Orthodontic Faculty Development Fellowship Award Synopsis
Zongyang Sun The Ohio State University
Biography
Dr. Zongyang Sun is an assistant professor in the College of Dentistry Division of Orthodontics at the Ohio State University. He received his dental degree and an MS in Oral Anatomy and Physiology from West China University of Medical Sciences in 1996 and 1999, respectively. He then obtained his MSD in Orthodontics and PhD in Oral Biology from the University of Washington in 2007. Dr. Sun's career goal is to become an independent investigator and an excellent educator in orthodontics.
Research project
Large skeletal defects or deficiency (e.g. severe mandibular retrognathia) in the craniofacial region are extremely detrimental to patient's vital functions (mastication, speech and breathing) and esthetics. The current gold standard treatment for these problems is orthognathic surgery with autografting of bone harvested from the iliac crests or ribs, which has several major limitations. In pursuit of a better alternative, researchers and practitioners have begun restoring craniofacial bone defects by stimulating local bone regeneration, and two major approaches have been developed so far. One employs mechanical means via distraction osteogenesis (DO), and the other uses bioengineering and entails implantation of osteogenic cell- or cytokine-based scaffolds to the defect. Distraction osteogenesis (DO), viewed as a form of endogenous tissue engineering, is an approach built upon the principle that mechanical tensile stress stimulates bone formation. Cell or cytokine-based bioengineering, on the other hand, is an interdisciplinary approach that combines bone biology with material and engineering sciences. A clinical strategy that combines these two approaches has not been investigated. Such combined strategy may overcome the challenges these two approaches individually face. Specifically, scaffolds loaded with osteoprogenitor cells can optimize and expedite the onset of osteogenesis inside the defect, while distraction osteogenesis can facilitate bone osteoinduction and osteoconduction inside the scaffold materials.
Dr. Sun's research project for this fellowship is aimed at conducting a pilot study using this combined strategy in a pig model, a large animal model with strong similarity to the human in craniofacial size, anatomy and function. Using support from the previous AAOF grants and other sources, Dr. Sun's lab has recently established methodology to aspirate pig bone marrow, culture and expand bone marrow stromal cells. During this fellowship period, they will use these techniques to obtain autologous bone marrow stromal cells, expand them into large quantities ex vivo and incorporate them with scaffold materials, then transplant the scaffolds to mandibular distraction osteogenesis sites, followed by distraction and consolidation treatment. Bone regeneration results of autologous bone marrow stromal cell transplantation and distraction will be evaluated by radiographic, histochemical and biomechanical methods. The results from this pilot study will be used to apply for funds from the NIH to launch a comprehensive study on this topic.
Significance of AAOF award
The AAOF Faculty Development Award will be used to support Dr Sun's lab personnel and experimental materials needed for this pilot study. This support will also provide tremendous help for Dr. Sun academic career development. He is very grateful for AAOF's continuous support.
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Orthodontic Faculty Development Fellowship Award Synopsis
Dr. Hao Fourth Military Medical University in Xi'an, China
Dr. Hao received his DDS, MS and PhD in 1991, 1994 and 1997 from the Fourth Military Medical University in Xi'an, China and subsequently worked as a postdoctoral fellow at the Shanghai Institute of Cell Biology and Shanghai 9th People's Hospital from 1997 to 1999. He worked as a research assistant professor in the Department of Oral Biology at University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) after he moved to the United States in 1999. He became an orthodontic resident at UIC in 2008. Currently he is a full-time clinical assistant professor at University of Connecticut Health Center. His career goal is to become a researcher, educator and clinician in Orthodontics
Research Project
The hereditary dentin disorders are broadly classified into two major types: dentinogenesis imperfectas (DIs, types I-III) and dentin dysplasias (DDs, types I and II). Clinically, the teeth are discolored and show structural defects such as bulbous crowns and small pulp chambers radiographically. All forms of DIs and DDs, except DI type I and DD type I, appear to result from mutations in the gene coding for dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP). The hypotheses are that DSPP gene mutations cause defective protein misfolding and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in odontoblasts. The treatment with pharmacological chaperones can prevent misfolding of these mutant DSPP proteins and enhance their transport out of the cell, ameliorating the detrimental effects of ER stress. It is proposed that pharmacological chaperone therapy may provide a novel treatment intervention strategy to prevent the defective dentin formation that underlies DSPP-associated dentin defects.
How orthodontic education will benefit from the award
Successful completion of these studies will provide new targets for preventive and therapeutic interventions for some forms of hereditary dentin disorders and craniofacial anomalies caused by ER stress. In addition, it is expected that the results will fundamentally advance the fields of cell biology and hereditary disorders.
Why the Foundation is important to the project
Dr. Hao is enormously appreciative to the AAOF for Alber P. Westfall Memorial Teaching Fellowship award. The award will allow him to focus on conducting his research and becoming an independent investigator.
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Orthodontic Faculty Development Fellowship Award Synopsis
Ki Beom Kim Saint Louis University
I received my D.D.S. from Dankook University, Korea in 1992, and an Oral Medicine certificate and M.S.D. from Dankook University in 1995, and a PhD in Orofacial Pain from Dankook University in 2002. In 2000, I became a Diplomate of the American Board of Orofacial Pain. Further I received my orthodontic training at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. I have been teaching as an Assistant Professor at Saint Louis University, Center for Advanced Dental Education since July 2005.
Proposed Research Plan
Numerical simulation of pharyngeal airways of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients following maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) surgery using computational fluid dynamics (CFD).
A recent study showed that there was a significant increase in the lateral and anteroposterior airway dimensions and volume following MMA surgery. Airflow in OSA patients following MMA surgery will be evaluated using CFD.
The relationship between three dimensional geometrical changes and computational fluid dynamics will be examined. The relative pressure, eddy viscosity coefficient, and total area-averaged pressure drops will also be evaluated. The results of this project will give us a better understanding of pathophysiology of OSA.
Benefit to Orthodontic Education and Significance
My professional goal is to develop into an excellent clinical orthodontist and scientific investigator. Orthodontic Faculty Development Fellowship Award supports the development of clinical knowledge and research skills that are necessary to reach my professional goal. The financial support from the award will help to finish the proposed project and provide valuable information about the obstructive sleep apnea.
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Orthodontic Faculty Development Fellowship Award Synopsis
Sean Shih-Yao Liu Indiana University
My name is Sean Shih-Yao Liu. I earned my DDS and MS in Orthodontics in 1999 and 2003, respectively, from Taipei Medical University. Following my PhD education in Biomedical Sciences at Baylor College of Dentistry, Texas A&M Health Science Center in 2008, I was appointed as an Assistant Professor in the
Department of Orthodontics and Oral Facial Genetics at Indiana University School of Dentistry. I also serve as the Director of the Mineralized Tissue and Histology Research Laboratory. The objective of my awarded project titled "A novel 3D superimposing technology to evaluate mandibular growth" is to establish a valid method of evaluating condylar growth, and based on this new technology to collect clinical preliminary data comparing the traditional Herbst appliance and the new mandibular anterior reposition appliance (MARA). The central hypothesis of the application is that the MARA guides greater mandibular advancement and condylar growth with lesser dental movement, compared to the Herbst appliance. The rationale for the proposed research is that, if mandibular deficiency is not corrected in the growing stage, patients will face greater difficulty in treatment with limited treatment options, such as surgery or camouflaged orthodontic treatment with tooth extraction, in their late adolescence or adulthood. Such options lead to higher invasiveness and medical expense. Based on our supportive preliminary data, this hypothesis will be tested by pursuing two specific aims: 1) Establish a means to measuring 3D morphological changes of the condyle; 2) Obtain pilot data for developing a larger study comparing treatment effectiveness of the traditional Herbst appliance and MARA.
Under the first aim, a previously established 3D cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) superimposition technology in an adult case will be further developed to superimpose 3D digital models on natural stable structures of the anterior cranial base and the mandible in 3 growing patients, respectively. Under the second aim, 16 patients will be recruited, randomly allocated into two groups, and treated using the Herbst and MARA, respectively. Dental and skeletal landmark movement and condylar growth under both aims will be evaluated using newly developed 3D superimposition system and represented in 3D coordinate and color mapping systems. This study is innovative because it creates a new approach to understand craniofacial growth and evaluates effects of orthopedic growth modification while also investigating new treatment approaches for correcting mandibular deficiency. The proposed research is significant because it provides a new evidenced-based approach to assess growth and treatment outcomes in a 3D manner while also benefiting orthodontic education by virtually understanding the relationships between orthopedic treatment and craniofacial growth. The funding granted for this project will help our research team purchase necessary equipment and cover research personnel. The American Association of Orthodontists Foundation plays an essential and important role not only in developing novel technology but also to bring our field, Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, a big step forward.
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Orthodontic Faculty Development Fellowship Award Synopsis
Padma Mukherjee University of Connecticut
Candidate: After receiving my dental degree from the University of Pune, India in 2002; I came to the United States to pursue my interests in craniofacial research and orthodontics. I received my clinical certificate in Orthodontics and Ph.D. in Craniofacial Biology at the University of Connecticut Health Center in Farmington, Connecticut in 2008. The focus of my doctoral dissertation was to assess bone changes in two craniofacial anomalies: Cherubism and Craniometaphyseal Dysplasia. During my training, I utilized 3D imaging to visualize and analyze qualitative and quantitative changes in bone. I was awarded the Young Investigator Award by ASBMR and Thomas Graber Award of Special Merit, by AAO. Soon after graduation, I became a full-time Assistant Professor in the Division of Orthodontics at the University of Connecticut Health Center, my Alma mater. My long-term goal is to become a successful orthodontic educator and researcher.
Project:The purpose of this research study is to use Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images to quantitatively evaluate the effects of orthodontically retracted maxillary incisors on the palatal bone and the incidence of incisor root resorption. The results from this study would add a new dimension to the current orthodontic literature on the effects of orthodontic retraction of incisors and the publications would also be crucial in the development of my academic career.
Significance of the AAOF Award: I feel fortunate to have received the AAOF Faculty Development Award. This research award will provide me the necessary funds to pursue my research interests in three-dimensional imaging of bone. I also feel that this award is extremely encouraging to a junior faculty such as myself who is dedicated to an academic career.
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Orthodontic Faculty Development Fellowship Award Synopsis
Tung T. Nguyen University of North Carolina
Biography
I received my DMD from Tufts University in 2005 and completed my Masters in Orthodontics from the University of North Carolina in 2008. I completed the William R Proffit Teaching Fellowship before joining the faculty at UNC as a Clinical Professor. I serve as the Clinical Director for Pre-doctoral orthodontics but also share my time teaching in the Graduate Program.
Project
The primary focus of my research is 3-D assessment of hard and soft tissue changes associated with Bone Anchored Maxillary Protraction (BAMP) in the treatment of young Class III patients. Recent publications show the effectiveness of BAMP in producing orthopedic results without dentoalveolar compensations that are often accompany alternative treatment modalities such as reverse-pull face mask or chin cup therapy. In a joint collaboration between UNC and Hugo DeClerck of Belgium, we have accumulated a database consisting of 40+ patients with cone-beam CT (CBCT) images (T1- initial CBCT image before treatment and T2- 1 year after the start of treatment). We are currently building 3D models and superimposing the images on the anterior cranial base to analyze the skeletal and soft tissue changes. I plan finish the data analysis and submit the findings for publication in 2010.
As with any new treatment modality, the question of long-term stability is paramount. We plan to obtain 2-year CBCT records for these patients to evaluate the effectiveness and stability of BAMP. This follow-up data can also be used to enhance our understanding of 3-D longitudinal skeletal changes in Class III patients as well as 3D airway and soft tissue changes associated with BAMP.
How orthodontic education will benefit from AAOF Award
The data obtained from our research offer a promising alternative to conventional treatment of skeletal Class III malocclusion. Long-term data is still needed to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of this methology and the AAOF award will help to supplement the funding needed to accomplish this.
Why the Foundation is important to the Project
I am extremely grateful to the AAOF for their support. Finding the necessary time to split between developing teaching materials, conducting independent research and continuing to advance my clinical skills can be logistically difficult. The AAOF award allows me to hire support staff for data collection with my research and gives me the protected time to focus on developing new teaching materials as well as learn new clinical techniques.
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Orthodontic Faculty Development Fellowship Award Synopsis
Hee Soo Oh Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry University of the Pacific
I have been working as a full-time faculty since I graduated the Orthodontic residency program at University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in September, 2005.
I have been actively involved in a number of investigations. Currently, I am conducting a study to investigate the usual course and outcome of mixed dentition treatment when three experienced clinicians treat each patient with his or her preferred therapeutic modality for each patient. I am also working on the development of a computer-assisted 2D superimposition method for the collection of longitudinal information from the AAOF Legacy collection. Valid records of normal craniofacial growth are a necessary prerequisite for the study of the effects of treatment through time. Without empirical studies of untreated subjects, it is impossible to fully and accurately assess the impact of treatment. These invaluable untreated, longitudinal records are only available as digital forms of 2D radiographs and study casts. Our lab, Craniofacial Research Instrumentation Laboratory (CRIL), has developed a new computer-assisted 2D superimposition method. The purpose of this project is to investigate the reliability and validity of our new method compared to hand tracing superimposition on acetate, the current academic standard.
My long term professional goal is to be an excellent clinical researcher and educator. This third award by AAOF has given me great encouragement in the pursuit of excellence in research and teaching, as well as help in my pursuit for extramural grant support.
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Orthodontic Faculty Development Fellowship Award Synopsis
Maria Orelanna University of California at San Francisco
In 2002, I completed a PhD in Oral Biology and Maxillofacial Pathology at the Medical College of Georgia. My thesis focused on mechanotransduction in orthodontic tooth movement in a rodent model. This very successful experience examining orthodontic tooth movement at the molecular level ignited my desire to gain a deeper understanding of the clinical aspect of orthodontics. After working one year as a teaching.
University of Alberta, I entered a residency in orthodontics in 2004.
Having completed an orthodontic residency and an MSc in Biomedical Sciences, I accepted a faculty position at the University of California San Francisco in July 2007. Recognizing the complexities of clinical research and my need for further instruction, I began a 1 year Advanced Training in Clinical Research (ATCR) certificate program offered by UCSF. I was very fortunate to receive the 2008 AAOF award that provided the means to gain additional training in the planning and implementation of clinical studies.
In the US, disparities exist with regard to orthodontic treatment to correct malocclusion with few Latino adolescents receiving this care compared to their white counterparts. Latino adolescents are a crucial underserved population; however, no one has examined their orthodontic treatment need and access to care. Given that the Latino population is rapidly growing, comprising 34% of the population younger than 18 years of age, this represents a fundamental gap in our knowledge. This project will address a series of basic questions. For example, although disparities in access to orthodontic care have been shown, the extent and underlying reasons for these disparities is not known. Furthermore, while malocclusion and access to orthodontic care are recognized as the product of numerous factors, they have never been analyzed in light of a multidimensional, multilevel conceptual model. Identifying barriers and developing solutions to reduce these disparities and improve the oral health of Latino adolescents is a long-term desired outcome from this initial line of research
Aim 1: To conduct a cross-sectional, epidemiologic study to examine Latino and non-Hispanic White high school students to assess their orthodontic need, and receipt of orthodontic treatment and to assess perceptions and demand for orthodontic treatment among those students who have not received treatment comparing those who do and do not need treatment according to ICON.
Aim 2: To administer a questionnaire to parents/guardians of high school students who have not received orthodontic treatment to assess their perceived need for their child's orthodontic treatment and compare it to their child's perceived need.
Aim 3: To empirically apply a multilevel, multidimensional conceptual model to understand access to, and treatment of, adolescent malocclusion. I am very thankful to the AAOF for the 2008 and 2010 and 2011 awards. I am very grateful to the Foundation for this opportunity. Their financial support is making a significant difference in individuals like myself who are commencing their academic careers.
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Orthodontic Faculty Development Fellowship Award Synopsis
Eugene E. West Memorial Fellowship Award Sundaralingam Premaraj, BDS, MS, PhD University of Nebraska
Dr. Sundaralingam Premaraj is the Graduate program director and an Assistant Professor in the Orthodontic Section, Dept. of Growth and Development at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) College Of Dentistry, Lincoln, Nebraska. Dr. Premaraj received his dental training from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. He then completed his initial orthodontic training at the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. He subsequently received a Ph.D. in Oral Biology and Orthodontic Certificate from The Ohio State University.
As a full-time faculty in orthodontics at UNMC, Dr. Premaraj is currently course director for one pre-doctoral orthodontic course and 3 graduate orthodontic courses. In addition, he is an instructor on other six graduate level orthodontic courses and seminars. Dr. Premaraj is a graduate faculty member on the Medical Sciences Interdepartmental Area graduate program at UNMC. He currently serves as a major advisor for three MS degree students. He also is the advisor for two pre-doctoral students' research projects.
Dr. Premaraj maintains an active research laboratory at the UNMC and his research program seeks to understand the Beta-catenin signaling pathways in periodontal ligament and alveolar bone in response to orthodontic loading. His other research interests include the role of cytokines in cranial suture fusion and Tgf-beta cell signaling in osteoblasts. Dr. Premaraj is the current President of the Nebraska Society of Orthodontists. He also maintains a part-time intra-mural private practice in Lincoln, NE.
The goal of Dr. Premaraj's current research is to understand the molecular pathways associated with orthodontic mechanotransduction. This research will help to identify molecular targets that can be manipulated to accelerate or impede tooth movement. These studies are of an important and under-investigated area of orthodontics and will identify the precise molecular mechanisms of how tooth movement occurs when an orthodontic force is applied to a tooth. This research has relevance to orthodontic therapy, because understanding of these mechanisms may lead to more efficient and predictable of tooth movement.
Dr. Premaraj is very grateful to AAOF for the continued support for his academic development. This fellowship will be used to supplement his salary. Financial support from the AAOF is very important for Dr. Premaraj to achieve his academic career goals. This award will allow him to dedicate most of his time for teaching and research.
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Orthodontic Faculty Development Fellowship Award Synopsis
Ling Ye University of Missouri at Kansas City
Dr. Ling Ye received his dental and orthodontic training in China. Currently he is holding jointly appointment in Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics and Department of Oral Biology, School of Dentistry, University of Missouri-Kansas City. To deliver the optimal force is an important topic in the orthodontic field. However, the speed of tooth movement is highly variable between individuals for the same applied force/area (stress) and may be related to other factors, such as stage of development, bone quality, and genetics of the individual. Until now, no study has focused on the relationship between strain and alveolar bone remodeling. And no study has focused on the relationship between osteocyte apoptosis and strain in alveolar bone. If alveolar bone remodeling is correlated with certain levels of strain, and strain can be calculated based on loading and bone properties, future orthodontists may customize optimal orthodontic forces for each patient. The hypotheses of the current application are that: different levels of strain may lead to different biological responses in alveolar bone, and high strain in alveolar bone leads to increased osteocyte apoptosis. We will develop the device to deliver loads through mandibular molars in vivo to an anesthetized mouse. Specifically we will study the following biological responses to mechanical loading. Data from this project is expected to provide useful information for future customization of the optimal orthodontic force for clinical patients. The support from American Association of Orthodontists Foundation will be used to generate preliminary data to apply for future funding from NIH.
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December 15, 2008
Dear PARC and AAOF Boards:
Attached please find the progress report for our Center Award Planning Grant entitled, "The AAOF Craniofacial Growth Legacy Collection: Pilot and Planning Application". We are pleased with the progress we have been able to make with 6 months of funding, and hope that the AAOF recognizes our achievements.
The original award letter stipulated that I or another member of the steering committee attend both the AAOF PARC board meeting in February, 2009 and the AAOF BOD meeting in March 2009 to give a presentation regarding our progress. Please let us know if this is still desired. One possible alternative would be to have a videoconference amongst the AAOF BOD, personnel in charge of modifying the platform at the University of the Pacific, and one or more members of the steering committee. We will be happy to comply with whatever is decided.
Thank you for the opportunity to demonstrate the collaboration between these 10 collections. We hope that this will form the foundation for a valuable "Legacy‟ collection available on the website for researchers.
Sincerely,
Leslie A. Will, DMD, MSD
For the Steering Committee (Drs. Baumrind, McNamara, and Baumrind) and the remaining curators (Drs. Covell, Currier, Hans, Richardson, Sherwood, and Tompson)
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Orthodontic Faculty Development Fellowship Award Synopsis
Manuel Oscar Lagravere Vich University of Alberta
Biography
I am originally from Lima, Peru. I completed my Degree in Dental Sciences (2000) and Master’s in Science (2003) at the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia. Afterward, I came to Edmonton to start my PhD Orthodontic Residency which was completed in July 2009. I was hired as a Research Associate of the Orthodontic Graduate Program on August 2008 and in January 2010, became a Clinical Assistant Professor. I am currently teaching in the undergraduate and post-graduate orthodontic programs at the University of Alberta. I am continuously involved in academia – teaching and research in orthodontics, supervising projects from undergraduate and post-graduate students while I focus on my main area of expertise (Maxillary Expansion and Three-Dimensional Analysis). I won several awards, the most important being the Harry Sicher Research Award in 2010, and a student of mine won the IADR Diagnostics Scientific Group Award. I have published more than 30 peer-reviewed papers and have traveled to several places in the world to give lectures and to improve my own academic background.
Project
My project was traditional treatment of narrow maxillary arches with posterior crossbite, involving a Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME) with separation of the midpalatal suture. The most common approach uses a Hyrax appliance attached to the first premolar and first permanent molar teeth. In recent years, a new generation of “passive” self-ligation orthodontic brackets (Damon®) have been introduced. These brackets are reported to produce less friction than traditional orthodontic brackets, which theoretically allows tooth movement to occur with lower forces, and in most cases, eliminates the need for RME expanders and their negative effects. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the effectiveness of two different maxillary expansion treatments currently being used in orthodontic treatment. It will determine the dental, skeletal and nasal airway volume effects of using the Damon® system (self-ligating brackets) and Hyrax appliance followed by non self-ligating brackets.
Benefits for Orthodontic Education
Although the Damon® System for correction of posterior crossbite is widely used around the world, not much literature is published comparing Damon® and traditional RME treatments. One study, Yu et al. {Yu 2008}, treated a total of 19 patients (9 with RME and 10 with the Damon® System) and concluded that both treatment methods could increase the arch width. The Damon® group had more protrusion of the upper and lower incisors. Transverse expansion of the arch occurred through buccal tipping of the posterior teeth. RME treatment expanded the maxillary base and upper dental arch, and no protrusion of the incisors was noticed.
Expansion treatments are commonly used in orthodontic practices bringing results that vary depending on which protocol of treatment is being applied. Three-dimensional imaging will help clinicians find the real changes present and avoid the disadvantages present from traditional imaging when trying to interpret them. With these results, clinicians will be able to decide which treatment modality is the best based on sound scientific evidence.
Importance of AAOF
The AAOF is important in my plan because having just started my academic career, the AAOF will provide me with funds to supplement my current salary. Teaching orthodontics is a passion of mine, especially when I see the education and research development in undergraduate and post-graduate students. This award will help me relieve the economical stress associated with an early academic career and be able to focus on becoming a better professional and family man.
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Orthodontic Faculty Development Fellowship Award
Dr. Guoqiang Guan, DDS, PhD State University of New York at Buffalo
After years of effort in teaching clinical orthodontics, conducting scientific research in craniofacial biology, Dr. Guan refreshed himself by receiving his second DDS in 2010 from the State University of New York at Buffalo (SUNY Buffalo), as an addition to his first DDS from the Peking University. With completion of the postgraduate orthodontic residency training in orthodontics both in Japan and the USA, Dr. Guan is board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics and currently serving as the Clinic Director for the Postgraduate Program at SUNY Buffalo.
As a Clinician/Scientist by holding a PhD in Craniofacial Biology from the Okayama University, Dr. Guan also completed postdoctoral training in Craniofacial Growth and Development from Baylor College of Dentistry and in Pharmaceutical Therapy from Louisiana State University. Dr. Guan is actively conducting research projects in craniofacial tissue regeneration, tooth development, and clinical orthodontics. His long term goal is to contribute substantially to the research program in craniofacial biology and clinical teaching.
Brief description of the project
Tooth agenesis is one of the most common developmental anomalies encountered in dental practice. It imposes a tough challenge on dental professionals in making effective treatment plans and in treatment to obtain the most functional and cosmetic results. In the case of tooth agenesis, orthodontists are faced with the decision of either creating enough spaces for a restorative replacement of the congenitally missing tooth/teeth, or to close space(s) and to achieve the relatively ideal occlusion. We now have the evidence that orthodontic patients present higher rates-prevalence of tooth agenesis due to the correlation with malocclusion. However, up to date, there is no clear elucidation to address the mechanism of tooth agenesis. The goal of this study is to acquire further data on the tooth agenesis and to prepare for an advanced potential project to interpret the developmental mechanism of tooth agenesis.
Benefit to the orthodontic education and the importance of the OFDFA award
Improved understanding of the developmental mechanism of tooth agenesis will provide the new scientific knowledge to the orthodontic education and the professionals. Eventually, the interpretation of the etiology will yield the strategy for prevention and treatment of these patients. Subsequently, these results will help improving the quality of life by reducing or even eliminating the potential of tooth agenesis. The OFDFA is important to the success in achieving this goal. As an impetus, it will also generate the motivation to develop the new research and interdisciplinary projects for further funding from various sources including NIH.
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Orthodontic Faculty Development Fellowship Award
Dr. Jose A. Bosio, BDS, MS Marquette University
Looking upon the orthodontics educator giants, recipients of an AAOF endorsement and trust, I am extremely honored to be part of this select group of academicians.
After completing my dental education at the Pontifical Catholic University of Parana - Brazil - in 1987, I had the opportunity to continue my studies at Eastman Dental Center, learning TMJ Disorders from Dr. Ross Tallents, who enthusiastically suggested I should Continue my studies in this country. The Ohio State University Orthodontic Program, under the guidance from Dr. Dale Wade and then Dr. Kate Vig, reassured my pursue for academics. Upon returning to my homeland, the only available opportunity was private practice, which I was engaged for 11 years. But the desire to teach and the importance of students and peers interactions were always present. Thus, I decide to return to the US in 2008 and started my academic tenure track career as Assistant Professor at MUSoD. My mid-term (5 years) professional goals are obtaining tenure and promotion to Associate Professor. My long-term goal (10+ years) is to be a Full Professor at an US Dental School which is internationally recognized for making original contributions to the specialty of Orthodontics.
To learn the steps from an Assistant Professor to a Full Professor, as well as the nuances of administrative and teaching abilities require time and intense dedication, and it is significantly different from private practice. But with time and the strong support I have received from Drs. T. Gerard Bradley and Arthur Hefti, my mentors, Dean W. Lobb, the staff, and the students I am confident I will achieve my goals. My job is fantastic and I wish I had made my mind to return to academics sooner.
I have started collecting a longitudinal database for most patients undergoing orthodontic treatment at MUSoD. Using clearly defined, robust facial measurement points, we will investigate 3-dimensional soft tissue changes of the lips, the nose and the mouth as a function of orthodontic treatment. The data, to be collected over many years, will permit testing the hypothesis that length of the lips, the shape of the mouth, and the shapes of columella and philtrum around the nose base remain constant after orthodontic treatment. The support I have had from AAO receiving the two-year Full-time Faculty Teaching (FTI) Fellowship Program Award, and now a continued support from AAOF being awarded the OFDFA T.M. Graber (a great icon of our profession) Teaching Fellowship Award, will allow me to travel and present my findings, and it will also be a significant complement to my salary, reducing the disparities between private practice and academics. I will be grateful to the AAOF for the rest of my life for believing in my potential to influence the future orthodontic generations.
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AAOF Award
Dr. Robert E Gaylord Tufts University
Biography
I received my DMD from Tufts University in 2005 and completed my Masters in Orthodontics from the University of North Carolina in 2008. I completed the William R Proffit Teaching Fellowship and joined the faculty at UNC as an Assistant Professor. I am a Diplomat of the American Board of Orthodontics and serve as the Clinic Director for Pre-doctoral Orthodontics but also teach in the Graduate Program at UNC.
Project
The focus of my research is 3-D assessment of skeletal and soft tissue changes associated with Bone Anchored Maxillary Protraction (BAMP) in the treatment of young Class III patients. Funding from the 2010 AAOF Fellowship allowed me analyze the data from our Class III patient treated with BAMP. It showed that the BAMP protocol produced significant orthopedic changes in the maxilla, zygomas and the circum-maxillary sutures without dentoalveolar compensation and counter-clockwise rotation of the maxilla. In addition, we found skeletal changes in mandible including restraint of sagittal growth of the chin, distalization of the posterior ramus and condyles, closure of the gonial angle and adaptive remodeling of the glenoid fossa.
3-D evaluation of the skeletal changes typically involves the use of closest point (CP). This approach is used by most commercial and academic software to assess displacement of structures over time at specific locations. However, it does not measure the distance between the corresponding points/ shapes, especially in cases of bone remodeling and growth, and therefore does not accurately report true skeletal displacement. Shape correspondence analysis (SPHARM-PDM) has been used to accurately measure morphological deviations in the brain and was recently validated by Cevidanes et al to measure skeletal changes in orthognathic surgery patients. I plan continue our studies by incorporating shape correspondence analysis to our BAMP sample to determine: 1) the direction of change of maxillary and mandibular structures including the condyles in three planes of space 2) changes in the shape and volume of the condyles and 3) airway volume changes.
The development of shape correspondence analysis/tools has applications beyond this study and can be used in longitudinal studies to enhance our understanding of growth patterns or evaluate skeletal changes associated with Class II appliances such as Herbst.
How orthodontic education will benefit from AAOF Award
Our research has shown that BAMP is promising approach for the early treatment of Class III malocclusion. This treatment modality produced orthopedic changes in young growing patient with minimal dentoalveolar compensations associated with facemask therapy. In addition, superimposition software designed for this project can applied to other orthodontic treatment methods to measure 3-D hard and soft tissue changes and evaluate growth.
Why the Foundation is important to the Project
Without the support of the AAOF, the progression of my research would not have been possible. It allowed me to hire assistant for data collection and protected my time for manuscript preparation and development of new teaching materials. I am extremely grateful to the AAOF for their continued support.
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AAOF Award
Bo Hou Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine
Biography
Dr. Bo Hou is an assistant professor in the Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine. She received her dental degree from Beijing Medical University in 1999 and Ph.D. in Biological Sciences in Dental Medicine from Harvard School of Dental Medicine in 2008. Following her graduation, Dr. Hou continued her education at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, earning a certificate in Orthodontics in 2010. Dr. Hou's career goal is to advance translational research in the specialty of orthodontics and make contributions to orthodontic education.
Project
It is well known that adult patients can benefit from orthodontic treatment in conjunction with other dental therapies. However, many are unable to undergo proper oral rehabilitation due to various dental and medical conditions including severe periodontal disease, osteoporosis and the use of medications, such as bisphosphonates. On the other hand, even when older patients can tolerate extensive orthodontic treatment, it often leads to root resorption and bone loss. Therefore, more efficient and controllable tooth movement is critical for improving orthodontic treatment outcomes. Understanding the cellular and molecular control mechanisms of orthodontic tooth movement will provide insights into designing novel strategies to facilitate orthodontic tooth movement.
During the process of orthodontic tooth movement, periodontal ligament (PDL) cells play a critical role in maintaining homeostasis and regeneration in response to orthodontic loading, i.e. mechanical stress. It has been shown that the genes involved in osteogenesis are upregulated in PDL cells upon application of stretching or fluid flow in vitro; however, how PDL cells sense and respond to mechanical stress remains largely unknown. The goal of this study is to establish a 3D in vitro model of PDL and investigate the changes of PDL cells in response to mechanical stress on cellular and molecular levels.
Why the Foundation is important to the Project
The AAOF award is critical in the early stage of my academic career. It will provide funds to supplement my lab and allow me to collect preliminary data for other funding opportunities including NIH grants. The award will also help me improve my teaching skills. I am very grateful for the generous support of AAOF.
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Orthodontic Faculty Development Fellowship Award
Joorok Park, DMD, MSD, Assistant Professor, Department of Orthodontics University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry
Biography
I studied dental medicine at University of Pennsylvania and completed my orthodontic residency at the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in 2008. Upon graduation, I have been working as a full-time faculty at the Pacific Dugoni School of Dentistry. I am involved in teaching didactic and clinical courses for pre-doctoral students and orthodontic residents. At the same time, I actively participate in numerous research projects with my mentors and teachers, Drs. Robert Boyd, Sheldon Baumrind, and Hee Soo Oh. I am very grateful to be part of a leading institution that promotes excellence in clinical care and research.
Project
The most fundamental basis of any 3D cephalometric analysis is identification of the frame of reference. The purpose of this project is to identify and investigate potential landmarks that are suitable for establishing the frame of reference in 3D cephalometric analysis. We will investigate the reliability of identifying these landmarks, and the effect of applying different frame of references on the resulting three-dimensional head orientation. I plan on using the existing collection of iCAT CBCT images from our department to conduct this study. In the future I hope to apply the results of this project to study certain dental characteristics in Class I, II, or III skeletal relationships.
Benefit to the orthodontic education
At present clinicians and researchers benefit from widely available CBCT units and their improving technologies which facilitate their application to various orthodontic cases. In transition from 2D to 3D cephalometric analysis, it is important to understand how 3D imaging works to accurately describe the craniofacial structure. Although a few three-dimensional analyses has been developed and suggested, their frames of reference have not been investigated for reliability and validity. My project will serve to help establish the basis for any future 3D cephalometric analysis.
Importance of the Foundation
The fund from the AAOF OFDFA will support my goal to become a proficient educator and researcher. As I start my academic career, this award will be a motivation for me to continue to educate future orthodontists and conduct clinical researches that will benefit the orthodontic education.
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Orthodontic Faculty Development Fellowship Award
Shiva Khatami, DDS, PhD Assistant Professor, Department of Orthodontics Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine
Biography
Dr. Khatami has a DDS degree from the University of Shahid Beheshti in Iran and a PhD in Craniofacial Science from the University of British Columbia in Canada. She completed her orthodontic residency at University of Rochester, Eastman Institute for Oral Health. Since July 2010, she has been working as an Assistant Professor in Department of Orthodontics at Nova Southeastern University in Florida.
Project
Her PhD research led to development of a conceptual framework for clinical reasoning in dentistry and orthodontics. She is currently conducting research on the approach to uncertainty in clinical reasoning by dental and orthodontic educators in practice and teaching. One of her prospective research areas involves developing a virtual patient program for improving clinical reasoning skills of dental students and clinicians.
Importance of the Foundation
The fellowship from the AAOF will support her efforts in pursuing the scholarship of teaching and learning through continuing research and professional development.
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Robert E. Binder Teaching Fellowship Award
Benjamin Pliska DDS MS FRCD(C), Assistant Professor, Division of OrthodonticsUniversity of British Columbia
Biography
I attended the University of Western Ontario for Dental School and was honored to serve as Class President and to graduate at the top of my class as the Gold Medalist in Dentistry. Immediately following dental school, I pursued specialty training in Orthodontics at the University of Minnesota, where I was granted a Certificate in Orthodontics and Master's Degree in Dentistry. Following graduation, I joined the faculty in the Graduate Orthodontic Program at the University of Minnesota and taught full-time as Assistant Clinical Professor for three years. This past year, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to return home to Canada to join the Faculty of Dentistry to teach full-time in the newly formed Graduate Orthodontic Program at the University of British Columbia.
The award funds will be used directly to help pay down the principle on my educational loans. This will prove helpful both in the short and long term, as it will also lower the burden of the monthly interest assessed on my educational debt. The opportunity to lessen the financial stresses associated with being a relatively new graduate starting an academic career, with a young family is greatly appreciated. Through this award the AAOF will be providing vital support to me as I embark on my academic and research career, by allowing me to focus on my development as opposed to the financial strains often associated with teaching full-time.
Project
Over the course of the next year, one research project I am particularly interested in pursuing involves examining the relationship between palatal expansion and sleep disordered breathing in adolescents and children. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a serious medical condition where breathing is characterized by recurrent, partial or complete episodes of upper airway obstruction. The consequences of OSAS in children include failure to thrive as well as behavioral and learning disturbances. OSAS has been associated with transverse maxillary deficiency in children and there is some evidence in the literature to support rapid palatal expansion as an alternative treatment to tonsil and adenoid surgery. However the exact patient population in which RPE may improve nighttime breathing is not well understood at this time.
The protocol for my pilot research project will involve the recruitment of patients of UBC's Graduate Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic programs who present with a restricted maxilla along with a similar number of skeletal Class I controls. In addition to routine orthodontic records, an overnight level III sleep study, evaluation of tonsils, palate and tongue and a sleep disturbance questionnaire will be performed both at baseline and following palatal expansion in the treatment group. The control group will have the same data collected at baseline and 4 months into orthodontic treatment. The changes and differences in several sleep breathing parameters, including snoring and oxygen saturation, between groups will be examined and compared. By better understanding the types of patients most likely to benefit from orthopedic, rather than surgical intervention, the inherent risks and costs associated with tonsilloadenoidectomy for OSAS may be avoided.
Benefit to the orthodontic education
This award will benefit orthodontic education by allowing me to focus on the development of my research career, which is vital to securing tenure in an academic institution. The support of the AAOF will prove instrumental in laying the foundation of what I intend to be a long successful career in orthodontic education and research.
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Orthodontic Faculty Development Fellowship Award
Dr. Upadhyay is an assistant clinical professor at the Division of Orthodontics, Department of Craniofacial Sciences, University of Connecticut, Health Center
Biography
. He obtained his dental degree from Manipal University, India in 2002, and a master’s degree in orthodontics from KLE University, India in 2006. He worked as a senior lecturer in the same school for a year before moving to the United States of America as a craniofacial fellow at the University of Connecticut. In the next couple of years he obtained a master’s degree and a certificate in orthodontics and has been a fulltime faculty at the university of Connecticut since July 2010. His academic responsibilities include teaching both undergraduate and graduate students (orthodontic residents) and overseeing the orthodontic clinic. Presently he is also the program director of the one-year orthodontic fellowship program.
Over the years Dr. Upadhyay has published numerous articles & abstracts in both national and international journals. He has also made numerous scientific presentations at various meeting all around the world. His research interests include skeletal anchorage, fixed retention and biomechanics of tooth movement. Currently he is working on the biomechanical aspects of space closure with sliding mechanics using mini-imlants and other conventional methods of space closure, like: elastic chains, NiTi coil springs etc. One of his primary objectives as a researcher and clinician is too translate the research from the lab to the patients and become an 'independent' researcher.
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Orthodontic Faculty Development Fellowship Award Synopsis
Manuel Oscar Lagravere Vich University of Alberta
Biography
I am original from Lima, Peru. I completed my Degree in Dental Sciences (2000) and Masters in Science (2003) at the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia. After this I came to Edmonton to start my PhD Orthodontic Residency which was completed in July 2009. I was hired as a Research Associate of the Orthodontic Graduate Program on August 2008 and in January 2010 became a Clinical Assistant Professor and am currently teaching in the Undergrad and Postgrad Orthodontic Programs, at the University of Alberta. I am continuously involved in academia teaching and research in orthodontics supervising projects from undergrad and postgrad students while I focus on my main area of expertise (Maxillary Expansion and Three-Dimensional Analysis). I won several awards, the most important being the Harry Sicher Research Award in 2010 and a student of mine winning the IADR Diagnostics Scientific Group award. I have published more than 30 peer-reviewed papers and have been in several places in the world giving lectures and improving my academic background.
Project
Traditional treatment of narrow maxillary arches with posterior crossbite involves Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME) with separation of the midpalatal suture. The most common approach uses a Hyrax appliance attached to the first premolar and first permanent molar teeth. In recent years, a new generation of “passive” self-ligation orthodontic brackets (Damon) have been introduced. These brackets are reported to produce less friction than traditional orthodontic brackets, which theoretically allows tooth movement to occur with lower forces and in most cases eliminating the need for RME expanders and their negative effects. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the effectiveness of two different maxillary expansion treatments currently being used in orthodontic treatment. It will determine the dental, skeletal and nasal airway volume effects of using the Damon system (self-ligating brackets) and Hyrax appliance followed by non self- ligating brackets.
Benefits for orthodontic education
Although the Damon system for correction of posterior crossbite is widely used around the world, not much literature is published comparing Damon and traditional RME treatments. One study, Yu et al. {Yu 2008}, treated a total of 19 patients (9 with RME and 10 with Damon system) and concluded that both treatment methods could i0ncrease the arch width. The Damon group had more protrusion of the upper and lower incisors. Transverse expansion of the arch occurred through buccal tipping of the posterior teeth RME treatment expanded the maxillary base and upper dental arch and no protrusion of the incisors was noticed.Expansion treatments are commonly used in orthodontic practices bringing results that vary depending on which protocol of treatment is being applied. Three-dimensional imaging will help clinicians find the real changes present and avoid the disadvantages present from traditional imaging when trying to interpret them. With these results, clinicians will be able to decide which treatment modality is the best based on sound scientific evidence.
Importance of AAOF
The AAOF is important in my plan because having just started my academic career, it will provide me with funds to supplement my current salary. Teaching orthodontics is a passion of mine especially when I see the education and research development in undergrad and postgrad students. This award will help me relieve the economical stress associated with an early academic career and being able to focus on becoming a better professional and family man.
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Orthodontic Faculty Development Fellowship Award Synopsis
Dr. Rodrigo Viecilli
Short bio:
Rodrigo Viecilli, DDS, PhD is an ABO certified Orthodontist, and Assistant Professor at the New York University Department of Orthodontics where he directs the Biomechanics Laboratory at the Center of Translational Orthodontic Research (CTOR). He was the winner of the 2009 Milo Hellman Award. Dr. Viecilli focuses his research on biological and mechanical factors important for tooth movement and root resorption.
Synopsis:
The project will examine simultaneously the influence of stress and time on PDL necrosis (hyalinization) and root resorption. To accomplish this, finite element models of Fischer inbred rat molars, PDL and bone will be constructed after incremental time periods of load application on 150 rats. The results from each time increment will be utilized to model the next. Histology and microCT analysis will be utilized to measure hyalinization and root resorption. The ultimate goal to find out if initial stresses in the PDL correlate well with long term hyalinization and root resorption, or if overall root resorption depends heavily on the mechanical environment at specific time points.
How orthodontic education will benefit from the award/ how the foundation is important:
Awards such as this one provided by the AAOF are a great starting point for junior Faculty. It is very helpful to obtain funding for small studies that will generate preliminary data to later apply for an NIH grant. This is necessary to fund a more ambitious project, such as a clinical study. In my case, the AAOF is seeding the ground for my ultimate clinical research goal, which is to find optimum orthodontic loads for orthodontic tooth movements taking into consideration the individual morphological and inflammatory profile of each patient. In addition, the AAOF awards play a role to support the decision of talented individuals to dedicate themselves to Academics by offering a mechanism to support their salary.
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