Celebrating discovery at the 45th Annual Professionals Day

On March 19, the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine community gathered for its 45th Annual Professionals Day. The event showcases the depth of student research, academic excellence and commitment to advancing the field of dentistry at CWRU.

“Professionals Day gives us the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the research accomplishments of our dental students,” said Catherine Demko, PhD (GRS ’02, epidemiology and biostatistics), associate professor in the department of community dentistry. “It also recognizes the faculty mentorship provided in order for these students to conduct their research and celebrates the importance of research and science in the role of being a healthcare professional.”

Suchitra Nelson, PhD (GRS ’84, nutrition, ’88, ’92, epidemiology and biostatistics), professor and associate dean for clinical and translational research, welcomed attendees and highlighted the significant dental research being conducted by CWRU faculty and students at the bench, bedside, in the clinic and in the community. Following that, Demko reviewed accomplishments from the last 20 years of student research, celebrating two decades of inquiry, innovation and impact led by students. She also noted that many of this year’s students continued the tradition and conducted research without funding support.

The morning featured oral presentations from DMD students and residents, highlighting a range of topics. These included the development of rapid, point-of-care oral cancer screening tests for immediate chairside use; a survey of dental hygienists assessing confidence in dental therapists’ ability to perform clinical procedures; and patient evaluations of alloplastic temporomandibular joint replacement for end-stage disease.

“It's always exciting to see the different projects, spanning across the dental specialties and the students' enthusiasm for sharing their information,” Demko said. “It's wonderful to hear students engage with their audience; I'm always impressed with their ability to answer questions and their thoughtful responses to 'what's next' or 'why is this important.'”

Following the oral session, attendees engaged with 13 poster presentations from both DMD students and residents. The poster session provided an opportunity for deeper discussion, collaboration and mentorship, as students shared their findings with faculty, peers and guests. Accolades for posters and oral presentations were also conveyed, including:

• Guenther M. Hans Award (Oral Presentation): Luke Hisiger (class of 2028), mentored by Aaron Weinberg, DMD, biological sciences
   
• OKU Award (Oral Presentation): Anne Libin (class of 2028), mentored by Pushpa Pandiyan, PhD, biological sciences
   
• 45th Professionals Day Award (DMD Poster): Brock Van Alften (class of 2028), mentored by Dale Baur, DDS (DEN ’80), oral and maxillofacial surgery
   
• 45th Professionals Day Award (DMD Poster): Makayla Hanegan Birrell and Leonarda Miletic (class of 2027), mentored by Scott Pelok, DDS, comprehensive care
   
• 45th Professionals Day Award (Graduate Poster): Miguel Ascencio, endodontics (class of 2026), mentored by Andre Mickel, DDS (DEN ’91, GRS ’94, endodontics)
   
• Vibeke K. Nygaard Award: Luke Hisiger and Jenna Rioch

Professionals Day continues to reflect the School of Dental Medicine’s dedication to fostering curiosity, critical thinking and innovation among its students. Events like this not only highlight emerging research but also reinforce the school’s mission to prepare future dental professionals who will advance oral health locally and globally.

“The longevity [of Professionals Day] demonstrates the school's commitment to a culture of inquiry, especially the commitment of individual faculty who serve as research mentors,” Demko said. “For 45 years, faculty have served as models of clinician- scientist-educators to our students, encouraging them to see the different dimensions of the profession. I think that is a very powerful message that can influence career choices and professional behavior.”