From Silos To Systems: A Conceptual Framework For Workforce Aligned Oral Health Education, Meghan Bastin

2026 Scholarly Teaching Conference: Poster Session Papers

In the current U.S. educational system, becoming a dentist follows a few prescriptive pathways.  Learners typically complete an undergraduate degree before entering time-intensive doctoral training.  This results in only 3-4 years of direct professional education embedded within an eight -year process, while learners accumulate significant financial investment in their education.  With the average cost of graduate-level dental education alone exceeding $300,000 and new federal borrowing limits likely to further constrain access, there is an opportunity to explore alternative ways of structuring oral health education.

This poster presents a conceptual, system-level framework that explores a perspective in which oral health education …

Comparison Of Three Methods In Diagnosing Maxillary Transverse Discrepancy, Madison Hull Smith

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

ABSTRACT

Comparison of Three Methods in Diagnosing Maxillary Transverse Discrepancy

Thesis by Madison Smith, D.D.S.

Introduction

There are several different methods in determining the maxillary transverse discrepancy (MTD). In specific, MTD can be determined with the help of a cone beam computer tomography (CBCT), 3D scan and models, or simply a 2D occlusogram.  Do they provide the same MTD values for diagnosing transverse discrepancies? A patient may need a certain amount of skeletal and dental expansion based on a diagnosis of MTD, but this amount may vary depending on the diagnosis method used. There is a lack of knowledge in …

A Prospective Analysis Of Success And Survival Of Haptic Robotically Driven Dental Implant Placement., Samuel Clarkman Smith

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Purpose: The aim of this prospective study was to assess survivability of dental implants placed using robotic computer aided implant surgery via Yomi® (Neocis, Inc. Miami, FL) after at least 1 year of functional loading. Secondary analysis included additional success and marginal bone loss outcomes after at least 1 year of functional loading of the same Straumann (Basel, Switzerland) titanium dental implants that were placed with the r-CAIS workflow. Materials and Methods: Since acquisition of the Yomi® robotic system, a comprehensive list of patients who underwent dental implant therapy via r-CAIS methodology at West Virginia University Department of Graduate Periodontics …

Comparative Evaluation Of Bending Resistance And Retentive Torque Stability Of Zest Locator® And Straumann Novaloc® Abutments: An In Vitro Study, Hammad Ul Haq

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Abstract

Comparative Evaluation of Bending Resistance and Retentive Torque Stability of Zest Locator® and Straumann Novaloc® Abutments: An In Vitro Study

Hammad Ul Haq B.D.S.

Objective: To compare the mechanical performance of Locator® (Zest Anchors) and Novaloc® (Straumann) implant overdenture attachment systems connected to Straumann Bone Level Conical (BLC) implants under standardized cyclic and static off-axis loading conditions.

Materials and Methods: Ten Straumann BLC implants were divided into two groups (n = 5): Group 1 received Locator® abutments and Group 2 received Novaloc® abutments. All abutments were tightened to 35 N·cm and retightened after 10 minutes. Baseline removal torque values …

Evaluation Of Finger-Tightening Torque Applied To Implant Healing Abutments By Dental Providers With Varying Experience And Physical Characteristics: An In-Vitro Study., Bayan Abuhalimeh

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Evaluation of Finger-Tightening Torque Applied to Implant Healing Abutments by Dental Providers with Varying Experience and Physical Characteristics: An In-vitro Study

Bayan Abuhalimeh, D.D.S

Aim: The primary objective of this project is to measure the actual torque applied by dental providers when finger-tightening a healing abutment and assess the variability among individuals. A secondary objective is to analyze the correlation between applied torque and: provider experience level (residents, general dentist, specialist); gender; age; and, physical attributes (e.g., grip strength, hand size, and dominant hand used for tightening). The null hypothesis is that there is no difference in the mean finger-tightening …

Facial Aesthetics And The Esthetic Plane: Effects Of Modern Lip Trends, Allison Paige Fritz

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background and Objectives: The objective of this study is to evaluate whether there is a difference in aesthetic preferences of lip position between dental professionals and the general public, which we will refer to throughout the paper as lay people. In addition, age and gender differences will be determined to evaluate whether there is a need to re-evaluate the accepted normative values for lips to Esthetic plane (E-plane).

Experimental Design and Methods: A cross sectional, observational study design was used. The study aim was to evaluate the perception and opinions regarding lip position and fullness of both lay people …

Preference Of Smiling Esthetics By Caucasian And Chinese Orthodontic Professionals, Tamana Spingher

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background and Objectives: Comprehensive orthodontic treatment aims to achieve optimal facial esthetics, which is guided by established norms that have shown variability across different ethnic and gender groups. There is a paucity of literature comparing the esthetic preferences of Chinese and Caucasian orthodontic professionals regarding smiling esthetics. The purpose of this study was to determine the perceived smiling attractiveness ratings between Chinese and Caucasian orthodontic professionals. Methods: One Chinese and one Caucasian lateral smiling photograph generated by artificial intelligence (AI) were used in this study. The maxillary central incisor position was digitally manipulated to simulate variations in anteroposterior (AP) position …

The Effect Of Carrier Type And Material Used On Results Of 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane Application To Teeth, Jonathon Logan Williams Dds

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Introduction: The formulation of a pulpal diagnosis is crucial to prescribe appropriate treatment recommendations for endodontics. The application of a cold stimulus to the tooth’s surface utilizing the refrigerant 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane (R-134a) is a common way to obtain a pulpal diagnosis. Cotton as a form of applicator is used to absorb the R-134a and create a temperature change in the pulp. There is limited research if there is a better material than cotton to generate this cold response. No studies to date have been found to determine if a sponge as an applicator would generate a more significant cold response than …

A Comparison Of Endodontic Root-End Filling Techniques: A Micro-Computed Tomography (Micro-Ct) Analysis Part Ii, Andrew M. Marra

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Abstract

A COMPARISON OF ENDODONTIC ROOT-END FILLING TECHNIQUES: A MICRO-COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY ANALYSIS

Andrew Marra, D.D.S.

Introduction: Researchers have compared many endodontic root-end filling techniques for porosity, though few have used a micro-computed tomography analysis for comparisons. The purpose of this study was to evaluate total porosity volume of three different bio-ceramics filling materials with two techniques--hand compaction versus hand/ultrasonic compaction at an ultrasonic setting of 5% using Micro-CT Analysis.

Methods: Seventy-two human single canaled extracted teeth were selected for the study. All were subjected to orthograde endodontic treatment followed by root tip resection at 3-mm from the apex …

Skeletal And Dental Effects Of The Carriere Motion Appliance™ In Non-Growing Class Ii Patients: A Cephalometric Study, Anna Cathlyn Giles

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background and Objectives: Dental and skeletal Class II discrepancies are commonly associated with orofacial disharmony, and therefore appear in orthodontic clinics frequently. Class II correction for adults is generally limited to camouflage treatment with extractions, Class II elastics, Class II correctors, distalization, or orthognathic surgery in severe cases. The orthodontic field is constantly innovating to find efficient and effective means to correct class II malocclusions. The Carriere Motion Appliance TM was introduced in 2004 as an effective “distalizing” appliance to be used as a non-extraction approach to Class II correction for adolescent and adult patients. Recent clinical evidence suggests that …

Reliability Of Diagnosis Using The Andrews Six Elements Treatment Philosophy, Jenna M. Schneider

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

ABSTRACT

Inter/Intra Reliability of Diagnosis using the Andrews Six Elements Treatment Philosophy

Jenna M. Schneider, D.D.S., Khaled Alsharif, B.D.S, M.S., Peter Ngan, D.M.D., Guoqiang Guan, D.D.S., Ph.D., Will A. Andrews, D.D.S.

Background and Objectives: In order to diagnose and treatment plan orthodontic cases, orthodontists employ many different treatment philosophies and disciplines, and practice with their own understanding and adaptation of such philosophies. Andrews-trained orthodontics incorporate the defined six elements: the dental arch and its supporting tissues/structures, anteroposterior jaw relations and positions, buccal-lingual jaw relations and positions, jaw heights, chin prominence, and the occlusion [ideal characteristics described in the Six …

A Comparative Study On The Accuracy And Reliability Of Artificial Intelligent Lateral Cephalogram Tracing Programs, Stuart Mills

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Objective: To compare the accuracy and reliability of two commercially available Artificial Intelligent (AI) cephalogram tracing software programs to doctor traced cephalograms.

Materials and Methods: A sample of 100 pretreatment cephalograms were analyzed with AI based software programs, Angel Aligner iCeph and WebCeph, then compared to images traced by an orthodontist using Dolphin Imaging. Of the 100 samples, 50 were skeletally Class I and 50 were skeletally Class II. For each cephalogram produced, the American Board of Orthodontics 11 measurements were acquired from each of the three tracing programs. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s HSD test …

Comparative Analysis Of Safety, Accuracy, Comprehensiveness, And Organization In Endodontic Patient Education Material: American Association Of Endodontics (Aae) Vs. Ai-Generated Content., Fabiola M. Salgado Reyes

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Comparative Analysis of Safety, Accuracy, Comprehensiveness, and Organization in Endodontic Patient Education Material: American Association of Endodontics (AAE) vs. AI-Generated Content. Fabiola Salgado Reyes, DMD Introduction: With patients increasingly using AI chatbots like ChatGPT4o and Copilot, it is essential to assess whether these tools can effectively support patient understanding of complex endodontic procedures. AI-generated responses may occasionally provide inaccurate, unsafe, disorganized, or content that is not comprehended. The purpose of this study is to examine if dental experts and patients can determine if patient education materials (PEMS) were 1) generated by AI; 2) medically safe; 3) accurate; 4) can be …

Clinical Significance Of Gutta Percha Variability, Alex R. Pancake

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Introduction: The production of gutta percha points as root canal therapy filling materials vary from hand processing to machine processing with a range of acceptable levels of error (tolerance). Similarly, endodontic files manufactured to complement corresponding gutta percha points exhibit specified levels of tolerance. Investigations into the consistency among manufacturers of files and gutta percha points is limited. The aim of this study is to see how variability in apical gauge and taper of gutta percha points affected the clinical performance during cone try in. The null hypothesis of this study is that there is no difference in two gutta …

Implant Overdenture Abutment Loosening Under Hyperbaric Conditions, Zana Jamal Al-Saloum

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Objectives: To investigate the effect of various hyperbaric air pressures on the loosening of LOCATOR® (ZEST Anchors, LLC, Escondido, CA USA) overdenture abutments.

The pressure conditions tested are meant to simulate scuba diving conditions in edentulous patients that are restored with implant-retained tissue-supported overdentures. Another sub-goal of this study is to determine whether or not there is a difference in LOCATOR® loosening when the sample is exposed to six cycles/dives as opposed to one cycle/dive.

Methods: 36 ZimVie Tapered Screw Vent Implants with a 3.5mm diameter implant platform, and a 2.5mm diameter (and 1.5mm deep) internal hexagon were …

The Impact Of Normal Growth On The Ap Relationships Of The Jaws And Incisors To The Forehead: A Serial Cephalometric Analysis Of Untreated Individuals, Adam Joseph Rudmann Dr

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Abstract

The Impact of Normal Growth on the AP Relationships of the Jaws and Incisors to the Forehead: A Serial Cephalometric Analysis of Untreated Individuals

Adam Rudmann D.D.S. M.S.

Background and Objectives

Growth of the craniofacial complex is a critical factor to consider when treatment planning an orthodontic case. The ability to predict how the forehead and jaws will change over time depends on the ability to find predictable landmarks either radiographically or clinically, and use them to gauge the relative growth of various facial structures. This data can then be integrated with other diagnostic information such as occlusion and …

E-Cigarette Aerosol’S Effect On The Force Degradation Of Elastomeric Chain: An In Vitro Study, Joshua D. Lokant

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Abstract

E-Cigarette Aerosol’s Effect on the Force Degradation of Elastomeric Chain: An in Vitro Study

Joshua Lokant D.D.S.

Background and Objectives

Orthodontic elastomeric chain is used in orthodontic treatment for various applications such as closing spaces, aligning teeth, correcting midlines, promoting even spaces, and retracting teeth. Ideally, this force is light, continuous, and maintains a constant force between orthodontic appointments. There are many companies that manufacture polyurethane power chain, and their proprietary formulas give rise to different force levels and constancy of force. When the power chain is in the mouth, it is subject to food, liquids, temperature changes, pH …

Comparison Between Coronally Advanced Flap With Sub-Epithelial Connective Tissue Graft And Tunnel Technique With Sub-Epithelial Connective Tissue Graft In Achieving Mean Root Coverage At Multiple Recession Defects: A Retrospective Study, Christian Daniel Davila

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Aim: The primary objective is to retrospectively compare the mean root coverage (MRC) achieved using a coronally advanced flap and sub-epithelial connective tissue graft (CAF + CTG) with that achieved using the tunnelling technique and sub-epithelial connective tissue graft (TUN + CTG) for the treatment of multiple recession defects. The secondary objectives are to compare the proportion of complete root coverage (CRC) achieved with CAF + CTG compared to TUN + CTG, compare the proportion of CRC achieved in these two techniques with respect to level of training (American board-certified periodontist or Graduate periodontics residents) and to evaluate the …

Influence Of Scaling And Root Planing With Minocycline Microspheres On Clinical Outcomes Of Patients With Periodontitis, Nupoor Sandeep Kulkarni

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background: Scaling and root planning (SRP) has been established as a “gold-standard” non-surgical initial treatment for periodontitis. Along with SRP, some systemic adjuncts like systemic antibiotics were used in the past to gain maximum benefits of SRP by reducing the need for further periodontal surgeries. Due to some drawbacks of systemic antibiotic use, like “transient antibiotic resistance”, “non-adherence” and “insufficient concentrations in the periodontal pockets to be clinically effective”, there was a shift towards the use of local antibiotic adjuncts to SRP like minocycline, tetracycline, chlorhexidine etc. Minocycline is a semi-synthetic tetracycline derivative which is available in a powder form, …

Dentin-Sealer Bond Strength. A Review: An In-Vitro Comparison Between Guttaflow 2 ®, Endosequence Bc High Flow ®, Tubli-Seal ®, Sealapex ®, And Ah Plus Jet ® Sealers., Zied Diab

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Introduction: One objective of non-surgical endodontic therapy is the formation of a hermetic seal with elimination of any portal of entry of bacteria and their byproducts into the root canal space from periapical tissue. Extensive research has been conducted to determine ideal endodontic sealers. Bioceramic sealers have risen to prominence due to reported decreased shrinkage, less toxicity, and superior bond strength to root dentin compared to zinc oxide eugenol, calcium hydroxide, and resin-based sealers. GuttaFlow2®, a new sealer on the market, is composed of calcium silicate in combination with gutta-percha particles. Researchers from Coltene (Altstätten, Switzerland), the manufacturer of GuttaFlow2® …

Comparative Cephalometric Study Between Class Ii Patients Treated With Herbst Appliance And Patients Treated With Mara, Mona Meky

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

ABSTRACT

Comparative cephalometric study between Class II patients treated with Herbst appliance and patients treated with MARA

Mona Meky, D.D.S.

Background and Objectives: Functional appliances have been used for over 100 years in orthodontics to correct Class II malocclusions. The Herbst and the MARA appliances have different designs that may enhance mandibular growth. Recent clinical evidence has questioned whether they really have a lasting influence on facial growth and that the effects of these appliances were mostly dentoalveolar rather than skeletal. The objective of this retrospective comparative study was to compare the dental and skeletal changes between Class II division …

Shear Bond Strength Comparison Of Bioceramics To Root Dentin., Yasmin Alma Hoffman

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to compare the push-out bond strength of four bioceramic materials to root dentin that are used during regenerative endodontics. The bioceramics being tested are: 1. Biodentine®(Septodont); 2. EndoSequence BC Putty Fast Set® (Brasseler); 3. NeoPutty® (Avalon Biomed); and 4. ProRoot MTA White® (Dentsply). A high bond strength of a bioceramic material to root dentin will provide excellent seal. An improved seal may correlate with less potential for contamination of the pulp space that is undergoing regenerative activity. This in turn will lead to long-term clinical success. The null hypothesis is that there is …

Comparison Of Skeletal Class Iii Malocclusion Facial-Shape Subtypes Between Caucasian, African American, And Hispanic Populations, Rachel Katherine Huffman

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Abstract

Comparison of Skeletal Class III Malocclusion Facial-Shape Subtypes Between

Caucasian, African American, and Hispanic Populations

Rachel K. Huffman, DMD

Introduction: The development of a skeletal Class III malocclusion (Cl III) is complex as it can arise from the overgrowth of the mandible, undergrowth of the maxilla, or a combination of the two. To understand the heterogeneity of this trait clinically, studies have been conducted using facial shape analysis (e.g., Geometric morphometrics (GeoMorph)) of Caucasian and Asian populations to learn more about the principal shapes. Little is known, however, about the predominant principal shape components of Cl III within African …

The Effects Of E-Cigarette Aerosol On The Force Degradation Of Elastomeric Chain: An In Vitro Pilot Study, Nicholas David Palmer

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background and Objectives

An ideal orthodontic force system should exert continuous light force. An orthodontist has the option to utilize different systems for closing orthodontic extraction space. A commonly used method when closing extraction space is to utilize orthodontic elastomeric chain. Energy Chain® (Rocky Mountain Orthodontics, Franklin, IN) allows for less deformation of shape following the initial stretch, more consistent force, and less force degradation over time. The mouth is a harsh environment that experiences daily changes in pH and temperature. These changes cause elastomeric chain to experience increased force degradation. The creation of the JUUL® (JUUL Labs, San Francisco, …

A Comparison Of The Failure Rate Of Two Orthodontic Light-Curable Adhesives: A Chart Review, Ian Montgomery Weaver

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

A Comparison of the Failure Rate of Two Orthodontic Light-Curable Adhesives: A Chart Review

Ian Montgomery Weaver, D.D.S.

Background and Objectives: The overhead costs of running a private orthodontic practice are infamously high, thus there is a notable benefit to finding the most cost effective methods of treating patients while still maintaining high quality care. A relatively new light-cure orthodontic adhesive BracePaste®^® (American Orthodontics™, Sheboygan, WI), introduced to the market in 2017, can fluoresce under UV light to assist in identifying the difference between the enamel of the tooth and the adhesive material itself, an ability which can aid …

A Comparison Of Endodontic Root-End Filling Techniques: A Micro-Computed Tomography Analysis, Leslie P. Wolford

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Introduction:

Researchers have compared the differences between hand compaction of root-end filling bioceramics with compaction of these materials by hand followed by ultrasonic activation (hand/ultrasonic compaction). Additionally, most of these researchers did not utilize Micro-Computed Tomography (Micro-CT) analysis. The purpose of this study is to evaluate total porosity volume of three different bioceramics when compacted by hand alone versus hand/ultrasonic compaction using Micro-CT Analysis.

Materials and methods:

Seventy-two human maxillary central incisors were selected for the study. All were subjected to orthograde endodontic treatment followed by root tip resection 3-mm from the apex at a 90° to the long axis …

Current Practices Used To Increase The Success Rate Of The Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block In Mandibular Molars With Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis, Nishtha Chauhan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Introduction: Pain control during endodontic access is important to ensure patient comfort. Achieving adequate anesthesia in an acutely inflamed mandibular molar poses a treatment challenge as the reported failure rate is 30- 83%. A number of pre-medications, anesthetic techniques and adjuncts have been researched to determine their effect on the anesthetic success of the inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB). The purpose of this research was to describe the current clinical practices used by the members of the American Association of Endodontists in pain control of inflamed mandibular molars.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study design was used. The study …

Passive Self-Ligating Brackets Vs. Conventional Brackets: Is There A Difference In The Transverse Dimension? A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Justin Scott Tenbrook

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background and Objectives:

Self-ligating brackets have risen in popularity in clinical orthodontics, but many claims made by their manufacturers have been made without substantial evidence. Any differences among the bracket types are very small when consulting new peer reviewed literature testing their differences. Nevertheless, self-ligating brackets are still purported to be able to increase the dental transverse dimension more effectively than conventional brackets. In 2018, Yang et al. performed a systematic review on the transversal changes, space closure, and efficiency of conventional and self-ligating appliances. Since then, there were several clinical trials published in the literature comparing the mandibular arch …

Survival Rate Of Dental Implants Placed In Alveolar Ridge Preservation Sites - Systematic Review, Sravanthi Papisetti

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Introduction: It is not known so far performing Alveolar Ridge Preservation (ARP) in a freshly extracted socket with intact walls would improve clinical outcomes of implants placed in these sites. It is not known whether different biomaterials and techniques would affect the survival of dental implants.

Aim: The current systematic review is undertaken to assess the survival rate of dental implants placed in these sockets and to assess different socket graft materials as well as techniques of ridge preservation with regard to the survival of implants.

Material methods: Search for relevant articles was done in Medline (PubMed). No …

Medicaid In The Orthodontic Community: Provider Trends And Perceptions, Miranda L. Fabrega

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background and Objectives: Medicaid is a federal and state insurance program aimed at helping economically disadvantaged individuals and families with gaining access to health care. Lack of provider participation in the Medicaid program leaves many Medicaid-eligible individuals with the inability to obtain certain medical services, such as orthodontic care. The objective of this study was to use an electronic survey to better understand the beliefs and behaviors of orthodontists in regard to participation in the Medicaid program, and to determine if differences exist between Medicaid providers and non-Medicaid providers. Experimental Design and Methods: Survey: Requests to participate in an electronic …