The 2026 International Association of Dental and Craniofacial Research (IADR) conference was held in San Diego, California in March, bringing together leading researchers, clinicians, and students from around the world to share the latest advancements in oral health. Two University of Washington’s DeRouen Center interns were able to attend to present their research abstracts at the IADR General Session.
Alireza Vahdati, a current UW dental student, presented his abstract titled “Voice-Driven Data Collection in REDCap for Global Oral Health Screenings.” His project explored how artificial intelligence (AI) and voice recognition technologies built into smart devices can streamline electronic data entry into REDCap, a research data management platform. This innovative approach has promising implications for improving data collection efficiency in low-resource settings.
Priyanka Prajapati, a third-year student in the UW International Dentist Degree Specialty (IDDS) program and upcoming June 2026 graduate, presented her abstract “Bridging HIV Care’s Oral Health Gaps: Training Kisumu’s Non-Dental Providers” Her study focused on evaluating changes in confidence and competency among non-dental providers in Kisumu County after receiving oral health training. This educational program aimed to strengthen the capacity of non-dental healthcare workers to facilitate early detection and timely referral for people living with HIV.
Together, these presentations highlight the meaningful contributions of University of Washington School of Dentistry students to advancing global oral health through innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a commitment to addressing health disparities. Their work reflects the mission of the DeRouen Center to develop practical, scalable solutions that strengthen health systems and improve care for underserved populations worldwide.