Amanda Abdala
Faculty mentor: Jacqueline Abranches
“Better together: NaF-H2O2 treatment effectively reduces Streptococcus mutans-Candida albicans biofilms”
When the bacterium S. mutans and the yeast C. albicans team up, they can form aggressive biofilms that cause severe tooth decay.
Research led by Amanda Abdala demonstrates that a combination therapy of fluoride and hydrogen peroxide is highly effective at combating this duo.
The approach works like a one-two punch: fluoride first inhibits a protective enzyme, called catalase, produced by the yeast. This action dismantles the yeast’s defenses, leaving the cavity-causing bacteria vulnerable to the hydrogen peroxide treatment. Such a breakthrough could pave the way for powerful oral hygiene therapies, especially for patients at high risk for cavities.
Samantha Bender
Faculty mentor: Dayane Oliveira
“Wavelength-Dependent Cytokine Modulation in Metabolically Stressed Fibroblasts”
The bright blue light that hardens a fresh dental filling can also create something like a “cellular sunburn” in the surrounding tissues, triggering inflammation and post-procedure pain.
New research by Samantha Bender demonstrates a gentler alternative. The study found that while blue light amplifies cellular stress, red light significantly improves cell survival and actively promotes a healing environment.
With this discovery, dentists could see curing in a new light. That is to say, a light that’s not only effective but also minimizes discomfort and speeds up patient recovery.
Nick Brunetti
Faculty mentor: Lin Zeng
“Functional characterization of Atypical Aquaglyceroporins in Oral Streptococci”
In the microscopic “arms race” between beneficial and harmful bacteria in our mouths, the primary weapon is often hydrogen peroxide. This research from Nicholas Brunetti identifies a crucial protein that acts as a gatekeeper, controlling the flow of this weapon. By demonstrating how this gatekeeper regulates a bacterium’s ability to either attack its rivals or defend itself, the study reveals a precise new target for therapies. An insight like this could help develop treatments that tip the balance in favor of our natural defenses against cavities.
Laura Carrasco Cordero
Faculty mentors: Ana Duran-Pinedo, Jorge Frias-Lopez
“Substrate Specificity of Porphyromonas gingivalis Cas3: DNA, RNA, or Both?”
The bacterium P. gingivalis is a master architect of severe gum disease. Research by Laura Carrasco Cordero uncovered that one of its virulence control tools, a protein named Cas3, is a multi-functional regulator.
On one hand, the protein acts as a “DNA sniper,” defending the bacterium by destroying invading genetic material including viruses. On the other hand, it also works internally, managing the bacterium’s own genome to maintain stability, regulate its disease-causing potential and normalize physiology.
By precisely defining Cas3’s dual roles, this study helps us understand a sophisticated control mechanism that could be targeted to disarm this formidable pathogen.
Lauren Mai
Faculty mentors: Astha Singhal, Daniel W. McNeil
“Dentists’ Readiness and Experiences Treating Patients with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities”
Why do many dentists feel unprepared to treat patients with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD)?
Lauren Mai’s research answers this by going directly to the source: the dentists themselves. Her interview-based qualitative research revealed they often feel well-trained but in need of specialized skills to successfully navigate the complexity of their job.
By identifying the missing preparation like hands-on training, better resources and systemic support, this research provides a roadmap for reform. This research is a step toward ensuring all providers are equipped to treat every patient with confidence.
Viet Nguyen
Faculty mentor: José A. Lemos
“Stress is more; Methylglyoxal and metal stress in Streptococcus mutans”
This research reveals a clever way to fight cavity-causing bacteria: turning their sweet tooth against them.
When the bacterium Streptococcus mutans binges on sugar, it creates a toxic internal byproduct. Viet Nguyen’s study found that while the bacteria can usually manage this internal stress, its defenses crumble when combined with external stress from metals like zinc, a common ingredient in toothpaste.
Underscoring the potency of internal and external pressure, a premier anti-cavity cocktail seems to emerge in the evolution toward more effective oral hygiene therapies.
Emily Sardzinski
Faculty mentors: Emily J. Bartley, Daniel W. McNeil
“In-Vivo Exposure for Dental Anxiety and Fear: A Chairside Approach”
For the millions of people who avoid dental care due to anxiety and fear, this research from Emily Sardzinski tests a practical solution right where it’s needed most: the dental chair. It demonstrates that a brief, video-based and clinician-guided intervention—where patients are gradually exposed to the realities of a dental visit—can significantly break the cycle of fear and anxiety. For dental teams wanting to help their most uncomfortable patients feel safe, this provides a ready-to-use, scalable approach to ensure all patients can receive the care they need.
Jerold Te
Faculty mentor: Nadeem Khan
“IFN-γ driven remodeling of heme metabolism and inflammatory responses in macrophages”
Severe gum disease can create a destructive cycle of inflammation, like a raging forest fire in the mouth.
This research, led by Jerold Te, reveals how certain immune cells, called macrophages, can end up fanning the flames instead of putting them out.
The study shows that an FDA-approved drug, hemin, acts as a “fire chief” to restore order. It reprograms these haywire immune cells, switching them from a destructive, pro-inflammatory state to one that promotes resolution and healing.
His discovery highlights a powerful therapeutic strategy to treat the root causes of periodontitis and other chronic inflammatory diseases.
Ryan Yap
Faculty mentor: Luis R. Martinez
“The Effects of Methamphetamine on the Collagen-Binding Protein Cnm in Streptococcus mutans”
To understand the devastating decay of “meth mouth,” this research asked a key question: Does the drug act as a direct fertilizer of sorts for the weed-like bacteria that cause cavities?
Ryan Yap’s study tested this by focusing on a specific protein that bacteria use to latch onto teeth, Cnm. The results were surprising: Methamphetamine failed to enhance this protein’s function, meaning it did not act as a direct fertilizer.
This finding suggests the drug’s destructive power comes not from making the bacteria themselves stronger, but from ruining the healthy environment, or garden so to speak, of the mouth.
It’s a crucial distinction that could direct future therapies away from disarming the bacteria and toward repairing the severe environmental damage that allows them to thrive.