Research Patient Care Faculty Students
When dental student Summer Booth expressed interest to her professor about starting a research project, he mentioned a substance in chocolate, theobromine, could have cavity-preventing properties—and she was sold.
From radioprotection in head and neck cancer therapy to trends in patient-centered communication training, the 39th Annual CU Dental Research Day on Feb. 23 brought together a variety of compelling research topics.
Out of 165 letters of intent and 56 full proposals, the Anschutz Acceleration Initiative (AAI) named nine final awardees to receive a portion of the $50 million commitment from The Anschutz Foundation. Among the top recipients was Jeffrey Stansbury, PhD, senior associate dean for research and professor in the Department of Craniofacial Biology at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (CU SDM).
Casey Rhines, DDS, joins the Department of Restorative Dentistry with extensive experience and great passion for teaching, humanitarian aid and forensic dentistry.
Research Innovation Faculty Students
2023 was a big year for the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (CU SDM) as we celebrated our 50th anniversary.
Looking back at the many stories of student success, patient care, faculty scholarship, research and innovation, a few themes stand out: the integral connection between oral health and overall health; increasing access to dental care; and collaborative, person-centered care and education as we look to the future.
Here are our top ten must-read stories of 2023.
Kristin Watt, PhD, joins the Department of Craniofacial Biology with extensive experience and great passion for biomedical research.
Department Chair and Professor David Clouthier, PhD, said, "Dr. Watt was selected for our assistant professor position from a number of exceptional applicants. She had an impressive publication record as a post-doctoral fellow at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research in Kansas City, Missouri.
Colorado dentists, alumni and faculty of the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (CU SDM) are invited to a free continuing education (CE) program on September 15, 2023, at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus. Three (3) CE credits are offered, and early registration is encouraged as space is limited.
Research Innovation Community Alumni Students Clinics
As with all forms of healthcare, dentistry is changing rapidly. Factors such as new technologies, higher-quality data and a wider adoption of person-centered care models make our healthcare systems more cost-effective while delivering better outcomes.
Three faculty members from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine were awarded for outstanding research in oral health equity, public service and oral health. They were recognized and honored at the 52nd American Association of Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research's (AADOCR) Meeting & Exhibition in Portland, Ore. The AADOCR is a nonprofit organization with a mission to drive dental, oral, and craniofacial research to advance health and well-being.
Dental caries (tooth decay) is a widespread public health issue, especially prevalent in under-resourced communities across the country. Through extensive research, esteemed keynote speaker Carmem Pfeifer, DDS, PhD; professor at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) School of Dentistry aims to improve dental restorations by developing stronger materials that will last longer and perform better than current materials used to treat dental caries.
Research Innovation Faculty Students
From groundbreaking research to composting on campus, here are some of our favorite stories from 2022.
AURORA, CO and WASHINGTON, DC (SEPTEMBER 20, 2022) – Increasing communication between dental and medical providers reduces barriers to care. According to a new report from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine, Medical-Dental Integration (MDI) improves positive health outcomes in vulnerable populations, such as at-risk children, pregnant women, seniors, and those in need of chronic disease management.
A CU Dental trio nicknamed as the “Dream Team.” Of course, they are not to be confused with the 1992 U.S. Olympic basketball team of legends, like Larry Bird, Charles Barkley, Magic Johnson, or Michael Jordan. The researchers’ “court” is in the lab.
Growth, collaboration and COVID-19 marked the second annual State of Research Address on Dec. 7, with Thomas Flaig, MD, vice chancellor for research, highlighting some of the groundbreaking science that netted the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus nearly $654 million in research awards this year.
Congratulations to all those nominated for the 2020-2021 University Research Awards focused on our response to COVID-19. There are countless members of the research community who have contributed to our research mission over the last 18 months. We had more than 100 nominations and the selection of these awardees was a very challenging task for the review committee.
From migrant and refugee oral health to preventive dental visits, here are some of the latest publications from our esteemed faculty and residents:
Patience. It's something most researchers need when it comes to discoveries. For Jamie Nichols, CU Dental craniofacial biology assistant professor, and his team, it took eight years to understand how genes impact a crucial component in our facial structures.
Our CU Dental research teams received more than $1M in grants from top-tier organizations like the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research and the National Institutes of Health. Their exceptional work deserves recognition, along with the mentees, who have helped spearhead these latest developments. Congratulations to the awardees!
CU is one of the Stansbury family’s top philanthropic priorities. Jeffrey Stansbury, PhD, and his wife, Audrey, believe that the CU School of Dental Medicine went above and beyond in supporting Jeff, professor and associate dean for research at the school. Now, they are honoring the dental school for that support in their estate plans, as well as encouraging philanthropic support for other researchers at the school.
CU Denver News
April 07, 2024
University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus are once again being recognized as a Military Friendly® School. Together, we are the only universities in Colorado to rank in the tier 2 research category, moving up to the no. 6 spot nationwide. We have been included in these rankings for over 10 years.
Metro Denver Dental Society
March 20, 2024
Susan Somerset, DMD, Pharm D, MS
Assistant Professor (C/T), Director, Senior & Special Care Clinic
University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine
You are a first-generation college graduate—what influenced your decision to pursue multiple advanced degrees?
My parents. I always had a desire to pursue a professional degree in healthcare. My mother suggested an undergraduate degree in pharmacy because it is usually on of the most challenging classes in healthcare education. She also figured I would be able to work while pursuing other degrees. It was great advice. My pharmacy education really taught me how to adjust for and to be comfortable managing medications in unconventional situations.
Metro Denver Dental Society
March 13, 2024
Self-reflection can be one of the most meaningful components of continuous improvement as a dentist, and it starts in school. The American Dental Association (ADA) states in the accreditation standards for predoctoral dental education programs that becoming a competent professional involves "reflection in daily practice for the benefit of the individuals and communities served."
Colorado Dental Association
January 26, 2024
Volunteering offers opportunities to build skills that you may not necessarily learn just by going to dental school. It also provides something to think about besides yourself, according to CU dental students: Riley Spillar and Zach Zylstra.
Both Spillar and Zylstra volunteer for the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine.
Laura Ramsey
