Category: News

Dr. Yan Wang from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has been selected as a Visiting Professor Program class of 2024, at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). During her time in the summer program activities, she developed a National Institutes of Health (NIH) R01 grant proposal focused on the oral microbiome and biomarkers in elderly individuals living with HIV. The project aims to explore how changes in the oral microbiome could serve as indicators for health outcomes in older adults with HIV. Dr. Wang completed the draft of her grant proposal with guidance from her mentors—Dr. Monica Gandhi, Dr. Peter Hunt, and Dr. Sheri Weiner— experts in HIV research at UCSF, who provided critical feedback and support throughout the process.

In addition to working on her research proposal, Dr. Wang connected with other early-stage investigators participating in the program. These interactions provided her with the opportunity to discuss shared research interests and current challenges in HIV research. While her primary focus was on completing her grant proposal, networking with her peers allowed her to explore potential future collaborations and stay informed on developments in the field.

University of Washington students had the opportunity to travel to Kenya for the second consecutive year through the Global Oral Health: Theory to Action course. During the trip, two dental students, Priyanka Prajapati and Delbert Oxborrow, implemented their research projects in and around Kisumu, in the west of Kenya. They visited several clinics affiliated with the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital and worked alongside the National Institutes of Health R21 grant “Dynamics of HIV-infection, Oral Innate Immunity and The Development of Oral Diseases in Children” led by Dr. Immaculate Opondo. Their research projects focused on key public health issues, including Oral Health Promotion Among Healthcare Providers and “Resiliency in Public Health: Perceptions from Kisumu”, providing them with invaluable experience in global healthcare systems.

In addition to their research, the students had the chance to immerse themselves in Kenyan culture, enjoying traditional foods and engaging with local customs. The trip was successful in broadening the students’ engagement with global oral health research and enhancing their cultural competence. This experience not only deepened their academic understanding but also prepared them for potential future careers in global oral health.

In July, Dr. Ana Lucia Seminario (UW Department of Pediatric Dentistry) and Dr. Hai Zhang (UW Department of Restorative Dentistry) were invited to participate in the Campus Asia Plus Symposium & University Immersion Program (UIP) co-hosted by West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University (China) and the Graduate School of Dentistry, Tohoku University (Japan).

The two-week UIP was initiated in 2012 in Chengdu, China where Sichuan University is located. This program aims to cultivate global awareness, cross-cultural competencies, and broader cultural understanding among dental students in the world. In this year’s program, students and faculty came from more than ten dental schools worldwide, including two schools from the US. Besides the UW, students and faculty from the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) were also invited. Other dental schools were from Japan, Thailand, and other Southeast Asian countries.

This year’s program was held from July 1st to July 12th, 2024. The program included faculty lectures, students’ clinical skill competitions, as well as cultural exchange activities. Dr. Seminario gave a lecture entitled “Current Opportunities for Global Oral Health Research,” while Dr. Zhang’s lecture was focused on interdisciplinary graduate dental education. They both participated in the department seminars of their corresponding specialties.

On April 10, 2024, the Peruvian Oral Health Indicator Database was officially launched, introducing an innovative tool designed to enhance the management and monitoring of the oral health of the Peruvian population. This groundbreaking resource was developed by the Public Health and Stomatological Management Research Unit of the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia (UPCH), a leading institution in medical and health sciences education and research in Peru.

The dashboard presents the main oral health indicators of Peru in a graphic and didactic manner, utilizing data from the Demographic and Family Health Survey (ENDES) of the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics (INEI) from 2013 to the present. This comprehensive approach ensures that users can access a wealth of information that tracks changes and trends in oral health indicators over time.

The presentation was delivered by Dr. Carol Guarnizo Herreño, a professor at the National University of Colombia and Co-president of the Lancet Commission on Oral Health. Dr. Guarnizo Herreño emphasized the significance of this tool in improving planning and decision-making in the field of oral health. The first version of the dashboard provides detailed information on the oral health status of children under 12 years old and adults over 60 years old. Through various visualizations, it highlights the changes and trends in oral health indicators at local, regional, and national levels, making it a valuable management tool for informed decision-making and effective monitoring.

The “Peruvian Oral Health Indicator Database” is not only aimed at health professionals and academics but also at any citizen interested in understanding the importance of oral health and its impact on overall well-being. This initiative marks a significant milestone in UPCH’s efforts to improve oral health in Peru, offering a publicly accessible resource to develop and implement policies and programs that promote oral health and enhance the quality of life for all Peruvians.

In May 2024, Dr. Walter Curioso from Universidad Continental visited Dr. André Ritter, Dean of the University of Washington School of Dentistry, to discuss collaborations between their institutions, in the context of the memorandum of academic exchange subscribed between Universidad Continental and the School of Dentistry at the University of Washington with the objective of increasing cooperation in the fields of education and academic research.

Dr. Curioso is a prominent figure in digital health and medical informatics. He serves as the Vice-Rector of Research and a Professor at Universidad Continental’s School of Human Medicine. With a rich background that includes serving as a Vice Minister of the Ministry of Development and Social Inclusion in Peru and holding an affiliate professorship at the University of Washington, Dr. Curioso has made significant contributions to public health and informatics, focusing on improving healthcare delivery through innovative technologies.

Dr. André Ritter, who has been the dean of the University of Washington School of Dentistry since 2022, has a distinguished career in dental education and operative dentistry. Before his tenure at UW, Dr. Ritter held leadership positions at New York University and the University of North Carolina. He is known for his commitment to advancing dental education and research, fostering international collaborations, and integrating new technologies and methodologies into dental practice. His vision for the School of Dentistry includes strengthening global partnerships to enhance educational and research opportunities for students and faculty.

During their meeting, Dr. Curioso and Dr. Ritter explored avenues for collaboration between their institutions. They discussed joint research initiatives, particularly in the fields of oral health research, research integrity, digital health and dental informatics, and the potential for student and faculty exchange programs. This collaboration aims to leverage the strengths of both universities to advance dental and medical education, improve research outcomes, and ultimately enhance healthcare delivery on an international scale.

Recent work by colleagues of the Timothy A. DeRouen Center for Global Oral Health at Khon Kaen University (KKU) have expanded oral health research, with notable publications by Dr. Araya Pisek, Dr. Maritess Oliveros Villarico, and Dr. Sirima Sritangsirikul.

Dr. Araya Pisek’s recent study, published in International Dental Journal, investigates the relationship between lipid metabolism and oral health. Specifically, Dr. Pisek’s research examines how maternal weight and lipid metabolism influence the risk of orofacial clefts in infants. In simpler terms, the study suggests that a mother’s weight and how her body processes fats might affect the likelihood of her baby being born with a cleft lip or palate. This research adds a new dimension to understanding the causes of these birth defects, highlighting the importance of maternal health and nutrition. Dr. Pisek has also contributed to the Dental Tribune magazine in Germany, where her work on the same topic emphasizes the broader implications of maternal health on infant oral health outcomes.

Dr. Maritess Oliveros Villarico has also made significant contributions to oral health research. Her latest publication in BMC Oral Health addresses the prevalence of dental caries (tooth decay) among different populations. The study reveals alarming rates of tooth decay among Filipino toddlers, suggesting a need for improved dental care and preventive measures in early childhood. Dr. Villarico’s work underscores the critical importance of early dental interventions to combat the widespread issue of tooth decay in young children. In a recent interview featured in Dental Tribune, Dr. Villarico further elaborates on her findings, advocating for increased awareness and better dental health policies to protect young children from dental caries.

Dr. Sirima Sritangsirikul’s recent publication in Scientific Reports focuses on the epidemiology of oral diseases, examining patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions in specific populations. Her research aims to identify risk factors and develop strategies to prevent and control oral diseases. Through her work, Dr. Sritangsirikul contributes to the understanding of how various factors, including socioeconomic status and access to dental care, impact oral health. Her findings are crucial for designing effective public health interventions to improve oral health outcomes in underserved communities.

These recent publications by Dr. Pisek, Dr. Villarico, and Dr. Sritangsirikul reflect the ongoing efforts at Khon Kaen University to advance global oral health through rigorous research and collaboration with international institutions. Their work not only enhances our understanding of oral health issues but also informs public health strategies to improve dental care and outcomes worldwide.

Pooja Rajanbabu, who interned for three years at the University of Washington’s Timothy A. DeRouen Center for Global Oral Health, has achieved a significant milestone in her academic journey by being accepted into the prestigious School of Public Health graduate program at UW. Her acceptance into the Community-Oriented Public Health Practice program is a testament to her dedication and passion for public health advocacy and community engagement.

A 2020 graduate of the UW’s public health undergraduate program, Pooja has been both an intern with the DeRouen Center working on research, data analysis, social media, and community outreach, making her an indispensable asset of the Center. She has gone on to work at various non-profit organizations within the Seattle area, focusing on social-emotional learning, maternal and child health, and older adult health promotion.

With her acceptance into the UW public health graduate program, Pooja is poised to make an even greater contribution to the field of public health, leveraging her academic training and practical experience to address pressing health disparities and promote community well-being.

 

The Faculty of Dentistry at Khon Kaen University (KKU) hosted a 5-day international workshop from February 19-23, 2024, aimed at enhancing research quality in oral health across Southeast Asia. This Level 1 training featured courses in Research Methods & Evidence-based Dentistry, Behavioral Research in Dentistry, Ethical Issues in Research, Biostatistics, and Study Design. Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, President of Khon Kaen University, welcomed participants from 10 countries, including three researchers from the University of Washington – Drs. Christy McKinney, Susan Coldwell, and Ana Lucia Seminario.

Throughout the workshop, speakers from 5 institutions, including KKU, Thammasat University, and Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, shared their expertise through lectures and group discussions. Dr. Yuniardini Septorini Wimardhani from Universitas Indonesia served as a workshop mentor, while special guests like Dr. Sutee Suksudaj from Thammasat University and Dr. Ian Bandaay from Baguio University, Philippines, also participated.

In addition to academic sessions, the 42 participants toured the Faculty of Dentistry at KKU and explored Khon Kaen City, culminating in a farewell party showcasing cultural performances and Thai cuisine. This workshop, part of a five-year D43 training grant funded by the National Institutes of Health, aims to elevate research standards in oral health across Southeast Asia, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among regional institutions.

At the 2024 International Association of Dental Research (IADR) conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, the University of Washington made a significant impact with a series of abstract presentations from DeRouen Center-affiliated researchers. Arthur Kemoli, Bita Fathipour, Sirima Sritangsirukul, Yan Wang, and Kemporn Kitsahawong highlighted their work in various facets of dental science and oral health. Their abstracts covered a wide array of topics, reflecting the DeRouen Center’s diverse international colleagues.

Topics included “The burden of oral diseases among HIV-infected/HIV-exposed/healthy Kenyan young children” (Arthur Kemoli), “Enhancing oral health literacy among healthcare providers and patients in Kisumu” (Bita Fathipour), “Prospective cohort study of nocturnal milk-feeding and caries in toddlers” (Kemporn Kitsahawong),  “Milk-feeding frequency and caries in children: A prospective cohort study” (Sirima Sritangsirikul), and “Feasibility of using well-kept saliva bank to study mother-infant microbiome/virome evolution” (Yan Wang).

Overall, DeRouen Center-affiliated research at IADR underscored the university’s dedication to advancing dental research and improving oral health outcomes worldwide.

The visit of a delegation from Thailand to the University of Washington in November 2023 marked a significant step in fostering international collaboration in the fields of education, research, and innovation. Hosted by the UW’s Office of Global Affairs (OGA) and Office of Research, the event brought together leaders and representatives from UW and Thai universities and health organizations to explore potential avenues for cooperation. Dr. Gayle Christensen, UW Interim Vice Provost for Global Affairs, and Dr. Sara Curran, UW Associate Vice Provost for Research, delivered a warm welcome address, setting the tone for a day of insightful discussions and presentations.

Dr. Pongrak Sribanditmongkol, President of Chiang Mai University and Chairperson for the Council of University Presidents of Thailand (CUPT), introduced the mission of CUPT, providing valuable context for the ensuing discussions. Dr. Pasert Rekkiangrai, Vice President of Chiang Mai University, presented an overview of the prominent education, research, and innovation endeavors undertaken by Thai universities. The exchange of ideas continued with presentations by the UW delegation, covering a diverse range of topics such as wildlife monitoring, global health metrics, sustainable research collaboration, computing for the developing world, and air pollution research in collaboration with Mahidol University.

The day’s agenda also included brainstorming sessions to identify opportunities for collaboration, networking opportunities, an introduction to the UW CoMotion office and facility tours, providing the Thai delegation with a comprehensive overview of the university’s capabilities and resources. The UW campus walking tour further facilitated interaction and cultural exchange between the delegations. Overall, the visit served as a platform for building bridges between the University of Washington and Thai institutions, promoting cross-cultural understanding and fostering collaborative efforts to address global challenges in the realms of health, environment, and technology. For this meeting, the UW School of Dentistry was well represented by Susan Coldwell (Associate Dean for Student Services and Admissions, Washington Dental Service Endowed Professor, Professor of Oral Health Sciences), Donald Chi (Associate Dean for Research, Lloyd and Kay Chapman Endowed Chair for Oral Health), and Ana Lucia Seminario (Associate Professor of Pediatric Dentistry, Adjunct Associate Professor of Global Health, and Director of the Timothy A. DeRouen Center for Global Oral Health).

Since the 1990’s, the UW School of Dentistry has collaborated with Thammasat University and Khon Kaen University to increase capacity in oral health research in Southeast Asia. Since then, we have been awarded two 5-year National Institutes of Health (NIH) D43 grants that built up the basis for Khon Kaen University to become the prime recipient of the 2021 D43 award that supports researchtra ining programs for professionals and students to strengthen global health research and international research collaboration.