2023-2024
Decoding epigenetic shifts associated with predictive and prognostic factors in Human Papillomavirus (HPV) head and neck cancer (HNC)
Details:
Theme: Novel research avenues with a strong potential for innovation and ExcellenceTeam Lead: Dr. Sabrina Wurzba, DDS, MSc, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. McGill University; Project Director, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research - Segal Cancer Center
Description:
Objective(s): The goal of this research proposal is to assess the clinical relevance of specific strains of HPV-driven aberrant DNAm patterns can serve as reliable early indicators of HPV+HNC recurrence or metastasis. There are three specific aims for the one-year project:
1. Characterize DNAm patterns associated with distinct prognostic outcomes in HPV+HNC (n=50).
Team: Co-Investigators – Dr. Hier, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal; Dr. Mascarella, McGill University Health Centre and Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal; Dr Mlynarek, CIUSSS-Montreal, Montreal; Dr. Landais, Centre hospitalier universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montreal; Dr. Semlali, Faculty of Dentistry – Laval University, Quebec City; Dr. Alaoui-Jamali, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montreal; Dr. Nicolau, Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal
2023-2024
Development of CARBODENT: a tool to calculate the carbon footprint of oral health clinics and measure the impact of dental care on the climate
Details:
Theme: Novel research avenues with a strong potential for innovation and Excellence Host Institution: Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill UniversityTeam Lead: Christophe Bedos (DDS, PhD), Associate Professor
Description:
Objective(s): The objective of this project is to create CARBODENT, a computer application calculating the carbon footprint of dental clinics in Canada. This application will allow them to quantify their carbon emissions and thus develop personalized eco-responsible strategies. This application will first be developed for Quebec and will be called CARBODENT-QC, before being adapted to other provinces and available in CARBODENT-ON for Ontario, CARBODENT-AB for Alberta, etc.
Team: Co-Principal Investigators – Sabrina Gravel (PhD), Institut Robert Sauvé en Santé et en Sécurité du Travail; Brett Duane (DDS, PhD), Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland; Jean-Noël Vergnes (DDS, PhD), University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France; Aimée Dawson (DDS, MSc), University Laval; Belinda Nicolau (DDS, PhD), McGill University Faculty of Dentistry; Wendy Somerville (MSc), McGill University Faculty of Dentistry; Zovinar der Khatchadourian, McGill University Faculty of Dentistry.
2023-2024
3D printed titanium scaffolds coated with a resorbable calcium phosphate (brushite) for oral & maxillofacial cancer patients undergoing maxillectomy
Details:
Theme: Novel research avenues with a strong potential for innovation and Excellence Host Institution: Faculty of Dentistry, Dalhousie UniversityTeam Lead: Zeeshan Sheikh., Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Oral Sciences & Dental Clinical Sciences
Description:
Objective(s):
Fabrication of porous Ti-6Al-4V scaffolds with moderate surface roughness of (1-2μm).
Coat the fabricated scaffolds with brushite biomaterial with three different viscosities by varying the powder to liquid ratio.
To characterize the physico-chemical properties of the scaffolds coated with brushite.
To assess the binding, stability, and ionic release of the brushite coating on the porous scaffolds.
Team: Co-Investigators – Paul Bishop, Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Dalhousie University; Pierre-Luc Michaud, Maxillofacial-Prosthodontist, Professor, Dalhousie University; Mark Filliagi, Professor, Applied Oral Sciences, Dalhousie University; Michael Glogauer, Dentist in Chief, Dental Oncology and Maxillofacial Prosthetics, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto; Marc D. Grynpas, Senior Scientist, Sinai Health, Toronto; Umer Daood, Associate Professor, IMU, Malaysia; Melanie MacLean, Dental Assistant-Scheduling Coordinator, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University
2023-2024
Cannabis use among breastfeeding women: Effect on the oral health of newborns
Details:
Theme: Determinants of oral health and diseases Host Institution: Laval UniversityTeam Lead: Abdelhabib Semlali, Associate Professor, Faculty of Dentistry
Description:
Objective(s): The main aim of this study is to analyze the biochemical composition of breast milk collected from nursing women using cannabis and to assess the potential negative effects on the oral health and well-being of their babies.
Team: Co-Investigators – Florina Maldovan, Dental Faculty, Université de Montréal; Lionel Loubaki, Héma-Québec; Robert Durant, Dental Faculty, Université de Montréal; Christine Nadeau, Dental Faculty, Laval University; Radu Popescu, CHUL, Quebec City
2023-2024
Suicide risk among individuals diagnosed with head and neck cancer in Canada, 1992-2017: A population-based cohort study
Details:
Theme: Oral health and disease, and links with other non-communicable diseasesHost Institution: Université de MontréalTeam Lead: Claudie Laprise, Assistant Professor, Universite de Montreal
Description:
Objective(s): a) To describe the suicide mortality rates among head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors in Canada during 1992-2017; b) To compare the risk of death by suicide among HNC survivors with the Canadian general population; c) To describe the risk factors associated with suicide deaths among HNC survivors.
Team: Co-Investigators – Sreenath Madathil, Assistant Professor, McGill University; Belinda Nicolau, Professor, McGill University; Denise Laronde, Professor, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia; Leigha Rock, Director of School of Dental Hygiene, Assistant Professor, Dalhousie University; Firoozeh Samim, Assistant Professor, McGill University; Nicholas M. Makhoul, Assistant Professor, McGill University and Department head, Dentistry and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, McGill University Health Center
2023-2024
Cannabis and Oral Health: Intersectionality in 2SLGBTQI+ Youth
Details:
Theme: Barriers and gaps in oral health care, from access limitations to health equityHost Institution: Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western OntarioTeam Lead: Abbas Jessani, Assistant Professor
Description:
Objective(s): 1) To explore the individual and psychosocial factors related to 2SLGBTQI+ youth, their oral health, and their self-described cannabis perceptions and consumption; 2) To explore the self-described experiences of cannabis use and perceived oral health needs
Team: Co-Investigators – Herenia P. Lawrence, Associate Professor, Dental Public Health Discipline, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto; Mario A Brondani, Professor, Chair, Division of Dental Public Health Coordinator, Community & Educational Research Cluster, University of British Columbia
2022-2023
Development of an in vitro hyperglycemic system to explore periodontal inflammation
Details:
Theme: Oral health and disease, and links with other non-communicable diseasesHost Institution: Faculty of Dentistry, Université LavalTeam Lead: Vanessa Houde, Assistant Professor
Description:
Objectives: The research question that arises is: How hyperglycemia affects the periodontal inflammatory response? To answer this question, we hypothesize that a hyperglycemic microenvironment can modulate the regulation of the inflammatory response during periodontitis. The objectives of this research project are: 1) Investigate the influence of hyperglycemia on the transcriptome and on the secretion of cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases by a cell coculture model following the stimulation of periodontal inflammation with an infectious biofilm; and 2) Study the impacts of commensal bacteria on infectious biofilm-induced periodontal inflammation in a hyperglycemic microenvironment.
Team: Co-Investigators – Céline Lévesque, Full Professor, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto; Robert Durand, Periodontist and Full Professor, Faculty of Dentistry, Université de Montréal; Fernando Forato Anhê, Assistant Professor, Ulaval; Early-Career Researcher, Centre de recherche de l’Institut universitaire de cardiologie et pneumologie de Québec (CRIUCPQ); Arnaud Droit, Full professor, Université Laval; Fatiha Chandad, Full professor, Université Laval; Christiane Maltais, Dental Hygienist, Université Laval; Victor Brouillette, Masters Student, Université Laval
Summary Report:
Pending project completion.
2022-2023
Evaluation of the Tolerance and Benefits of Mandibular Advanced Device (MAD) for Snoring and Sleep Apnea in Patients with Oropharyngeal Cancer (OPC): Mixed Design Study
Details:
Theme: Oral health and disease, and links with other non-communicable diseasesHost Institution: Le Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM)Team Lead: Gilles Lavigne DMD, PhD, FRCD (Oral medicine), U Montréal
Description:
Objective(s): Conduct a pilot study, with a mixed quantitative and qualitative design, to reduce snoring or sleep apnea using an MAD, and improve the quality of life and sleep.
Team: Co-Principal Investigators – Pascaline Kengne Talla PhD, McGill U; Nelly Huynh PhD, U Montréal; Gilles Lavigne DMD, PhD, FRCD (Oral medicine), U Montréal Co-Investigators – M Schmittbuhl DMD, PhD, U Montreal; É Dufresne DMD, MSc, U Montreal; C Dal Fabbro DDS, PhD, U Montreal; P Mayer Md, U Montreal; P Rompré MSc, U Montreal; V Belanger, U Montreal; M Gemme, U Montreal; E Emami PhD, McGill U; J Cohen-Lévy PhD, McGill U; A Idrissi PhD, McGill; F Nguyen MD, CHUM; Houda Bahig MD PhD, CHUM; Edith Filion MD CHUM; C Prie, CHUM
Summary Report:
Pending project completion.
2022-2023
Comprehensive characterization of the symbiotic dental biofilm fluid by state-of-the-art multi-OMICS approaches
Details:
Theme: Novel research avenues with a strong potential for innovation and excellenceHost Institution: College of Dentistry, University of SaskatchewanTeam Lead: Lina Marin, Assistant Professor
Description:
Objective(s): The research team will comprehensively characterize the symbiotic dental biofilm fluid using state-of-the-art multi- OMICS approaches, with the following specific aims: (1) Identify and characterize the proteome and peptidome of the dental biofilm fluid. (2) Explore the relationship between the biochemical composition of biofilm fluid and microbial composition of the symbiotic dental biofilm.
Team: Co-Principal Investigators – Dennis Cvitkovitch, Professor, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto; Peter Doig, Assistant Dean Clinics, Assistant Professor, College of Dentistry, USask; Leigha Rock, Assistant Professor, School of Dental Hygiene, Dalhousie University
Summary Report:
Pending project completion.
2022-2023
Development of a bioresorbable calcium phosphate-bone anabolic conjugate biomaterial complex to regenerate bone in peri-implant defects
Details:
Theme: Novel research avenues with a strong potential for innovation and excellenceHost Institution: Faculty of Dentistry, Dalhousie UniversityTeam Lead: Zeeshan Sheikh., Department of Applied Oral Sciences & Dental Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Dalhousie University
Description:
Objective(s): new bone formation in the critical sized peri-implant defects.
Team: Co-Investigators – Haider Al-Waeli, Clinician & Assistant Professor, Department of Dental Clinical Sciences, Dalhousie University; Vahid Adibnia, Assistant Professor, Applied Oral Sciences, Dalhousie University; Robert N. Young, Professor, Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University; Michael Glogauer, Professor, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto; Marc D. Grynpas, Senior Scientist, Research Institute of Sinai Health; Angela D Nowe, Clinical Instructor, Dental Clinical Sciences-Periodontics, Dalhousie University; Melanie MacLean, Scheduling coordinator, Family Medicine, Dalhousie University; Haider Razzaq Hussain, Periodontics Specialty Program Resident, Year 2, Dalhousie University
Summary Report:
Pending project completion.
2020-2021
Synthesizing a new library of PAC analogues and assessing their potential preclinical application for oral cancer therapy.
Details:
Theme: Improving oral health care access and treatmentsHost Institution: Faculty of Dentistry, Université LavalTeam Lead: Abdelhabib Semlali, Faculty of Dentistry, Université Laval
Description:
Objective(s): The overall objective of the project is to develop new PAC analogues for clinical applications in cancer treatment. Specifically, the research will: (a) elaborate a new bioactive library of PAC analogues; (b) evaluate their physicochemical properties and bioactivities; (c) study the mechanisms by which these preferentially kill oral cancer cells, and (d) study in vivo using immunosuppression oral cancer mouse model.
Team: Adam Daich, Le Havre University (France); Saed Ghavami, Manitoba University; Robert Durant, Université de Montreal; Linda Desfossés, CÉGEP Edouard-Montpetit
2020-2021
Carrageenan for the prevention of oral HPV infection: a feasibility randomized clinical trial
Details:
Theme: Role of the oral microbiome, saliva and/or oral in systemic diseasesHost Institution: Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill UniversityTeam Lead: Belinda Nicolau, Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University
Description:
Objective(s): The research will evaluate the possibility of testing a novel Carrageenan mouthwash –specifically formulated for this study – as a new, affordable, effective, and on-demand alternative preventive strategy against oral HPV infection.
Team: Eduardo Franco, McGill University; Francois Coutlée, University of Montreal; Mirabelle Kelly, Granby Hospital; Nicholas Makhoul, Montreal General Hospital; Sreenath Madathil, McGill University, Faculty of Dentistry; Babatunde Alli, McGill University; Hilina Hitimana, Dental Hygienist; Dean Fresonke, CarraShield Labs
2020-2021
Development and Application of Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Targeted Drug Delivery in the Oral Environment
Details:
Theme: Novel research avenues with a strong potential for innovation and excellenceHost Institution: College of Dentistry, University of ManitobaTeam Lead: Rodrigo França, College of Dentistry, University of Manitoba
Description:
Objective(s): The main objective of the proposed research is to develop superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) as transporters of therapeutic agents (polyphenols), to prevent collagen degradation in the dental structure (dentin and cementum).
Team: Asmaa Haimeur, College of Dentistry, University of Manitoba; Anuradha Prakki, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto; Edward Sacher, PolyMTL, Université de Montréal; Ana Carla Fernandes, College of Dentistry, University of Manitoba
2020-2021
Deciphering the molecular links between periodontitis and ischemic cardiovascular disease
Details:
Theme: Role of the oral microbiome, saliva and/or oral in systemic diseasesTeam Lead: Hugh Kim, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia
Description:
Objective(s): The aim of this grant proposal is to determine precisely how platelets transduce the biochemical signals from periodontal pathogens, and whether the inhibition of specific platelet signaling pathways can mitigate the pro-thrombotic effects of periodontal infection. The project will also measure, using human patient-based blood samples, precisely how periodontal infection affects systemic platelet activity.
Team: Sid Vora, University of British Columbia; Michael Glogauer, University of Toronto; Edward Pryzdial, Canadian Blood Services; Manoj Paul, University of British Columbia; Zul Kanji, University of British Columbia; Denise Laronde, University of British Columbia
2020-2021
Development of an intelligent clinical decision support system to reduce periodontal risks
Details:
Theme: Novel research avenues with a strong potential for innovation and excellenceHost Institution: University of Alberta, School of DentistryTeam Lead: Hollis Lai, University of Alberta, School of Dentistry
Description:
Objective(s): With an emerging focus on analytics and machine learning approaches affecting all health professions, there is great potential for a new focus of research on dental analytics in Canada. With independent dental practitioners, it is important for dental schools to lead in how data can be used on an individual clinic basis. This study will initiate a new focus for dental researchers in Canada on how AI/ML can be applied to inform clinical decisions in periodontal diseases, provide an opportunity to demonstrate how expertise can be integrated with AI/ML projects through cognitive modeling in dentistry, and provide initial insights on the limitations of AI/ML applications in dental analytic.
Team: Monica Gibson, University of Alberta; Ava Chow, University of Alberta; Nader Hamdan, Dalhousie University; Amarpreet Sabharwal, Western University; Harvey Goldberg, Western University; Nazila Ameli, University of Alberta
2019-2020
Exploring the diversity in the microbiome of high-risk oral epithelial dysplasia as a predictor of malignant progression
Details:
Theme: Role of the oral microbiome, saliva and/or oral in systemic diseasesHost Institution: Faculty of Dentistry, Dalhousie UniversityTeam Lead: Leigha Rock, School of Dental Hygiene, Faculty of Dentistry, Dalhousie University
Description:
Objective(s): A growing body of research associates the oral microbiome and oral cancer. Well-characterized clinical samples with outcome data are required to establish relevant associations between the microbiota and disease. The objective of this study was to characterize the community variations and the functional implications of the microbiome in low-grade oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) using 16S rRNA gene sequencing from annotated archival swabs in progressing (P) and non-progressing (NP) OED.
Team: Denise Laronde, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia; Wan Lam, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre; Morgan Langille, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University
2019-2020
Understanding the Role of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Inducing Different Patterns of Immune Response During Oral Cancer Progression
Details:
Theme: Novel research avenues with a strong potential for innovation and excellenceHost Institution: Faculty of Medicine, McGill UniversityTeam Lead: Sabrina Wurzba, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University
Description:
Objective(s):
Team: Belinda Nicolau, Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University; Moulay Alaoui-Jamali, Lady Davis Institute; Michael Hier, Jewish General Hospital; Alex Mlynarek, Jewish General Hospital; Nader Sadeghi, McGill University Health Centre; Guillaume Bourgue, Genome Quebec Innovation Centre
2019-2020
Mechanobiology of the basement membrane at the nanoscale in progressing oral cancer lesion
Details:
Theme: Improving oral health care access and treatmentsHost Institution: Faculty of Dentistry, University of TorontoTeam Lead: Laurent Bozec, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto
Description:
Objective(s):
(1) Nanoscale mechanobiology of the basement membrane – This objective aims to develop a novel in‐vitro collagen‐Matrigel bilayer system to study the effect of proteolytic
(2) Nanoscale mechanobiology of the basement membrane – The aim of this objective is to extend the nanoscale mechanical and structural fingerprints of the BM as defined in Objective 1 to selected existing clinical cases.
Team: Marco Magalhaes, University of Toronto; Martin Hyrcza, Foothills Medical Center
2019-2020
Oral Health and Oral Care after Stroke: a Mixed Methods Study
Details:
Theme: Improving oral health care access and treatmentsHost Institution: Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of OttawaTeam Lead: Heather Flowers, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa
Description:
Objective(s): The objective of the mixed-methods study is to better understand post-stroke oral care behaviours in Canadian hospitals. The research questions are:
1. What is the relationship between health care professionals’ background on oral health and their oral care practices in acute stroke and rehabilitation contexts?
Team: Hillel Finestone, University of Ottawa; Michael Wiseman, Private Practice Dentistry/McGill University; Katrine Sauvé-Schenk, University of Ottawa; Nalia Gurgel-Juarez, University of Ottawa; Brooke Benton, St. Joseph’s Health Care/Lawson Health Research Institute; Karen Mallet, The Ottawa Hospital; Dylan Blacquière, The Ottawa Hospital
2019-2020
Identification de la signature génétique spécifique pour concevoir un traitement ciblé du cancer buccal chez des patients Autochtones Canadiennes
Details:
Theme: Improving oral health care access and treatmentsHost Institution: Faculty of Dentistry, Laval UniversityTeam Lead: Abdelhabib Semlali, Faculty of Dentistry, Laval University
Description:
Objective(s):
Team: Mahmoud Rouabhia, Faculty of Dentistry, Laval U; Silvana Papagerakis, Laboratory of Oral, Head and Neck Cancer, U of Saskatchewan; Nancy Mouradian, Faculty of Dentistry, Laval U; Belinda Nicolau, Faculty of Dentistry, McGill U; Aimée Dawson, Faculty of Dentistry, Laval U, Abdelilah Soussi Gounni, Faculty of Medicine, U of Manitoba
2018-2019
A multi-centred stepped wedge cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) of the de- adoption of oral chlorhexidine prophylaxis and implementation of an oral care bundle for mechanically ventilated critically ill patients (The CHORAL Study)
Details:
Theme: Improving oral health care access and treatmentsHost Institution: University of Toronto/Sunnybrook Research InstituteTeam Lead: Craig Dale, University of Toronto/Sunnybrook Research Institute
Description:
Objective(s): The objective of the study is to conduct a multi-centered stepped wedge cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) of the de-adoption of oral chlorhexidine prophylaxis and implementation of an oral care bundle for ventilated critically ill patients
Team: Brian Cuthbertson, Carlos Quiñonez, Louise Rose
Summary Report:
A summary report detailing the background, methods, findings, and implications, as well as the study’s alignment with CIHR and NCOHR priorities, timeline adherence, knowledge translation activities, and budget update, was prepared by Dr. Craig Dale (PI) at the beginning of 2020. View the summary report by clicking the link .
2018-2019
Pilot Validation of a New Canadian Pediatric Caries Risk Assessment Tool (CANA-P) for Preschool Children
Details:
Theme: Improving oral health care access and treatmentsHost Institution: University of Manitoba/Children’s Hospital Research Institute of ManitobaTeam Lead: Robert J. Schroth, University of Manitoba/Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba
Description:
Objective(s): The purpose of this pilot study is to determine the sensitivity and specificity of CANA-P to predict caries development in a cohort of children followed in community-based dental clinics.
Team: Mary Bertone, Mario Brondani
2018-2019
TNFα, inflammatory bowel disease, and periodontal disease in the elderly
Details:
Theme: Aging and the inception/progression of degenerative and chronic diseases that affect the body, including the mouthHost Institution: University of AlbertaTeam Lead: Daniel Graf, University of Alberta
Description:
Objective(s): The objective of the study is to explore whether the increased incidence of periodontal disease in IBD patients is a biological consequence of the chronic inflammatory IBD condition, or whether it is the result of decreased oral hygiene adherence due to the oral mucosal manifestations.
Team: Monica Gibson, Pallavi Parashar, Sharon Compton, Wasif Qayyum, Eytan Wine (University of Alberta), Nader Hamdan (Dalhousie University), Hannu Larjava (University of British Columbia)
Summary Report:
A report on research outcomes and future plans was prepared by Dr. Daniel Graf (PI) in May 2021. View the summary report by clicking the link .
Knowledge Transfer Activities
Publication - Clin Exp Dent Res. 2022 Oct; 8(5): 1028–1034. — Find out more
2018-2019
Monetite biomaterial grafts loaded with a novel bone anabolic conjugate C3 conjugate drug to achieve more predictable and greater bone regeneration.
Details:
Theme: Novel research avenues with a strong potential for innovation and excellenceHost Institution: University of TorontoTeam Lead: Michael Glogauer, University of Toronto
Description:
Objective(s): The primary objective of this proposed research is to investigate whether the novel conjugate drug released via the matrix of the bioresorbable cement grafts has the potential to achieve rapid, enhanced and clinically significant bone regeneration in the vertical bone augmentation model and that the newly formed bone is physiologically active. The long-term objective is to bring a product to the market which will ultimately benefit millions of patients undergoing maxillofacial reconstruction and alveolar bone augmentation prior to dental implant placement.
Team: Mohamed Nur Abdallah, Marc Grynpas, Nader Hamdan, Zeeshan Sheikh, Robert Young
Summary Report:
A report on research outcomes and future plans was prepared by Dr. Michael Glogauer (PI) in June 2019. View the summary report by clicking the link .
2024
University of Montreal Scientific Day
Details:
Team Lead: Antonio Nanci, Vice-Dean for Research, Innovation and Technology Transfer; Vice-Dean for Research, Innovation and Technology Transfer team
Description:
Theme: Animals and humans: when medicine comes together
Timing/Location: Thursday, January 18, 2024, from 8:20 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in amphitheatre E-310 and in the Hall d’honneur of Pavillon Roger-Gaudry.
Attendees : International speakers and Université de Montréal faulty and students.
Updates
News and full program
2023/24
University of Alberta, Department of Dentistry Student Research Group
Details:
Team Lead: Parisa Bayat, President, Research Intensive Graduate Program Representative
Description:
In the 2023/2024 academic year, the Department of Dentistry Student Research Group embarked on its journey by electing new members in September 2023. Our primary goal for the year was to build a research culture among undergraduate students and provide networking opportunities for graduate students.
We organized Fall and Winter Research Mixers, offering valuable opportunities for undergraduate students to connect with their peers and faculty. At these events, supervisors showcased their projects for the Undergraduate Research Initiative and led discussions on their research topics.
We also organized the annual Day of Dentistry Poster Session, a major event for both undergraduate and graduate students to showcase their research projects. During the 2-hour event, 52 posters were presented, and 13 judges selected the top presentations.
A notable achievement was the successful hosting of a two-day Graduate Research Day event, featuring the Geoffrey H. Sperber lecture as the keynote presentation by Dr. Michael Glogauer (see poster ). Despite initial challenges posed by the high volume of presentations, both events were highly successful. The Graduate Research Day showcased 42 presentations from first and second-year graduate students, with the top presenters chosen by our judges.
We concluded the year with an end-of-year mixer and a welcoming event for the new academic year, which saw active participation from both undergraduate research initiative and graduate students.
This year, we were honored with the best Graduate Student Group Award from GSA. Additionally, we managed to secure over twice the funding from the previous year, allowing us to host higherquality events and achieve record-breaking attendance across all SRG activities.
Members
Michelle Bey - Vice President, Graduate Students’ Association Council Representative
Zanib Kiani - Treasurer, FMOD Council Representative
Rojin Adabdokht - Secretary, Graduate Studies Committee Representative
Carlos Alberto Figueredo - Clinically Intensive Graduate Programs Representative
Karla Carpio - Post-doctoral Fellows Representative
Nishant Kharidehal - DDS Program Representative
Lina Al-Baghdadi - DH Program Representative
Yash Modha - Member at Large
Dr. Reid Friesen - Faculty Advisor
Updates
2023/24 Department of Dentistry SRG Annual Report
2024
Applied AI in Oral Health Summer Institute
Details:
Host Institution: School of Dentistry, University of AlbertaTeam Lead: Hollis Lai, Associate Professor
Description:
The School of Dentistry at the University of Alberta organized a Summer Institute on Applied AI in Oral Health Research during the last week of July. The Summer Institute offered applied and methodological AI training through examples and applications of coding techniques to solve challenges in dental research.
This program was designed for interested dental researchers and students with no previous experience in AI who wish to pursue this area of research and covered:
– Understand the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and machine learning as they apply to dentistry.
The four-day institute had 21 participants representing the University of Alberta, the University of Montreal, Dalhousie University, the University of Saskatchewan, and the University of Sao Paulo, along with other universities and private practice.
2018
McGill Summer Institute in Innovative Methodologies
Details:
Host Institution: Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill UniversityTeam Lead: Belinda Nicolau, Professor
Description:
Dr. Belinda Nicolau headed a team of 12 investigators (senior, mid-career and junior) and trainees that organized and taught the 2018 McGill Summer Institute in Innovative Methodologies. Held in July 2018 at the McGill University Faculty of Dentistry, the event combined four courses that addressed specific methodological needs to tackle complex research problems. These one-week courses, two well-established and two newly developed, were designed and taught by researchers recognized nationally and internationally in these fields.
The event brought together professors and students from across Canada and other countries (Brazil, Bangladesh, Portugal, Puerto Rico).
Summary Report:
Using a solid and previously established infrastructure, the Summer Institute introduced junior and mid-career oral health researchers to mixed methods, life course epidemiology, meta-analysis of clinical and basic science research, and qualitative health research with children and youth. This diverse offering of practical methodological courses capitalized on our teaching and administrative expertise, research databases and experience in the organization of events, which made the experience enjoyable for attendees.
With NCOHR funding, we offered 23 NCOHR members from across Canada free registrations for 31 courses and travel support. We also provided all 34 participants (taking 42 courses) with course materials (textbooks, software licenses, online workspaces), certificates, on-site breakfast, lunch and snacks, and a restaurant dinner.
The organizing team employed several learning tools to accommodate a variety of learning styles. The main Summer Institute teaching philosophy is that trainees learn well by solving problems, by having opportunities to reflect on their own practice, and through work with peers. As part of this participatory approach, attendees often collaborated in teams that reported their results to the group for comparison and feedback. Practical examples from the instructors’ clinical and research experience made the complex subject matter more readily understandable and relevant to participants and allowed them to address concrete problems. Attendees also shared useful experiences and insights. Finally, each course used innovative and rigorous approaches to assessment to improve future courses. The professors and students participating in these courses highlighted their enthusiasm with regards to the experience, the usefulness of the research approaches taught, and the skills they learned. In addition, because the Summer Institute annually attracts increasing numbers of participants from several countries, they provide all involved with many new international networking opportunities. As with previous editions, the organizing team has already capitalized on new contacts to initiate project collaborations and publications (e.g., Nicolau et al, 2017, https://doi.org/10.1177/2380084417705823 ).
Building on the success of this ambitious program, Dr. Nicolau and colleagues continue to organize and offer summer institutes. More information is available at: www.mcgill.ca/dentistry/research-and-graduate-students/events/summer-institute
2016
Life Course Approach to Oral Health Research
Details:
Host Institution: Faculty of Dentistry, University of British ColumbiaTeam Lead: Mario Brondani, Professor
Description:
Drs. Brondani, Amin, Nicolau and Poon organized and hosted a three-day interdisciplinary and multi-sectorial workshop in August 2016 at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia.
The institute covered the foundational ideas about population health and epidemiology as applicable to life course research in oral health. The Institute brought together local and national perspectives from junior and senior research trainees and academics. Participants were encouraged to brainstorm ways to better utilize the life course approach in oral health research.
The workshop had 21 participants representing Laval University, McGill University, University of Saskatchewan, University of Toronto, University of British Columbia (Faculty of Dentistry and the School of Population ad Public Health), University of Montreal, University of Alberta, University of Indiana (U.S.A), and the Canadian Dental Hygienist Association (Ottawa, Ontario).
Summary Report:
Summer Research Institute – Life Course Approach to Oral Health Research
2015
Applied Mixed Methods in Oral Health Research
Details:
Host Institution: Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill UniversityTeam Lead: Belinda Nicolau, Professor
Description:
In late August 2015, Drs. Nicolau, Levine, Castonguay and Pluye organized and taught the 1st McGill Summer Institute in Applied Mixed Methods in Oral Health Research.
In the last decade, there has been a steady increase in the use of mixed methods in health research, including dentistry. This growth in popularity can be seen as a response to the increasing complexity of research problems relating to human health and wellbeing. However, the plurality of mixed methods designs is often difficult to cope with for novice researchers.
The event brought together professors and students from seven Canadian dental schools (UBC, Dalhousie, U Toronto, U Laval, U Montreal, U McGill, U Alberta), as well as from Brazilian and Mexican universities. The evaluations of over twenty participants (22) were very enthusiastic and the group produced a journal article for JDR Clinical & Translational Research.
Summary Report:
Summer Research Institute – Applied Mixed Methods in Oral Health Research
Knowledge Transfer Activities
2015
Systematic Review Methodology Workshop
Details:
Host Institution: Faculty of Dentistry, University of AlbertaTeam Lead: Carlos Flores Mir, Professor
Description:
In July 2015, the Network for Canadian Oral Health Research sponsored a one-week systematic review methodology workshop at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Alberta.
The workshop had two goals:
to broaden the knowledge of oral health providers in Canadian dental schools about evidence-based practice principles through hands-on activities
to provide workshop participants with hands-on experience in designing, conducting, writing and critiquing health care systematic reviews (SRs)
The workshop had 12 participants representing 4 dental schools (University of Manitoba, McGill University, Laval University and University of Alberta). Feedback from participants was very positive.
Attendees gained skills in conducting efficient searches and in the evaluation and knowledge translation of published evidence. Additionally, attendees developed core competencies in preparing a systematic review manuscript for consideration in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.
Knowledge Transfer Activities
2014
Thinking Interdisciplinarity in Oral Health Research Symposium
Details:
Host Institution: Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill UniversityTeam Lead: Belinda Nicolau, Professor
Description:
In September 2014, the Network for Canadian Oral Health Research sponsored a three-day symposium on interdisciplinary research methods at the Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University. The purpose of the symposium was to bring together early and mid-career Oral Health researchers from across Canada to explore the theory, philosophy and practicality of engaging in interdisciplinary oral health research.
The symposium had 20 participants representing 7 dental schools (Laval U, Dalhousie U, Western U, U of Saskatchewan, U of Toronto, U of British Columbia, McGill U) and the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (Ottawa, Ontario). Feedback from participants was very positive. A major outcome of the symposium is that four (4) interdisciplinary teams intend to continue working together in the future
Summary Report:
Summer Research Institute – Thinking Interdisciplinarity in Oral Health Research Symposium
2014
Advanced Imaging Methods for Craniofacial and Oral Health Research
Details:
Host Institution: Faculty of Dentistry, University of British ColumbiaTeam Lead: Nancy Ford, Associate Professor
Description:
In July 2014, the Centre for High-Throughput Phenogenomics (UBC Faculty of Dentistry) hosted a 1-week summer institute. The institute provided information on new and innovative imaging methods and how these techniques can be integrated to support oral and craniofacial basic science research.
For more details about this summer research institute, view the program .
Summary Report:
Summer Research Institute – Advanced Imaging Methods for Craniofacial and Oral Health Research
