13 November 2024

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Celebrating Innovation: UCSF Dentistry’s 21st Research and Clinical Excellence Day

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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.

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.

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!

Source: https://dentistry.ucsf.edu/