2025 Research Day: Unveiling Advances in Medical and Dental Science

A Vibrant Return to In-Person Collaboration

The atmosphere was electric at the 2025 Medical and Dental Research Day, held on February 27th.Students, faculty, and staff bustled around poster presentations, engaging in discussions about a diverse array of topics. The return to an in-person format after the pandemic-induced hiatus was palpable,fostering a sense of community and shared discovery.

Dr. Steven Lepowsky, Dean of the School of Dental Medicine, set the tone for the day, stating, “Each year, we are thoroughly impressed by the quality and rigor of the scholarly work that is presented by our students and, if you have looked at the program booklet and have read the abstracts, this year’s presentations will be no different.” His words underscored the high caliber of research on display.

Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Bruce T. Liang, Dean of uconn School of Medicine, remarked, “Year after year our students make us so UConn-proud with their novel research investigations and professional presentations about them. They surely are poised to become the next generation of physician-scientists.” This highlights the university’s commitment to fostering future leaders in medicine and dentistry.

Keynote Address: Innovation as a cornerstone of Healthcare

Following the poster sessions, Wenyuan Shi, CEO of the ADA Forsyth Institute, delivered a compelling keynote address. Shi emphasized the importance of integrating technological innovation and business acumen into a fulfilling healthcare career.He challenged students to view research and innovation not as separate pursuits,but as integral components of effective patient care.

Shi powerfully asserted,”Research and innovation have everything to do with being a good doctor.” This underscores a growing trend in healthcare, where technological advancements and innovative solutions are increasingly critical to improving patient outcomes and streamlining medical practices.

2025 Research Day: Unveiling Advances in Medical and Dental Science — Wenyuan Shi,Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer at the ADA Forsyth Institute, gives a
lecture as the keynote speaker at the Medical and Dental Student Research Day at UConn Schools of Medicine and Dental
Medicine, on FEbruary 27, 2025. (Tina Encarnacion/UConn health photo)

A Glimpse into the Future of Medicine and Dentistry: Featured research

With 102 projects presented, the Research Day offered a comprehensive overview of the innovative research being conducted by UConn’s medical and dental students. Here are a few highlights:

Root to Crown: Unveiling the Secrets of Tooth stability

Stephanie Salcines’s research delved into the relationship between tooth root length and stability,a critical factor in orthodontics. Her work explored potential correlations between ethnicity and root length, finding no meaningful correlation except in the maxillary lateral incisor. Though, her research suggested gender *does* play a role, notably among Hispanic populations.

Salcines highlights the importance of a solid foundation, stating, “It’s important to have that good anchor.” Her findings could influence orthodontic treatment planning,particularly for patients with specific demographic characteristics.

Fewer X-rays, Same Imagery: Revolutionizing Sinus Imaging

Erica Mallon presented a groundbreaking study on a new 3D X-ray technique that significantly reduces radiation exposure while maintaining diagnostic accuracy. Her research demonstrated that cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans taken from a 180-degree rotation behind the head effectively identify sinus problems with approximately half the customary radiation dose.

Mallon’s research has the potential to revolutionize sinus imaging,reducing the risks associated with radiation exposure for patients. The technique avoids radiation to sensitive areas like the eyes and thyroid gland.

Associate dean Aditya Tadinada emphasized the technique’s balance: “This is a sweet spot between a reasonably low and balanced radiation exposure and the resolution needed for diagnosis and clinical treatment planning.” This approach could become a new standard in dental and medical imaging.

Troughs of Tears: Improving Cosmetic Procedures Through Precision

John Fregene’s research focused on improving the safety and efficacy of tear trough cosmetic procedures.His survey of outcomes revealed that surgeons who adhere to specific guidelines minimize swelling, avoid nerve and artery damage, and achieve better aesthetic results.

Fregene advocates for standardized protocols, stating, “There should be a standard protocol to follow in tear trough augmentation.” Implementing such protocols could significantly reduce complications and improve patient satisfaction in this increasingly popular cosmetic procedure.

Exon of Action in Hyperparathyroidism: Pinpointing Genetic Culprits

Lorens Carrasquillo’s research investigated the genetic underpinnings of hyperparathyroidism,a rare condition that can lead to jaw tumors and other health problems.his work identified that mutations affecting Exon 1 of the CDC73 gene are frequently associated with the condition.

These findings contribute to a better understanding of the genetic mechanisms driving hyperparathyroidism, perhaps paving the way for more targeted diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Objectively Painful: Quantifying postpartum Pain

Victoria Abalyan explored the subjective nature of pain, specifically in postpartum women. Her study used microfilaments to apply precise pressure and measure reported pain levels, revealing a strong correlation between pressure and perceived pain.This suggests that pain perception can be objectively measured, even in complex conditions like postpartum recovery.

Abalyan hopes to expand the research,stating,”We want to take data further out,at six weeks,or 24 weeks. We might be able to screen for women who are at higher risk of pain in the postpartum period.” Her work could lead to improved screening and management strategies for postpartum pain, benefiting countless women.