Wilson Dental Library Dr. Clifton & Lois Dummett Research Award

Authors: Shanar Mardanpour (Ostrow DDS’27), Sheiva Hodjati (Leonard Davis School of Gerontology & pre-DDS student), Parmida Karmini (UCLA & pre-DDS student), and Dr. Mehdi Mohammadi (faculty advisor & Associate Professor Of Clinical Dentistry at Ostrow). Their research highlights air pollution risks for older adults caused by high concentrations of common toxic pollutants found in dental clinics from aerosol-generating dental procedures and materials, such as ultrasonic scalers, bonding agents, and sterilization supplies. The authors advocate for the adoption of more efficient ventilation systems, the use of low-emission materials, and strict prevention measures in dental clinics to mitigate the presence of toxins to create safer clinical environments for vulnerable older patients and dental healthcare workers.

The abstract for poster #87 — Breathless: The Alarming Impact of Air Pollution in Dental Offices — is featured on page 68 of the Explorer 2024 issue. The Explorer is an award-winning journal produced each year by the Ostrow Student Research Group

Dr. Sohee Moon is a student in the Advanced Orthodontics program. Dr. Moon’s research poster focuses on short root anomaly as a genetic disorder that disproportionately affects Hispanic and Latinx populations. This problem leads to further complications in a large population that is already experiencing increased oral health problems due to barriers to access and the cost of oral health care. Oral health care providers who are aware of these issues are more equipped to provide culturally competent care and improve oral health outcomes.