Students in the West Virginia University School of Dentistry dental hygiene program recently presented their two-year research projects during the annual competition held March 13. All students in the program design, execute, analyze and present a research project as part of the degree program.
This year’s first place team was Julie Watts and Noelle Wonsettler, mentored by Amy Funk, MSDH, professor, program director and chair of the Department of Dental Hygiene. Their presentation, titled “Influence of Music Genre on Reducing Dental Anxiety,” explored the use of music to reduce dental anxiety in order to improve the patient experience and treatment compliance. Additionally, their research was accepted for the poster session during the annual WVU Spring Research Symposium celebrating research and creative work across the University.
Second place was awarded to Cheyenne Carr and Gillian Rupert, mentored by Ashlee Sowards, MSDH, professor. Their research, “Digital v. Traditional Impressions,” aimed to determine the most effective approach to fabricating oral appliances.
The third place team of Yazna Riddick and Katelyn Ross was mentored by Suann Gaydos, MSDH, professor and director of the Certified Tobacco Treatment Training Program. Titled “Electronic Dental Record Review of Periodontitis Patients with Documented Systemic Diseases,” their research seeks to clarify biological links between periodontitis and systemic diseases and highlight the importance of interdisciplinary care.
All student winners received a financial award from the WVU School of Dentistry Alumni Association.
Additional research projects included:
- Madeline Amoia and Jefferson Umana, “The Effects of TikTok on Oral Health;” Kaitlyn McQuain, MSDH, Research Mentor
- Payton Arbogast and Carris Seagraves, “Perception of the Importance of Oral Care and Diabetic Patients Among Physician Assistant Students;” Elizabeth Puette, MSDH, and Amy Funk, MSDH, Research Mentors
- Lilly Namsupak, Josey Glover and Alyssa Guthrie, “Patient Satisfaction with Over-The-Counter Xerostomia Products;” Elizabeth Puette, MSDH, and Amy Funk, MSDH, Research Mentors
- Brooke Koper and Abigail Bonham, “Patient Education of White Spot Lesions Following Orthodontic Treatment;” Kaitlyn McQuain, MSDH, and Amy Funk, MSDH, Research Mentors
- Kyra Kerr and Ava Kelly, “Comparison of Corticosteroids Versus Bronchodilators for Inhalation Therapy;” Ashlee Sowards, MSDH, Research Mentor
- Stephanie Stewart and Ashlynn Zimmerman, “Comparison of In-Vitro Artificial Biofilm Removal Utilizing a Water Flosser and Three String Floss Types;” Suann Gaydos, MSDH, Research Mentor
WVU is designated as an R1 research institution, or very high research activity, by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. All students enrolled in the Doctor of Dental Surgery, Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene and advanced education programs complete a research project as part of the academic curriculum. Working alone or in small teams, with a faculty mentor, students perform studies which examine a range of scientific issues.
Photo at Top: Fourth-year dental hygiene students presented their work during the program’s annual research competition.
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