a CPD account to register. Registrant must provide an email address to receive a Verification of Attendance for submission to their respective regulatory authority to attain CDE credit hours.

This event is available in-person only.  The event will take place at the Bannatyne Campus of the University of Manitoba in Theatre B of the Basic Medical Sciences Building (BMSB) and in the Joe Doupe Concourse of BMSB.

Study Credits

This course provides up to 3.0 hours of Continuing Dental Education (CDE) Credits.

Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, University of Manitoba. Nationally Approved PACE Program Provider for FAGD/MAGD credit. Approval does not imply acceptance by any regulatory authority or AGD endorsement. The current term of approval extends from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2026. Provider ID# 214210.  AGD Subject Code 149.