UQ wins at Australian Dental Congress

Fifth year BDSc student, Rachel Dunn recently took part in the Student Clinician Research Program as part of the Australian Dental Congress, held in Brisbane. Rachel, who is completing a research project as part of her Honours program and supervised by Dr Pauline Ford (School of Dentistry) and Dr Horst Schirra (School of Chemistry & Molecular Biosciences, was awarded first place for her presentation: Identification of biomarkers in gingival health and experimental gingivitis using NMR spectroscopy.

The study aims to identify and quantify metabolic markers of gingivitis in patients’ oral fluids. Identifying differing metabolites between those with gingivitis and those without, will offer valuable insight into the progression of periodontal disease. 

The judging panel consisted of Dr Lloyd Wong (Vice Chairman, LOC), Dr Carmelo Bonanno (Federal Treasurer, ADA Inc.), and Dr John Bell (President, New Zealand Dental Association). Dunn was presented the award by Dr Linda Niessen, Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer of Dentsply, from the US.

Rachel competed against seven other outstanding students selected from dental schools across Australia, NZ and Fiji.

“The atmosphere of the program was very relaxed and, to be honest, the whole experience didn't feel like a competition,” said Rachel.

“The organizers encouraged the students to socialize as much as possible and consequently we got to know each other really well. It was interesting to learn about the research the other students were undertaking.”

As part of her prize, Rachel will attend the 148th Annual Session of the American Dental Association, to be held in Las Vegas in October this year. Student clinician research winners from all over the world will meet at the convention to showcase their research in a non-competitive environment, while the American dental students will compete in the American leg of the competition.  Dunn will have the opportunity to attend lectures and workshops and hear about the latest research and theories developing in the international dental community.

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