The Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry and School of Dental Hygiene Research Day took place on March 31, 2025, on the Bannatyne campus.
“The Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry has a proud history in oral health research since the day of its opening back in 1960. We have consistently ranked in the top four to five in Canada and 101 to 150 worldwide in the ShanghaiRanking index over the last four years,” Dr. Anastasia Kelekis-Cholakis, dean of the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, told the audience in her opening remarks.
Dr. Prashen Chelikani, associate dean (research) and professor of oral biology, moderated the event. Dr. Raj Bhullar, professor of oral biology, was recognized for his contribution as associate dean (research) for 12 years.
Guest remarks were given by Dr. Jude Uzonna, vice-dean (research), Rady Faculty of Health Sciences; Dr. Peter Cattini, chair of board of directors, Manitoba Medical Service Foundation; and Nichola Wigle, acting CEO, Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba.
Research presentations were given by Dr. Jacqueline R. Starr, director of strategic initiatives at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard University, and lecturer at Harvard School of Dental Medicine and Harvard Medical School (Spatial Image Analysis of Oral Microbiomes); Dr. Chrysi Stavropoulou, assistant professor and graduate periodontics program director, department of dental diagnostics and surgical sciences (The role of oral microbes and their metabolites in peri-implant diseases); and Dr. Anil Menon, assistant professor, division head, dental public health & community dentistry, department of preventive dental sciences (Bridging the Oral Health Gap for Seniors: Insights from Dental Screenings and Future Policy-Driven Research).
Flash Talks were presented by Garry Goel, master of science student, department of oral biology (Mexican tetra (Astyanax mexicanus) as a model to study the human inner ear hair cell regeneration); Dr. Daniel Su, periodontics resident, department of dental diagnostic and surgical sciences (Long-Term Effectiveness of Crown Modification in the Treatment of Persistent Peri-Implant Mucositis); and Dr. Bukky Olatosi, PhD candidate, department of oral biology (NOHRS at a Glance: Strengthening Oral Health Research in Canada).
A poster session also took place with 26 research projects on display.