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Full-Text Articles in Dentistry

Dugoni Medical Emergency Response Team, Alia Rubaie, Kevin Adams, Alini Agnes, Jesse Manton May 2024

Dugoni Medical Emergency Response Team, Alia Rubaie, Kevin Adams, Alini Agnes, Jesse Manton

Excellence Day

Summary and acknowledgements: The Medical ERT Teaching Internship Program, established in 2022 by Dr. Manton, alongside six appointed crew chiefs, marks a pivotal initiative in Dugoni’s medical education. As the original junior crew chiefs, we were privileged to contribute and found the pilot program. The program's original vision aimed to cultivate an intermediate medical emergency response, facilitating the crucial determination between ""home or hospital"" for patients in need. As we embark on our OKU project to showcase the achievements of the Medical ERT program, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Manton for his unwavering dedication and tireless efforts in …


Give Kids A Smile Volunteer Event, Sarah Takahashi, Taylor O'Reilly May 2024

Give Kids A Smile Volunteer Event, Sarah Takahashi, Taylor O'Reilly

Excellence Day

Summary of Project: The Give Kids a Smile (GKAS) program is a national event through the American Dental Association. Its goal is to provide underserved children with free, quality oral health care and preventative education. At UOP, the GKAS event was sponsored by the Pediatric Department, with whom we worked closely to orchestrate the finer details of the event. With over 100 volunteers, we were able to provide free dental screenings, cleanings, fluoride treatment, and oral health education to ninety-four children. The event was strategically laid out to require children and their parents to complete the interactive educational portion before …


The Academy Of General Dentistry, Mary Quilici, Ruth Rauca, Christina Tran, Guneet Gill, Gurleen Gill, Jasmine Hussein, Kamal Rattu, Keerat Kuckreja May 2024

The Academy Of General Dentistry, Mary Quilici, Ruth Rauca, Christina Tran, Guneet Gill, Gurleen Gill, Jasmine Hussein, Kamal Rattu, Keerat Kuckreja

Excellence Day

Summary of Project : Since 1972, the Academy of General Dentistry has aimed to improve the oral health of the public and to support the efforts of dental practitioners. Our UOP student AGD Chapter is a division of this foundation, and we strive to uphold this mission for all of our student members. Over the past year, we have encouraged our peers to become active members of their community by attending continuing education courses held by our chapter, AGD Foundation, CDA conferences, and CDE symposiums hosted by University of the Pacific. These courses were not all originally made accessible to …


Sonrisas (Smiles) For Guatemala: Reestablishment Of An Outreach Initiative Post-Covid, Kayla Hunt, Hwajeong Kim May 2024

Sonrisas (Smiles) For Guatemala: Reestablishment Of An Outreach Initiative Post-Covid, Kayla Hunt, Hwajeong Kim

Excellence Day

The Guatemala Global Service Learning Trip stands as one of two opportunities available to Dugoni students for providing care and enhancing oral health abroad. These ventures faced a pause amidst the pandemic, but in 2023, the Guatemala trip was reestablished. Student leadership drives all global trips at Dugoni, typically comprising 2 senior trip leaders responsible for organizing and coordinating the trip, alongside 2 junior leaders-in-training who observe the senior trip leads. Faculty members attend to supervise clinical procedures, and the trip is supported by administrative oversight. In 2023, the recultivation of this particular outreach initiative was spearheaded by the trip …


Guatemala Global Service Trip Reaching The Commuinity Of Xenocoj, Ruth Rauca, Jane Yu May 2024

Guatemala Global Service Trip Reaching The Commuinity Of Xenocoj, Ruth Rauca, Jane Yu

Excellence Day

Summary of Project The trip took place Jan 1st - 5th 2024. The team consisted of one 3rd year and two second-year leaders, four faculty, and nine 3rd year students. On the first day of clinic, the group was split in half. The first half of the group went into the village and brought groceries to the families there. For each family that was provided groceries, the students also did OHI with them and spoke about the importance of oral health. The second half organized and set up the clinic to allow for a smooth workflow for the duration of …


Student Community Outreach For Public Education (Scope): Senior Smiles And Wellness Event 2023, Katie Hagan, Serena Ly May 2024

Student Community Outreach For Public Education (Scope): Senior Smiles And Wellness Event 2023, Katie Hagan, Serena Ly

Excellence Day

The Senior Smiles Health & Wellness Fair is a community health outreach event sponsored by SCOPE, Student Community Outreach for Public Education, at University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. The event is held annually in San Francisco at the School of Dentistry’s campus. Generally, over 100 members of San Francisco’s senior citizen population with limited access to healthcare attend this event. This annual event provides limited healthcare services and education, fostering better health practices among this vulnerable population. In May 2023, the 28th annual Senior Smiles Health & Wellness Fair successfully served over 200 senior citizens …


Smile Restoration, Cameron Goodin May 2024

Smile Restoration, Cameron Goodin

Excellence Day

I have a patient with Sjögren's Syndrome who presented to the clinic wanted to "fill her missing spaces and be able to smile again". She presented with decay/recurrent decay on almost every single tooth. We needed to address her dry mouth prior to proceeding with any restorative procedures. After working with her Primary, changing some medications, reinforcing oral hygiene habits, her oral health looked like a completely new person. We then proceeded to start with her restorative treatment. We decided on doing zirc crowns on: #5-14 & 28. We started with #5, 28, and then #14 via traditional impressions to …


Demystifying Cracked-Tooth Syndrome: An Evidence-Based Approach To Diagnosis And Treatment Planning, Siavash Ghardiri Zahrani May 2024

Demystifying Cracked-Tooth Syndrome: An Evidence-Based Approach To Diagnosis And Treatment Planning, Siavash Ghardiri Zahrani

Excellence Day

The importance of accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning is more important than ever due to the increasing rate of cracked teeth being observed in our profession. It is thus imperative that dentists be able to assess and address the etiology of cracked teeth, use evidence-based methods to reach a treatment decision, and convey thorough patient education regarding risks, benefits, alternatives and prognosis of appropriate treatments. Put simply, not all cracked teeth require root canal treatment, and one must be able to discern exactly when RCT is indicated and when it is not. This project is a case presentation of …


Learning How To Overcome Challenges In Endodontic Treatment: Large And Curved Canals, Rachel Healy May 2024

Learning How To Overcome Challenges In Endodontic Treatment: Large And Curved Canals, Rachel Healy

Excellence Day

This project highlights the challenges that can be seen during endodontic treatment. Large canals are common amongst certain canals, such as the palatal canal of maxillary molars. However, large canals are even more predominately seen in pediatric patients. Obturation of these large canals often requires large gutta percha cones and/or warm vertical condensation. Furthermore, another common challenge that provider's must overcome are curved canals. Treatment for curved canals requires different techniques in order achieve a glide path to allow for successful cleaning and shaping as well as obturation. In this project, a case will be highlighted from the pre-doctoral clinic …


Restoration Of Oral Function In Severe Tooth Erosion Arising From Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (Gerd): A Clinical Case Study, Xinyue (Cinny) Ma May 2024

Restoration Of Oral Function In Severe Tooth Erosion Arising From Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (Gerd): A Clinical Case Study, Xinyue (Cinny) Ma

Excellence Day

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) poses significant challenges to systemic and oral health, often resulting in severe erosive tooth wear and dentin hypersensitivity. This clinical case study focused on the restoration of oral function through the utilization of fixed and removable prosthetics to reconstruct the occlusal plane. The patient underwent a comprehensive treatment plan aimed at restoring lost tooth structure and restoring chewing functions. Tooth-colored composite restorations, monolithic Zirconia crowns, and partial dentures were strategically employed to rebuild the occlusal plane, alleviate dentin hypersensitivity and improve masticatory function. This case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing severe tooth …


Overcoming Challenges: Management Of Dentat Implants In The Aesthetic Zone, Blake Giuliani May 2024

Overcoming Challenges: Management Of Dentat Implants In The Aesthetic Zone, Blake Giuliani

Excellence Day

Project Summary The patient was seen by two different student dentists before being transferred to me. I came to assist with the implant surgery and continued dental care from there on. The patient presented with missing #8 and a large vertical bone defect from #7-#9. The patient's confidence had gotten worse due to the continuous failure of implants and missing a front tooth. After over 3 years of treatment at the school, the patient felt whole again. Significance: Vertical bone defects can be very hard to manage, but espcially hard to manage when they are in the anterior region. Some …


Perio-Pros Interdisciplinary Smile Reconstruction Case Report, Katherine Chen May 2024

Perio-Pros Interdisciplinary Smile Reconstruction Case Report, Katherine Chen

Excellence Day

Summary of Project: The poster will show a step by step treatment plan and clinical progress of a maxillary anterior perio and pros smile reconstruction with extraction and bone grafting, crown lengthening, RCT, post and core, #7-10 crowns to correct a canted smile, gummy smile, fractured teeth due to bruxism Significance: This case will demonstrate the importance of interdisciplinary treatment planning. Acknowledgements: Dr. Wong, Dr. Woo, Dr. Huynh, all restorative AEGD attendings, and most importantly, my patient Robert Chisick


Endosseous Implant Placement In The Le Fort I Maxilla, Kathleen Pham May 2024

Endosseous Implant Placement In The Le Fort I Maxilla, Kathleen Pham

Excellence Day

Summary of Project: Explanation of treatment plan to restore missing teeth in a previously treated Le Fort I mouth. Significance: To show the importance of restoring occlusal balance in a heavily restored, surgically treated mouth. Treatment plan will show multi-phase planning that encompasses operative, major restorative, and surgical implant placement. Combines aesthetic and functional planning as part of our comprehensive care. Acknowledgments: Dr. Wong, Dr. Woo, Dr. Beckley, Dr. Lee


Rebuilding Smiles: A Multidisciplinary Approach, Edrick Tan May 2024

Rebuilding Smiles: A Multidisciplinary Approach, Edrick Tan

Excellence Day

Summary of Project Dentistry today necessitates a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to effectively meet the diverse needs of patients. This case underscores the delicate balance between patient preferences and clinical feasibility, guided by input from multiple specialists. By integrating various experiences and perspectives, we crafted a treatment plan that not only addressed the patient's concerns but also considered future implications. Restoratively, numerous options were explored, culminating in the decision to place two veneers as a compromise between aesthetics and longevity. Significance The significance of this approach in dentistry cannot be overstated, particularly for general dentists who collaborate with specialists to manage …


Restoring A Smile: Functional And Esthetic Full Mouth Rehabilitation, Rachel Min May 2024

Restoring A Smile: Functional And Esthetic Full Mouth Rehabilitation, Rachel Min

Excellence Day

Summary of Project: Restoring vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) involves a complex interdisciplinary approach involving multiple specialties. The patient presented to the clinic with loss of VDO, tooth structure, and multiple posterior teeth leading to a smile and function that she was unsatisfied with. After careful planning, we created a treatment plan that would be carried out in multiple phases: increasing VDO through anterior direct restorations, endodontic treatment, placing implants, and restoring her posterior occlusion through indirect restoration of multiple premolars and implant crowns. This case demonstrates the detailed steps, treatment planning, and care provided to achieve a stable occlusion …


Smile Design, Venus Ahmadipour May 2024

Smile Design, Venus Ahmadipour

Excellence Day

This project showcases the pivotal role of diagnostic tools and restorative dentistry in rejuvenating patients' smiles. A recall patient presenting for a full mouth series X-rays revealed a significant radiolucent lesion at the apex of tooth #10, prompting an endodontic consultation and subsequent treatment. Following successful endodontic therapy, the patient was deemed ready for final restoration. In a comprehensive discussion of treatment options, emphasis was placed on achieving proper color matching, particularly for the tooth within the aesthetic zone. Additionally, the potential benefits of tooth whitening before shade matching were explained. Further exploration revealed the patient's dissatisfaction with a black …


Full Mouth Rehabilitation: Turning Back The Clock With An Esthetic Result, Vineet Gangadharan May 2024

Full Mouth Rehabilitation: Turning Back The Clock With An Esthetic Result, Vineet Gangadharan

Excellence Day

This case is about the dental management of a 78-year-old male patient with significant systemic health issues, including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and polycythemia vera, under treatment with valsartan and atorvastatin. The patient expressed a desire to improve his dental aesthetics, particularly through the application of veneers. Clinical examination revealed an edentulous space at the locations corresponding to teeth #19 and #30, with #30 fractured at the gumline, and incisal chipping of the lower anterior teeth. The treatment plan was multifaceted, prioritizing the stabilization of the patient's periodontal health through prophylactic cleaning, followed by caries control. This involved resin fillings on teeth …


Aesthetic & Functional Oral Rehabilitation: A Multi-Disciplinary Case Involving Periodontics, Orthodontics, Implants, Veneers, And Crowns, Siavash Ghardiri Zahrani May 2024

Aesthetic & Functional Oral Rehabilitation: A Multi-Disciplinary Case Involving Periodontics, Orthodontics, Implants, Veneers, And Crowns, Siavash Ghardiri Zahrani

Excellence Day

A truly multidisciplinary case, this project is a case presentation of a patient who recently finished orthodontic treatment and has been wanting implants and veneers since becoming a patient in 2016. Prosthodontic treatment plan consists of 4 implants (sites 3, 13, 19, 30), 7 veneers (sites 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12), and 3 crowns (sites 9,10,14). The patient is acutely aesthetically conscious, so we strived to deliver the best results possible via extensive, detailed, open communication with the lab. Challenges included the lack of proper posterior support and minimal contacts, management of patient expectations, as well as time …


Assessing Knowledge Of Cleft Lip And Palate Among Dental Students At The Universtiy Of Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School Of Dentistry, Niki Panahi Zadeh, Simin Charkhzarri, Miroslav Tolar, Marie Tolarova May 2024

Assessing Knowledge Of Cleft Lip And Palate Among Dental Students At The Universtiy Of Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School Of Dentistry, Niki Panahi Zadeh, Simin Charkhzarri, Miroslav Tolar, Marie Tolarova

Excellence Day

Objectives: Orofacial clefts (OFC) are among the most common congenital anomalies, the most severe congenital anomalies of the orofacial region, requiring long and challenging multidisciplinary treatment. There is no doubt that all dental providers meet in their practice patients with OFC. Their knowledge, skills and experience are reflected in treatment outcomes. Methods: We created an anonymous Qualtrics survey to assess the basic knowledge about OFC among Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry students and orthodontic residents. It consists of 20 questions, including etiology, prevalence, and prevention of clefts and other congenital anomalies. The study continues and so far results are …


Advancements In Nasal Cavity Characterization: An Innovative Approach Using Cbct Imaging, Nicole Alvandian, Jesse Manton, David Lam, Heesoo Oh, Jonas Bianchi May 2024

Advancements In Nasal Cavity Characterization: An Innovative Approach Using Cbct Imaging, Nicole Alvandian, Jesse Manton, David Lam, Heesoo Oh, Jonas Bianchi

Excellence Day

Objectives: Analyzing a patient’s nasal anatomy and airway space is valuable for orthodontics and anesthesiology and is possible using CBCT images captured for orthodontic treatment planning. Here, we developed and tested a novel protocol for measuring airway features along the inferior nasal passage in pre and post CBCT images of patients who received conventional orthodontic treatment. We aimed to determine if there were significant differences in the airway measurements between the two time points for each patient using this novel protocol. Methods: In this retrospective longitudinal observational study, CBCT images of each patient at two time points (T1 and T2) …


The Antimicrobial Mechanisms Of Boswellia Serrata Extract In P. Gingivalis Infected Gingival Epithelial Cells, Mahsa Asgari, Vincent Duarte May 2024

The Antimicrobial Mechanisms Of Boswellia Serrata Extract In P. Gingivalis Infected Gingival Epithelial Cells, Mahsa Asgari, Vincent Duarte

Excellence Day

Periodontitis is a severe gum infection that damages the soft tissue and destroys the bone that supports teeth. One of the major etiologic agents of periodontitis is Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. g). If untreated, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss and has been linked to systemic disorders such as heart disease and cancer. Frankincense is a resin obtained from the Boswellia tree and possesses potent anti-inflammatory properties, which have been shown to minimize the symptoms of inflammatory disease, such diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and microbial infections. Boswellia serrata extract was proposed to control the P. g growth in GEC, however the mechanism …


The Role Of Endoplasmic Reticulum In Pathogenesis Of Congenital Anomalies, Edrick Tan May 2024

The Role Of Endoplasmic Reticulum In Pathogenesis Of Congenital Anomalies, Edrick Tan

Excellence Day

Objectives This review delves into the intricate structural and functional roles of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in the context of congenital anomalies, encompassing conditions such as chondrodysplasias, congenital heart defects (CHD), and glycosylation mutations. Materials and Methods Searches within Google Scholar and PubMed databases were done using keywords "chondrodysplasias and ER stress", "maternal diabetes mellitus embryopathy and ER stress", and "UPR and birth defects". Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and original studies were analyzed. The total of 23 articles published between the years 2012 and 2023 were reviewed. Results Dysregulation of protein folding in the ER, resulting in the accumulation of misfolded …


Review Of Long Term Prognosis Of Endodontic Microsurgery, Aayushma Hamal, Pooja Bashyal, Fotima Jaludi May 2024

Review Of Long Term Prognosis Of Endodontic Microsurgery, Aayushma Hamal, Pooja Bashyal, Fotima Jaludi

Excellence Day

Objective : To determine the long term prognosis of Endodontic Microsurgery. Methods : Different keywords such as endodontic microsurgery, CBCT, apical resections, endo surgery were used to find the research papers. Various research papers were reviewed to collect the data. Results : The success rate for outcomes with VRF included was 86.9% for 1-4 yrs and 67.2% for 5-9 yrs. The success rates for the outcomes with VRF excluded was 92.5% for 1-4 years and 81.8% for 5-9 yrs.The prognosis was influenced by the crestal bone level lower probability of healing when the interproximal bone level is >3mm from CEJ …


Dental Pulp Stem Cells In Regenerative Dentistry, Zachary Eschenberg, Marie Tolarova, Mirek Tolar May 2024

Dental Pulp Stem Cells In Regenerative Dentistry, Zachary Eschenberg, Marie Tolarova, Mirek Tolar

Excellence Day

Abstract Objectives: This literature review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of recent research on dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) in regenerative dentistry, addressing their characteristics, importance, isolation techniques, utilization in different dental specialties, and future prospects. Methods: Relevant studies published within the last 20 years were identified through database searches and manual selection. The review synthesizes findings from key research articles, including those investigating DPSC characterization, isolation methods, therapeutic applications, and future uses. Results: Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are mesenchymal stem cells located within dental pulp tissue, exhibiting a high proliferation rate and multilineage differentiation capacity. DPSCs offer …


Growth Prediction Using Artificial Intelligence, Yoosun (Sunny) Jang, Richa Roy, Shaila Patel, Jeff Roseth, Heesoo Oh, Heeyeon Suh May 2024

Growth Prediction Using Artificial Intelligence, Yoosun (Sunny) Jang, Richa Roy, Shaila Patel, Jeff Roseth, Heesoo Oh, Heeyeon Suh

Excellence Day

Abstract: Objectives: To compare facial growth prediction models based on the partial least squares and artificial intelligence (AI) Materials and Methods: Serial longitudinal lateral cephalograms from 33 patients who had not undergone orthodontic treatment but had taken serial cephalograms were collected from Mathews Growth Study located in the American Association of Orthodontists Foundation (AAOF) Growth Legacy Collection. On every image, 46 skeletal and 32 soft- tissue landmarks were identified using CEPPRO. Growth prediction models were built using multivariate Partial Least Squares regression (PLS) and a deep learning method based on the deep neural network incorporating 161 predictors, and 156 responses, …


Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Simulation (Tens) In Pain Management, Simin Charkhzarrin, Brianna Wolfe, Miroslav Tolar, Marie Tolarova May 2024

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Simulation (Tens) In Pain Management, Simin Charkhzarrin, Brianna Wolfe, Miroslav Tolar, Marie Tolarova

Excellence Day

"Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) in Pain Management Simin Charkhzarrin, Brianna Wolfe, Miroslav Tolar, Marie M. Tolarova Summary of Project: Drug dependence and addiction, including opioids used in many situations to mitigate pain, are serious problems of our society. It is not only affecting the human body physically and psychologically with harmful consequences, but it is also costly to our society that provides for substance abuse rehabilitation, addiction recovery centers, and outpatient and in-patient treatment. Thus, applying TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) and other non- pharmacological therapies for pain management are very important for improvement of healthcare. TENS inhibits neural …


Folate Pharmacology And Metabolism With Focus On Mthfr And Rfc-1 In Orofacial Clefts, Tyler Starley, Marie Tolarova, Miroslav Tolar May 2024

Folate Pharmacology And Metabolism With Focus On Mthfr And Rfc-1 In Orofacial Clefts, Tyler Starley, Marie Tolarova, Miroslav Tolar

Excellence Day

Objectives: Orofacial clefts (OFC) constitute a significant portion of global birth defects, encompassing various manifestations such as cleft lip only, isolated cleft palate, or cleft lip and palate. The multifactorial etiology of non-syndromic OFC underscores the importance of understanding the interplay between molecular genetics and environmental factors. We conducted a review of the literature to investigate folate metabolism in the context of OFC, with a particular focus on Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and Reduced folate carrier-1 (RFC-1). The review aims to explore the role of folate metabolism, specifically examining the involvement of MTHFR and RFC-1, to elucidate mechanisms and identify potential …


Methods Of Class Ii Correction In Growing Patients Using Clear Aligner Therapy, Brianna Wolfe, Kimberly Lozano, Adriane Tran, Vineet Khehra, Esha Patel, Heeyeon Suh, James Chen, Heesoo Oh May 2024

Methods Of Class Ii Correction In Growing Patients Using Clear Aligner Therapy, Brianna Wolfe, Kimberly Lozano, Adriane Tran, Vineet Khehra, Esha Patel, Heeyeon Suh, James Chen, Heesoo Oh

Excellence Day

Objectives: This study aimed to compare 1) treatment time, 2) treatment outcome, and 3) treatment effects in regards to dental and skeletal changes of class II molar correction in growing patients between cases using Invisalign mandibular advancement (MA) and class II elastic simulation jump. Methods: 44 growing patients with Class II malocclusion were included: 17 patients in the class II elastic group and 27 in the Invisalign MA group. Molar relationships on digital casts at pre-treatment (T1) and end-of-active-treatment (T2) for each treatment group were obtained. 3Shape software was used to measure the amount of Class II correction by comparing …


Cross-Tissue Analysis Demonstrates Oral And Systemic Link In Chronic Periodontitis, Alice Lin, Nicole Thompson, Makaylan Tseng May 2024

Cross-Tissue Analysis Demonstrates Oral And Systemic Link In Chronic Periodontitis, Alice Lin, Nicole Thompson, Makaylan Tseng

Excellence Day

Despite advances in dental care and oral hygiene, the prevalence of chronic periodontitis (ChP) remains high at 47.2% in the U.S. ChP not only leads to severe gum bleeding and tooth loss but also contributes to systemic diseases, including diabetes mellitus, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and cardiovascular diseases. The mechanisms of the connection between ChP and systemic health are still not fully understood. In our phase I study, we demonstrated systemic and cell-specific immune dysfunctions in patients with ChP, which can be temporarily reversed by the local treatment of ChP. For phase II study, we aim to 1) validate our findings …


The Nematode Caenorhabditis Elegans: A Convenient Model For Studying Immunology And Microbiology, William Zhao, Shrey Shah, Scott Davis, David M. Ojcius, Hung-Chi Yang May 2024

The Nematode Caenorhabditis Elegans: A Convenient Model For Studying Immunology And Microbiology, William Zhao, Shrey Shah, Scott Davis, David M. Ojcius, Hung-Chi Yang

Excellence Day

Caenorhabditis elegans is a nematode that survives naturally in a variety of environments throughout the world. This nematode has been used for decades as a model system for development, cancer and aging, since it shares with humans key genes and signaling pathways that are involved in disease. In addition, this nematode is easy to maintain in the laboratory and is genetically tractable. Major discoveries relevant for human cancer, innate immunity and longevity have been made with C. elegans, but this nematode has not been used yet for studying genes or microbiota relevant for oral health. Several laboratories in the world …