Category: News

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 research training programs for professionals and students to strengthen global health research and international research collaboration.

Dr. Priyanka Prajapati, a DeRouen Center intern, began courses at UW School of Dentistry in January 2024. Dr. Prajapati received a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences in Maharashtra, India, and practiced for a year at Government Dental College and Hospital in Mumbai. She subsequently received her Master of Dental Sciences at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. After graduation, she worked with various health authorities and dental clinics in Vancouver, British Columbia and Seattle, Washington.

As an intern at the DeRouen Center, Dr. Prajapati has contributed to research projects in Kenya, Peru, and Washington state. She’s assisted with grant application, data analysis, and manuscript preparation and submission on publications such as “Examination of Dental Utilization of Newly Resettled Adult Refugees in Washington State Enrolled in Dental Medicaid Program” that will soon be published in the journal Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology.

She’s furthering her studies in the University of Washington’s dental program due to its emphasis on service-based learning and its reputation in research and education, saying “I believe this program will empower me to integrate clinical and population health learning, enabling me to make substantial contributions toward enhancing access to oral healthcare.”

In 2020, the University of Washington’s Office of Global Affairs awarded a Global Innovation Fund (GIF) grant to the UW’s Timothy A. DeRouen Center for Global Oral Health. The GIF awards epitomize a commitment to addressing global research inequalities. The awarded project titled “Decreasing research inequalities in global oral health: Let’s publish your thesis!” was a collaborative between UW and the University of Nairobi.

Led by Drs. Ana Lucia Seminario and Arthur Kemoli, the project aimed to enhance research capacity in Kenya by providing mentorship and support to junior investigators, facilitating the publication of their research projects. The goal was to amplify the presence of Kenyan researchers in peer-reviewed articles, thereby increasing opportunities for collaborative scholarly publications, securing additional research funding, and ultimately reducing disparities in global oral health.

The success of this project is evident in its success rate, with four out of ten students achieving the significant milestone of successfully publishing their manuscripts. The investigators, Dr. Maureen Macharia, Dr. Kerre Nduguyu, Dr. Samantha Kachwinya, and Dr. Brenda Okumu, stand as examples of the positive impact this initiative has had on individual careers. Their published works not only contribute to the global body of oral health knowledge but also serve as steppingstones for further collaboration and research endeavors.

Published Manuscripts

• Maureen Macharia, Oral health status and hygiene practices among visually impaired adolescents from a school in Kenya, BMC Oral Health
• Kerre Nduguyu, Comparison of measured and predicted mesiodistal tooth-widths of 13-17 years old Kenyans: a descriptive cross-sectional study to develop a new prediction equation for use in the mixed dentition in a Kenyan population, BMC Oral Health
• Samatha Kachwinya, Oral health status and barriers to oral healthcare among children with cerebral palsy attending a health care center in Kampala, Uganda, BMC Oral Health
• Brenda Okumu, Geospatial analysis of dental access and workforce distribution in Kenya, Annals of Global Health

Reflecting on their achievements, Dr. Kerre Nduguyu expresses, “The course was quite useful to me as it sharpened my writing skills by teaching me to be more analytical and summarize huge amounts of information into cogent knowledge.” Dr. Brenda Okumu emphasizes the broader impact of the course, “Let’s publish your thesis! class left an indelible mark in my research journey. Thanks to this program, my thesis was published in a reputable journal, I am passing on the wealth of knowledge and skills to my students and my expertise as an IRB reviewer has gone a notch higher.” These sentiments underscore the importance of the University of Washington Global Innovation Fund Grant and its role in shaping the careers and contributions of investigators across the globe.

On Thursday, August 31, 2023, an important ceremony occurred at the central campus of Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia (UPCH) in Lima, Peru. It marked the transition of leadership positions within the Faculties of Medicine, Stomatology, and Nursing. Dr. Pedro Saona Ugarte assumed the role of the new dean overseeing these three integrated faculties. Simultaneously, Dr. Felix Medine Palomino became the vice dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Carlos Medial Aquino took on the role of vice dean for the Faculty of Stomatology, and Mag. Maria Fernandez Pacheco assumed the same position for the Faculty of Nursing.

This transition also saw the conclusion of the tenures of several previous authorities, including Dr. Manuel Rodriquez Castro, the former dean, Dr. Jose Caballero Lopez, the former vice dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Jorge Beltran Silva, the former vice dean of the Faculty of Stomatology, and Mag. Gianina Farro Pena, the former vice dean of the Faculty of Nursing.

UPCH stands as a prominent leader in the field of oral health, not only within Peru but also across South America. Their dedication to excellence and innovation has earned them recognition as a trailblazer in dental education and research.

UPCH’s commitment to advancing oral health extends beyond borders. The university actively collaborates with institutions and universities from around the world, fostering international partnerships that drive progress in dental science and education. This global perspective enriches the learning experience for students and ensures that UPCH remains at the forefront of advancements in oral health, benefiting not only their local community but the broader international dental community as well.

The Timothy A. DeRouen Center’s Board of Directors convened in a pivotal meeting in Bogota, Colombia, in June 2023, marking a significant milestone in the Center’s journey. The meeting included the DeRouen Center director Ana Lucia Seminario, Program Manager Sara Stanley, and board members Arthur Kemoli, Frank Roberts, Waranuch Pitiphat, Timothy DeRouen, and Jorge Castillo.

At the heart of the discussions were the accomplishments of the Center over the past few years and reviewing the Center’s five-year strategic plan which is in the fourth year. Notably, these achievements include the successful revamping of the DeRouen Center website and newsletter, the introduction of two new student courses increased grant funding, expanding its publication portfolio, executing fruitful research trips to Kenya and Peru, and receiving a generous endowment from Tim and Cheryl DeRouen.

Looking forward, the Board outlined ambitious objectives for the future. The few of the top priorities are attaining affiliation status with the World Health Organization (WHO), a significant recognition of the Center’s dedication to global health research and initiatives and securing physical space within the University of Washington’s main campus, which will further strengthen the Center’s presence and facilitate collaborative research endeavors. With this strategic vision, the DeRouen Center remains steadfast in its mission to advance global oral health and research on the world stage.