Category: News

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, benefitting 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.

Thanks to a generous donation, five University of Washington students travelled to Kisumu, Kenya in September, where they engaged in independent research projects closely aligned with a current National Institutes of Health (NIH) R21 grant led by Drs. Ana Lucia Seminario and Whasun Chung with the UW DeRouen Center for Global Oral Health.

In Kisumu’s Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital and affiliated regional clinics, the students shadowed Dr. Immaculate Opondo (R21 grant study coordinator) and staff while they conducted R21 grant study activities and conducted their independent research projects on topics including HIV stigma, oral health education, and Kenyan pediatric diets. While visiting the clinics, the students engaged in conversations with clinic staff and collecting survey information, gaining valuable insights for their projects.

Beyond their academic pursuits, the students immersed themselves in Kenyan culture and cuisine, including visiting the Teme Impala Park, Giraffe Center, and taking a boat trip on Lake Victoria. Overall, the trip was successful in expanding student global oral health research engagement and expanding cultural competence.

The 2023 International Association for Dental Research (IADR) conference in Bogota, Colombia was an exciting event for the DeRouen Center. We had the honor of having five abstracts accepted for presentation at the conference, highlighting our research conducted by our dedicated international team. These abstracts represented a significant achievement for the DeRouen Center and demonstrated our continued success in advancing oral health on a global scale.

During the conference, the accepted abstracts from the DeRouen Center took center stage as interactive talks presented by Ana Lucia Seminario (University of Washington) entitled “Integrating oral health within Kenyan HIV research/policy structure: Stakeholder analysis”, Arthur Kemoli (University of Nairobi) entitled “Oral health status among visually impaired adolescents in Kenya”, Eraldo Pesaressi (Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia) entitled “Oral health perceptions in MSM alcohol consumers with HIV”, Johanna Belen Juarez (Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia) entitled “Dental utilization of refugee children is associated with area of resettlement”, and Sara Stanley (University of Washington) entitled “Implementing an app for data collection in a Peruvian HIV-clinic”. The presentations highlighted the research findings and innovative approaches to addressing oral health challenges in both Peru, Kenya, and the United States. The talks sparked engaging discussions, fostering collaboration, and knowledge sharing among fellow researchers and dental professionals in attendance.

The DeRouen Center’s presence at the conference demonstrates our continued commitment to international collaborations, knowledge exchange, and the pursuit of excellence in oral health research. We look forward to attending the next IADR conference in New Orleans, USA in 2024.

The kickoff of the UW DeRouen Center’s NIH R21 grant entitled “Dynamics of HIV-infection, Oral Innate Immunity and The Development of Oral Diseases in Children” took place in Kisumu, Kenya in February 2023.

The event brought together researchers and healthcare professionals to launch the grant’s research activities. Among the key individuals present were Dr. Ana Lucia Seminario (principal investigator, and Co-PI with Dr. Whasun Chung), Dr. Arthur Kemoli, (Kenyan site director), Dr. Immaculate Opondo (study coordinator), Maureen Aluoch (research assistant) Mercyline Muhonja (research assistant), and Dr. Caitlin Fehlinger, (pediatric dental resident). Our dedicated team spent four days testing and initiating the grant at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kisumu.

Oral diseases are among the most prevalent non-communicable diseases worldwide. Despite significant successes in the treatment for HIV, children with HIV continue to experience more oral diseases compared to uninfected children. This exploratory study assesses the extent to which HIV infection influences the occurrence and progression of oral diseases among HIV/AIDS Kenyan children and to create research capacity in global oral health.

The kickoff event in Kisumu was an exciting milestone for the DeRouen Center, marking the beginnings of oral health HIV research in western Kenya.

Dr. Waranuch Pitiphat, former Dean of the School of Dentistry at Khon Kaen University, is a renowned Thai researcher who has made significant contributions to the field of oral health, with her work receiving recognition and support from the United States’ National Institutes of Health (NIH). As highlighted on the Fogarty International Center’s website at the NIH, Dr. Pitiphat’ s research endeavors in Thailand have focused on cultivating oral health research and addressing the disparities prevalent in the oral health domain.

One notable achievement in Dr. Pitiphat’ s career is her success in obtaining NIH grants, specifically the D71 and D43 training grants for southeast Asia. These grants awarded have enabled her to establish a research training program that integrates oral health research into the curriculum of Thai dental schools. By equipping dental students with research skills and fostering a research-oriented mindset, Dr. Pitiphat aims to enhance their capabilities and contribute to advancements in oral health research. She has organized workshops, seminars, and collaborative projects that bring together oral health professionals from Thailand and other international partners. These initiatives not only facilitate the sharing of research findings and best practices but also foster interdisciplinary collaborations, strengthening the oral health research community within Thailand.

Dr. Pitiphat’ s achievements with D71 and D43 awards highlight her dedication to advancing oral health research and capacity-building efforts in Thailand. By empowering future dental professionals with research skills and promoting collaboration among researchers, she has significantly contributed to improving oral health outcomes and strengthening the research landscape throughout southeast Asia.

In February 2023, as part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant named “TABASAMU” awarded to the University of Washington (UW) and University of Nairobi (UoN), a team of researchers and professionals embarked on an international trip to Kenya. The purpose of the trip was to conduct focus groups and meet with potential oral health research trainees in four cities: Kisumu, Eldoret, Nairobi, and Mombasa. The trip involved a team of six travelers including Dr. Ana Lucia Seminario (UW), Dr. Frank Roberts (UW), Dr. Jenipher Ober-Oluoch (University of Rwanda), Dr. Arthur Kemoli (UoN), Dr. Immaculate Opondo (Maseno University), and Sara Stanley (UW). The TABASAMU project (Grant # 1D71TW011823-01) is the precursor planning grant that prepares the path for a future interdisciplinary research training program in Kenya.

Led by Dr. Jenipher Ober-Oluoch and Sara Stanley, the team conducted a series of focus groups to gather data on oral health research capacity in Kenya, with the opportunity to meet with potential oral health research trainees in each of the four cities. These meetings allowed the team to identify promising individuals for future trainee and research opportunities.

In addition to the focus groups, the team attended the Kenya Medical Research Institute’s (KEMRI) Annual Scientific and Health (KASH) Conference in Nairobi. Dr. Frank Roberts was a speaker at the conference and gave a lecture on periodontal disease and HIV. Attending the conference allowed the team to connect with other researchers and professionals and learn about the latest developments in oral health research.

This second TABASAMU trip to Kenya was another productive and enriching experience for the team and has laid the groundwork for a future NIH training grant to enhance oral health research capacity in Kenya, and future collaborations between University of Washington, University of Nairobi, and other partners within the country.

This past February, Dr. Frank Roberts from University of Washington’s (UW) School of Dentistry, was invited to give a talk at the 2023 KEMRI Annual Scientific and Health (KASH) conference. The KASH conference is an annual event organized by the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI). KEMRI is a leading medical research organization in Africa that conducts research on various health issues, including infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, health systems research, and public health. The conference brings together scientists, researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders from the health sector to discuss and share the latest research findings, innovations, and best practices in health research.

Dr. Robert’s presentation topic was focused on the interaction between HIV and periodontal diseases. Periodontal disease (gum disease) is an inflammatory condition that affects the tissues and bone that support the teeth. It is caused by a bacterial infection and can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. HIV infection can increase the risk of developing periodontal disease and can also make the disease more severe. Research has shown that people with HIV are more likely to have periodontal disease than those without HIV. This may be due to the fact that HIV weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off the bacterial infection that causes periodontal disease. In addition, some antiretroviral medications used to treat HIV can cause dry mouth, which can increase the risk of developing other oral health problems including caries (cavities). Periodontal disease can also have an impact on HIV disease progression, with studies suggesting that periodontal disease may lead to increased HIV viral load and decreased T-cell counts, which are key indicators of HIV disease progression.  Fortunately, current treatment strategies to control HIV infection (HAART, etc.) also reduce the ravages of HIV-periodontitis.  Dr. Roberts lectured to physicians, nurses, and other Kenyan healthcare workers on the importance of oral health examinations and interventions to improve general health.

Dr. Roberts is the Associate Dean for Regional Affairs, Acting Chair of the Department of Periodontics, and is the Program Director for the Regional Initiatives in Dental Education (RIDE) program at the University of Washington.  He also serves as the Staff Periodontist for the Seattle Veterans Administration Dental Clinic. He accompanied the University of Washington and University of Nairobi’s TABASAMU research group to Kenya to meet with key project stakeholders, assist with trainee focus groups, and attend the KASH conference.