Dentistry Commons^™

Leading With Integrity: The Foundation Of True Leadership, Amisha Singh Dds, Edd

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

In this Reflections from MDDS Co-Editor, Dr. Amisha Singh, she explores the power and relevance of values-based leadership in dentistry and beyond. The piece emphasizes that leadership is not just about strategy or results but about the values that guide our daily decisions, especially in times of adversity. The article challenges dental professionals to lead with integrity and create cultures rooted in trust and authenticity.

Articulator Q2 2025

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

The 2^nd Quarter 2025 issue focuses on new frontiers in dental research. Articles include:

• A feature from Dr. Manish Chopra on the ADA Forsyth Institute.
• Highlights from the University of Colorado’s School of Dental Medicine’s Research Day.
• The research behind the safety of community water fluoridation from Margherita Fontana, DDS, PhD; Carlow Gonzalez-Cabezas, DDS, MSD, PhD; and Livia Tenuta, DDS, MSc, PhD.

Plus, updates on local nonprofits, a reflection on leading with integrity and tips on maintain resilience in today’s volatile financial landscape.

Runx2 Is Essential For Maintaining Synchondrosis Chondrocytes And Cranial Base Growth, Shawn A Hallett, Ashley Dixon, Isabella Marrale, Lena Batoon, José Brenes, Annabelle Zhou, Ariel Arbiv, Vesa Kaartinen, Benjamin Allen, Wanida Ono, Renny T Franceschi, Noriaki Ono

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The cranial base synchondroses, comprised of opposite-facing bidirectional chondrocyte layers, drive anteroposterior cranial base growth. In humans, RUNX2 haploinsufficiency causes cleidocranial dysplasia associated with deficient midfacial growth. However, how RUNX2 regulates chondrocytes in the cranial base synchondroses remains unknown. To address this, we inactivated Runx2 in postnatal synchondrosis chondrocytes using a tamoxifen-inducible Fgfr3-creER (Fgfr3-Runx2cKO) mouse model. Fgfr3-Runx2cKO mice displayed skeletal dwarfism and reduced anteroposterior cranial base growth associated with premature synchondrosis ossification due to impaired chondrocyte proliferation, accelerated hypertrophy, apoptosis, and osteoclast-mediated cartilage resorption. Lineage tracing reveals that Runx2-deficient Fgfr3+ cells failed to differentiate into osteoblasts. Notably, Runx2-deficient chondrocytes showed …

Bridging Oral And Systemic Health: Exploring Pathogenesis, Biomarkers, And Diagnostic Innovations In Periodontal Disease, Max Foroughi, Mahmoud Torabinejad, Nikola Angelov, David M. Ojcius, Keykavous Parang, Marcus Ravnan, Jerika Lam

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Purpose

This narrative review explores the multifaceted links between periodontal diseases (gingivitis and periodontitis) and systemic health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, adverse pregnancy outcomes, Alzheimer’s disease, cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, and respiratory infections. It aims to synthesize evidence on how local oral infections exert systemic effects and evaluate the potential of diagnostic technologies to monitor these interactions.

Methods

This narrative review synthesizes current scientific literature on periodontal disease pathogenesis, focusing on key pathogens (e.g., Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum) and their roles in driving local and systemic inflammation via virulence factors and microbial dysbiosis. It examines biomarker-based diagnostic approaches …

Bridging Oral And Systemic Health: Exploring Pathogenesis, Biomarkers, And Diagnostic Innovations In Periodontal Disease, Max Foroughi, Mahmoud Torabinejad, Nikola Angelov, David M Ojcius, Keykavous Parang, Marcus Ravnan, Jerika Lam

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Purpose: This narrative review explores the multifaceted links between periodontal diseases (gingivitis and periodontitis) and systemic health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, adverse pregnancy outcomes, Alzheimer's disease, cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, and respiratory infections. It aims to synthesize evidence on how local oral infections exert systemic effects and evaluate the potential of diagnostic technologies to monitor these interactions.

Methods: This narrative review synthesizes current scientific literature on periodontal disease pathogenesis, focusing on key pathogens (e.g., Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum) and their roles in driving local and systemic inflammation via virulence factors and microbial dysbiosis. It examines biomarker-based diagnostic approaches (e.g., IL-1β, …

Control Of Alveolar Bone Development, Homeostasis, And Socket Healing By Salt-Inducible Kinases, Nicha Tokavanich, Byron Chan, Katelyn Strauss, Christian D Castro Andrade, Yuki Arai, Mizuki Nagata, Marc Foretz, Daniel J Brooks, Noriaki Ono, Wanida Ono, Marc N Wein

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Alveolar bone supports and anchors teeth. The parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) pathway plays a key role in alveolar bone biology. Salt-inducible kinases (SIKs) are important downstream regulators of PTH/PTHrP signaling in the appendicular skeleton, where SIK inhibition increases bone formation and trabecular bone mass. However, the function of these kinases in alveolar bone remains unknown. Here, we report a critical role for SIK2/SIK3 in alveolar bone development, homeostasis, and socket healing after tooth extraction. Inducible SIK2/SIK3 (Ubq-creERt;Sik2f/f;Sik3f/f) deletion led to dramatic alveolar bone defects without changes in tooth eruption. Ablating these kinases impairs alveolar bone formation due to disrupted osteoblast …

Comparison Of Hand-Wrist And Cvms Methods For Craniofacial Growth Spurt Assessment, Ardita Ajvazi

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Objective: Hand-wrist (HW) radiographs are considered the most accurate method for assessing pubertal growth spurts in orthodontics but have declined in use due to added radiation exposure and the expertise required. Cervical vertebral maturation staging (CVMS) is now commonly used, given the routine availability of lateral cephalograms. However, the validity of CVMS remains uncertain. A recent study reported only 66% inter-observer reliability across time periods (Ingersoll, 2024). This follow-up study aims to evaluate CVMS as a predictor of growth to guide clinical decision-making. Methods: With protocol approval (MU HR-4695), this retrospective study followed a design modeled after a prior study …

Effect Of Endodontic Access Preparation On The Retention Of Zirconia Crowns With Temporary Or Permanent Access Hole Restorations: An In Vitro Study, J. Nick Sanders, Amir H. Nejat, Peter Dupree, Edwin Kee, Madeleine E. Raymond, Fred Mcmullen

School of Dentistry Faculty Publications

Objectives: To evaluate the effect endodontic access preparation had on the retention of anterior zirconia crowns after restoring the access hole with temporary versus permanent restorative materials. Methods: 30 anterior zirconia crowns were milled from 5Y-TZP zirconia and bonded to a 3D printed die with resin cement. Crowns were randomly divided into three groups including negative control (NC, n = 10) with no endodontic access preparation; positive control (PC, N = 10) received endodontic access preparation and was restored with a temporary restorative material (Cavit); composite restoration (CR, N = 10) received an endodontic access preparation and then the access …

Finite Element Analysis Of Stress Distribution In Unilateral Distal Extension Partial Dentures: A Comparison Of Four Attachment Designs, Maha Nagy Kamal, Haitham Amr, Abdallah Shokry

Dentistry

No abstract provided.

Hypersensitivity Assessment Of Non-Carious Cervical Lesions After Treatment With Different Desensitizing Protocols: A Randomized Clinical Trial, Mohamed Fouad Haridy, Hoda Omar Fouda, Mohamed Tarek Heiba, Ahmed Fawzy Aboelezz, Amr Faisal

Dentistry

No abstract provided.

Chronic Exposure To Porphyromonas Gingivalis Disrupts Macrophage Innate Immune Responses, Corey Allen Foulk

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Introduction: Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) is a pathogenic, “red-complex” bacteria found in higher concentrations in advanced gingivitis and periodontitis. Macrophages are capable of adopting numerous phenotypes depending on the surrounding environment. Classic M1 macrophages are the result of inflammatory signals including IFNγ. This study investigated whether naïve M0 macrophages can transition into classic M1 macrophages following stimulation with traditional agonists after cells have been exposed to formalin killed P. gingivalis.Methods: The THP-1 monocytes were differentiated into naïve macrophages (M0) using PMA treatment. The M0 cells were challenged with formalin killed P. gingivalis for 24 hours. After prolonged exposure to P. gingivalis, …

Oral Prevalence Of Selenomonas Noxia Differs Among Orthodontic Patients Compared To Non-Orthodontic Controls: A Retrospective Biorepository Analysis, Kyle Hodges

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Introduction: The introduction of fixed orthodontic brackets in orthodontic therapy has the potential to significantly alter the oral microbial flora. Most orthodontic research has focused on cariogenic pathogens, while some evidence has demonstrated an increase in many known periodontal pathogens. However, little is known about the prevalence of the gram-negative periodontal pathogen, Selenomonas noxia (SN) among these patients.Methods: Using an existing saliva biorepository, n=208 samples from adult and pediatric orthodontic and non-orthodontic patients were identified and screened for the presence of SN using qPCR and validated primers. Results: In the pediatric study sample (n=89) 36% tested positive for the presence …

Cone Beam Ct Assessment Of The Zygomatico-Maxillary Buttress For Bone Thickness And Clinical Implications For Miniscrew Insertion, Zachary Hendrickson

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: Temporary anchorage devices (TADs) have changed the way many orthodontists practice orthodontics. TADs are mini-screw temporary implants made of titanium or stainless steel that are placed in the patient's bone in different locations to aid in complex biomechanical movements. This complete anchorage aids in distalization, intrusion, protraction, etc. with less reliance on patience compliance. While TADs have made many movements easier, there are limitations such as choice of where to place it, skill at placing them and patient individual physiology and anatomy that can limit the use of TADs.Objectives: Infrazygomatic crest (IZC) TADs are particularly useful for distalization and …

Torque Efficacy Of Cadmus Bracket Design Using Clear Aligners, Joseph Soderberg

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Introduction: Clear aligner therapy (CAT) is an alternative option for clinicians to use for orthodontic treatment as opposed to fixed appliances. Many patients prefer clear aligner therapy due to its esthetic looks, removability, ease of oral hygiene, and comfort. Clear aligner companies boast to clinicians that it can be used more efficiently and effectively than fixed appliances in many orthodontic cases. Although these claims have been made, there is a lack of evidence to prove that clear aligner therapy is more efficient or effective. This research will focus on torque control. This project is designed around a new, pre-manufactured attachment …

The Effects Of Sugar Alcohols On The Growth Of Cariogenic Bacteria, Jake Sanders Boone

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to examine the potential of sugar alcohols, commonly used as sugar substitutes to reduce the activity of dental caries causing bacteria. Specifically, the sugar alcohols xylitol, erythritol, sorbitol, and mannitol were placed into the growth media of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus. The effects on their bacterial growth were observed. 10% xylitol, 10% erythritol, 10% sorbitol, 10% mannitol, 5% xylitol + 5% erythritol, and 3.3% erythritol + 3.3% xylitol + 3.3% sorbitol combinations were compared to the control groups for differences in bacterial growth. S. mutans samples were significantly inhibited by all groups except …

Teaming Up For Better Health: An Interprofessional Collaborative Approach To Older Adult Oral Care, Deborah Dowd, Jodie Lopez, Jennifer Goodman

Utah Conference on Community Engagement

Oral health is a critical component of overall health, significantly influencing systemic diseases and the quality of life in older adults. Conditions such as xerostomia, swallowing difficulties, and poor oral self-care are associated with aspiration pneumonia. Integrating oral health into healthcare in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) is essential for preventing various conditions and improving quality of life. Effective oral hygiene is crucial in avoiding non-ventilator hospital-associated pneumonia by reducing oral biofilm and lowering the risk of pneumonia. Nurses' knowledge and care in oral health across healthcare settings are vital for positive health outcomes. Revising nursing curricula to incorporate oral health …

Author Correction: Risk-Stratified Treatment For Drug-Susceptible Pulmonary Tuberculosis, Vincent K Chang, Marjorie Z Imperial, Patrick P J Phillips, Gustavo E Velásquez, Payam Nahid, Andrew Vernon, Ekaterina V Kurbatova, Susan Swindells, Richard E Chaisson, Susan E Dorman, John L Johnson, Marc Weiner, Amina Jindani, Thomas Harrison, Erin E Sizemore, William Whitworth, Wendy Carr, Kia E Bryant, Deron Burton, Kelly E Dooley, Melissa Engle, Pheona Nsubuga, Andreas H Diacon, Nguyen Viet Nhung, Rodney Dawson, Radojka M Savic, Aids Clinical Trial Group, Tuberculosis Trials Consortium

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

No abstract provided.

Triple Antibiotic Paste Pulpotomy (Lstr: Lesion Sterilization And Tissue Repair Technique) To Treat Necrotic Primary Molars, Kayleigh Denner Dmd

St. Chris Research Day

No abstract provided.

Student And Professionalism And Ethics Association (Spea) Reorganizes After Dormancy Since 2020

New Orleans Dental Association News

The Student Professionalism and Ethics Association (SPEA) promotes ethical growth in dentistry through student engagement, mentorship, and national collaboration. The LSU chapter, reestablished in 2025, is supported by faculty and the American College of Dentists.

The Use Of Dental Pulp Stem Cells For Pulp Regeneration And Tissue Repair, Blair Weiss, Kristi Soileau Dds, Med, Mshce, Facd, Ficd

New Orleans Dental Association News

Dental pulp stem cell therapy offers a promising alternative to traditional root canals by enabling pulp regeneration, preserving tooth vitality, and promoting healing, though further research and ethical considerations are needed before widespread clinical adoption.