The Probe Spring-Summer 2024 - Volume 17 Issue No. 2

THE PROBE

VCU School of Dentistry Volume 17 Issue No. 2 May 2024

THE PROBE VOLUME 17 ISSUE NO. 2

A Letter from the Editor Anneliese Goetz

What is VCU ASDA’s The Probe?

The Probe is the periodical newsletter of VCU School of Dentistry’s chapter of the American Student Dental Association (ASDA).

In this publication, our goal is to highlight students, faculty, staff, organizations, and events here at the School of Dentistry. We aim to share information, ideas, stories, and reflections as we pursue excellence in dentistry for our patients.

Our sincerest thanks go out to all of our contributors, and we hope that you enjoy this issue. Happy reading!

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THE PROBE VOLUME 17 ISSUE NO. 2

Intro

Table of Contents A sneak peek at what this edition of The Probe has in store!

Photos courtesy of John Wallace, VCU SoD Director of Communications and Vernon Freeman, VCU SoD Digital Content Specialist

Section 1 Introduction Events

02 04

Community Service Student Voices Research Thank You to our Contributors

10 14 16 17

and Sponsors

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Intro

Meet the ASDA Executive Board

Wendy Yu

Justin Yi

Hallie Craig

President

Vice President

President-Elect

Joelle Ortega

Gabrielle Nelson

Brittany Spivey

Treasurer

Legislative Liaison

Secretary

Aisha Iqbal

Anneliese Goetz

Webmaster

Newsletter Editor

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Events

ASDA DISTRICT 4 CONFERENCE: NASHVILLE CHLOE EATER, ASDA DISTRICT 4 DIRECTOR OF EVENTS AND MEMBER OF VCU DDS CLASS OF 2026

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he sliding doors opened to the arrivals area at BNA airport, and the burst of January air hit me in the face as I searched for our Uber in a sea of cars, all with their heat blasting high. It had been snowing all week in Nashville, but despite flight delays and cancellations, my dental school peers and I were determined to arrive at the hotel.

We were on our way to the Annual American Student Dental Association District 4 Conference.

Each year, about 300 student leaders convene for the opportunity to make connections and learn from a diverse array of dentists, most of whom were heavily involved with ASDA during their dental school years. District 4 comprises 8 dental schools representing 5 states, making it the largest ASDA district with lots of opportunity to meet new people each time.

In the weeks leading up to this year’s event, anticipating the conference was a popular topic of conversation, and for many of us, it would be our first time visiti-

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ng Nashville. Attending the District Conference last year had encouraged me to join the District 4 Cabinet, and I was now part of the team in charge of planning this year’s event. During the week of the conference, a snowstorm blew 8 inches of snow into the area, for which the city was not used to nor prepared. Luckily, we did not have to cancel, and the venue assured us that everything was ready to go. Little did we know at the time just how much the weather would affect our plans.

The car tires slid on some black ice as the Uber driver pulled into the hotel portecochère but restored traction as he hit the brakes. I was glad to step inside for warmth, but I noticed the hotel lobby was eerily quiet. Upon check-in, we learned that a frozen pipe had burst, and the kitchen would not be able to prepare any of the catered food for the conference. This hotel would no longer be able to accommodate us. Just a few hours later, the events team had found another hotel that agreed to host District 4, and the first keynote speaker was up on stage giving her presentation.

The conference is short–just 1 full day

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with a welcome reception the evening before–but with the little time they do have, dental students are always sure make the most of it: multiple keynote speakers, a vendor fair, a variety of breakout sessions, the Stainless Steel Crown Awards Ceremony, and even a themed formal dinner and social.

Arguably one of the best parts of the weekend is the diverse array of keynote presentations featuring topics that are not often brought up in the classroom or clinic.

This year’s theme was “Navigating the Changing Landscape of Dentistry,” and more than 10 practitioners and professionals in the dental realm attended to share their expertise and guidance. One particularly captivating session by Dr. Amrita Patel-Feiock, delved into personal wellbeing.

Through an interactive presentation that was more discussionbased in nature, we learned ways to find balance within our personal and professional lives and avoid burnout while working towards achieving our goals. As a student accustomed to an academically rigorous environment, it is easy to get caught in the throes of prioritizing success over mental health. It was refreshing to hear from Dr. Patel-Feiock, and certainly opened my mind to strategies for achieving a more harmonious school-life balance. As I dragged my carry-on to the gate that Sunday afternoon, feet sore from dancing in the honky-tonks the night before, and stomach full of Hattie B’s hot chicken, I finally had the time to reflect on the experience. Just like any other conference experience I had before, I left with insights that I planned to look back on for later–either when I start the clinical portion of my education, or much later down the road, when I go out to practice on my own. Yet, this time was different.

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Having the opportunity to be a part of the District Cabinet, and to meet the team members who I had come to know from working with virtually over the past year, rounded out the experience a little more, and I left with something that felt more useful in the present. The last-minute venue changes also worked out for the better as this conference had a greater sense of community compared to past years, with the attendees being able to connect over the chaos.

There’s a term that dental students use to describe the feeling of being a part of ASDA, whether it be attending a national, district, or chapter-wide ASDA event, known as “ASDA fever.” I did not know until recently, but the essence of “ASDA fever” is simply connection. ASDA is a way for budding dental professionals to be introduced to organized dentistry early on in their careers. Organized dentistry is a means to advance the profession through continued education, advocacy and networking. There are many philosophies on how to tackle the future challenges within our profession, but perhaps the best way to navigate the changing landscape of dentistry is by doing it together.

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Events ADA DENTIST AND STUDENT LOBBY DAY BRITTANY SPIVEY, VCU ASDA SECRETARY AND MEMBER OF VCU DDS CLASS OF 2026

Waving over my fellow ASDA Lobby Day attendees — Hallie Craig (D2), Chloe Eater (D2), Priyanka Pugazhenthi (D2), and Yaphet Elaias (D2)— we navigated our way through the lengthy registration line and made our way to the refreshments. I could hear dental students from different regions of country talk about how excited they were to be in Washington, DC. Any visitor might be struck by the contrast between the carefully planned city with stately neoclassical architecture and its unpredictable politics. But this uncertainty explained why it was so important for future and current dentists to advocate for our profession— no one else was going to do it for us.

The issues of the moment included bills affecting the immense debts we must take on as students— the Dental Loan Repayment Assistance Act of 2023 (H.R. 7814) and the Resident Education Deferred Interest Act (H.R. 1202), a bill expanding the limited dental insurance coverage— the Dental and Optometric Care Access Act (S. 1424/H.R. 1385), as well as a bill aiming to increase dental care for underserved populations throughout the country— the Action for Dental Health Act (S. 2891). Chloe and Priyanka introduced the rest of us to various district trustees and other students they had worked with in their district-level ASDA positions. We left Lobby Day talking about how we should return one day, armed with even more experience to support the causes we care about.

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Events VDA DENTAL DAYS AT THE CAPITOL ANNELIESE GOETZ, VCU ASDA NEWSLETTER EDITOR AND MEMBER OF VCU DDS CLASS OF 2025 This past January, over 250 dentists, dental hygienists, dental students, and dental hygiene students participated in the VDA’s annual Dental Days at the Capitol to advocate for changes and improvements within our profession.

The two-day event began with a legislative reception, where attendees got the chance to engage with VDA members, fellow students, and some of Virginia’s 140 state legislators over hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. This evening set the stage for the entirety of the event, allowing for introductions and important discussions between students, VDA members, and legislators.

The following morning began with a policy breakfast and keynote address from Virginia Delegate and Speaker of the House, Don Scott (D-City of Portsmouth) whose wife, Dr. Mellanda Y. Colson Scott, DDS is a practicing dentist and VDA Member in Norfolk. We also heard from VDA lobbyists, Tripp Perrin and Missy Wesolowski. This year, we lobbied for insurance transparency, a dentist and dental hygienist compact, SafeHaven legislation, funding for a new dental school, and remote supervision of dental hygienists.

We then made our way to General Assembly building, where some of the real lobbying began! As we walked from the Omni to the General Assembly, we were further introduced to the dentists we were paired up with for the day. On a personal note, lobby day was made particularly special for me, as I was paired with my own pediatric dentist, Dr. Joyce Fernandes, who I had not seen in almost 10 years! It was amazing to reconnect and share the day with her.

Meeting with Virginia Legislators and their Chiefs of Staff gave us real insight into how our government functions and the significant impact that we, as advocates for our profession, can have, especially when we work together for common goals.

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Events VCU GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL STUDENTS’ WINTER FORMAL BRITTANY SPIVEY, VCU ASDA SECRETARY AND MEMBER OF VCU DDS CLASS OF 2026 Walking hurriedly through the cold night along an overpass heading to the glowing Virginia Museum of Fine Art (VMFA), I was excited to see such an elegantly dressed crowd inside. I did not have any expectations for this year’s MCV Winter Formal since everything from the event name to the venue had changed, but from this first glimpse it was instantly clear that it was a success.

I saw many familiar faces dressed in beautiful gowns and sharp suits as I stopped to talk to old friends and make new acquaintances.

The location could not have been better suited to socializing— with various glass staircases leading to different vantage points facing the entrance, overlooking the bar

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and buffet, and bridging the art galleries to the dance floor. I was delighted that many of the art exhibits were open and we wandered through everything from the breathtaking collection of Fabergé eggs to the mesmerizing Impressionist paintings.

Admiring the delicate craftsmanship and lifelike depictions, I was reminded of the attention to detail and artistry we must have when working on patients.

It warmed my heart to see my hard-working class look so beautiful and happy after all the hard work we had put into the semester. And as I stepped back out into the cold, this thought (and perhaps a kindly offered jacket) kept me warm.

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Events WHITE COAT CEREMONY BRITTANY SPIVEY, VCU ASDA SECRETARY AND MEMBER OF VCU DDS CLASS OF 2026 As if to match the white coats we were about to put on, the sky was blanketed in bright, pearly white clouds that threatened to downpour on the carefully styled hair, ironed professional attire, and shined formal shoes. We trickled in through a back door of the Altria Theatre where we found ourselves waiting in a ballroom decorated in the Egyptian revival style that reminded me of our own Egyptian Building. The scarab beetles, snakes, and cranes chasing each other around the murals also brought to mind the long and complicated history of medicine and dentistry. The floors on the other hand were a marble chess board-like pattern that reminded me how each one of us had needed to be strategic (as well as hardworking and determined) in order to get to this point.

Before we knew it, the time for talking and taking photos with friends ended and we were lined up and marching to our seats upstairs. The auditorium looked like it had been inspired by some tale from One Thousand and One Nights with geometric murals rising over the rows of burgundy seats to meet a gleaming silver dome.

Dean Lyndon Cooper welcomed us— for the first time, we were hearing him speak outside of one of his prosthodontics lectures, and as usual he spoke eloquently. Then Dr. Theresa Gonzales led us through

‘The Dentists’ Pledge’ in a majestic southern accent in which we vowed to serve patients with respect, professionalism, and honesty— and to continue to pursue our studies throughout our careers and not just after graduation.

Our names were read, coats were put on, and the Honor Code was signed. My personal goal for the day had simply been not to fall on my face in front of the professors and dean who had taught me so much— and I am relieved to report that I succeeded. I smiled as I heard how loudly my family cheered for me as I received my white coat from Dr. Awab Abdulmajeed and shook hands with Dr. Sarah Glass, Dr. Howard Baranker, and Dr. Michael Healy on my way off the stage.

The White Coat Ceremony concluded with a rush toward the loved ones who had supported us through the difficult and uncertain moments of dental school. Between the long days and sleepless nights, I could never take any accomplishment for granted in dental school. It was easy to think about how students could become derailed from their paths by illness, accidents, exhaustion, or some other misfortune. But I knew I was surrounded by faculty and students who had pushed me to challenge myself every day to achieve my childhood career goals— and I wouldn’t want to be doing it with anyone else.

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Community Service

GIVE KIDS A SMILE ANNELIESE GOETZ, VCU ASDA NEWSLETTER EDITOR AND MEMBER OF VCU DDS CLASS OF 2025 Give Kids A Smile is a national initiative that was started by the American Dental Association over 20 years ago. Each February, the Give Kids A Smile program helps turn children’s frowns into smiles by providing free dental care for children who typically cannot afford it. Dentists, dental hygienists, assistants, and other volunteers generously offer their time and skills to ensure children nationwide receive necessary and deserved dental care.

Annually, around 7,000 dentists and 3,000 dental team members volunteer at Give Kids A Smile events around the country and in their communities, delivering free oral health education, dental screenings, and treatment. Since its inception, millions of underserved children have benefited from free oral health services through this program.

At this year’s Give Kids a Smile event, the Pediatric Dental Clinic at VCU School of Dentistry provided care to 80 patients valued at more than $52,000.

Services provided included cleanings, sealants, crowns, and, when necessary, extractions.

Community Service MISSIONS OF MERCY: SUFFOLK & BECOMING A MOM COORDINATOR RAVEN KING, VCU ASDA REPRESENTATIVE AND MEMBER OF VCU DDS CLASS OF 2027 Serving on the executive board of the American Association of Public Health Dentistry (AAPHD) at VCU, first as a Community Service Chair ‘23-24 and now as the Vice President ‘24-25, has provided me with invaluable insight into the complexities surrounding healthcare disparities within our local Richmond community and beyond. Volunteering for VDAF programs, such as Give Kids a Smile Day and the Missions of Mercy (MOM) Project, have further deepened my understanding of the challenges faced by underprivileged populations in accessing essential dental care.

Volunteering in these events has shown me ways in which oral health disparities are currently being addressed by VCU School of Dentistry, the VDAF, and other local organizations. These initiatives not only require a vast amount of funding and resources, but an even stronger collective effort.

My desire to become a MOM coordinator has been shaped by these meaningful experiences, each serving as a stepping stone towards a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment. As a volunteer at the most recent MOM clinic on March 16th in Suffolk, VA, I felt like I was contributing to something bigger than myself. I felt a real sense of community throughout that entire weekend, unlike anywhere I’ve volunteered before. The day before, all of the volunteers helped unload trucks jam-packed with chairs, dental instruments, restorative materials, autoclaves, and so on. To watch an empty gymnasium go from just wooden floors and bleachers to a fully functional dental clinic with

dozens of operating dental units, an instrument dispensary, and sterilization area was truly magical.

During the actual day of the event, I juggled between assisting in the triage of patients, sterilizing dental instruments, running lines and suction between procedures, assisting in some simple dental extractions, and finally loading everything back into the truck. By the end of it all, I was completely and utterly exhausted, but I couldn’t wait to do it all again at the next project.

Now as I take on the position of MOM coordinator, I look forward to the opportunity of gaining insight and a more comprehensive understanding of the logistics involved in building and running a free dental clinic. In this position, I will be expected to help plan, organize, and assist in all future MOM projects with a team of other coordinators from VCU. This experience will not only be beneficial for my personal and professional growth, but it will also equip me with the necessary skills and knowledge to continue serving as a future provider in the public health sphere. My aspiration to give back throughout my career and remain actively involved in community outreach initiatives will be further strengthened by this opportunity. Collaborating with a team of passionate and selfless individuals, all dedicated to giving back to the Virginian community, is an exciting opportunity. I hope as a coordinator that I am able to make a meaningful and lasting impact in the lives of those who need it most.

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Community Service MINI-MOM: APPALACHIAN HIGHLANDS TAM NGUYEN, VCU ASDA REPRESENTATIVE AND MEMBER OF VCU DDS CLASS OF 2025 I felt incredibly honored to participate in a volunteer opportunity at the Appalachian Highlands Community Dental Center in Abingdon, VA, on March 21st and 22nd. Accompanied by my classmate, Jarrett Adkins, and senior colleague Jack Madigan, I embarked on the Mini-MOM project. Jack, slated to join the AEGD program at the dental center under the tutelage of Dr. Miller, and Jarrett, with a keen interest in pursuing the same residency program post-graduation, shared in this enriching experience.

The project, now in its 12th annual iteration, proved to be a vital service to the rural community it serves.

Alongside seven AEGD residents from Johnston Memorial Hospital, dental assistants from local assisting schools, and aspirating personnel from the dental field, we, the three students from VCU, worked tirelessly.

Our primary task involved attending to patients in need of full-mouth extractions. The project extends its impact to May, where many patients will return to receive a full set of complete dentures, free of charge.

Over the two days, with the collective effort of all involved, we attended to 112 patients and performed close to 500 extractions.

This experience is etched in my memory, serving as a poignant reminder of the importance of giving back to communities, particularly

those reminiscent of my own upbringing. The opportunity to learn from seasoned clinicians while providing care in a similar rural setting was invaluable. It solidified my commitment to serving as a clinician in rural areas post-graduation. The scarcity of providers in such regions is glaring, and I am proud that VCU, as Virginia's sole dental school, equips students from rural backgrounds with the skills to return and serve their communities effectively.

My aspiration as a dentist extends beyond patient care; I feel a calling to mentor individuals from underserved or less privileged backgrounds, much like my mentors did for me when I aspired to enter dental school. If I can inspire others to navigate the challenges of dental school and return to their communities as skilled practitioners, I believe I will have fulfilled a significant part of my professional journey.

I am immensely grateful for programs like the MOM project, which not only afford me the opportunity to participate in volunteer endeavors but also reaffirm my passion for dentistry.

Moving forward, I am committed to continuing my involvement with such programs and engaging in local volunteer initiatives. My vocation lies in serving both through dental treatment and as a mentor to those seeking to rise above their circumstances.

Student Voices NAVIGATING DENTAL PRACTICE PHILOSOPHIES: IMPACT ON ETHICS AND PATIENT PERCEPTION KELSEY GURAYA, VCU ASDA ETHICS COMMITTEE CHAIR AND MEMBER OF VCU DDS CLASS OF 2025

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s we navigate our final years of dental school, we are privileged to learn from a diverse array of experienced faculty members in the clinic. Each brings their own unique practice philosophies to the table, offering insights into the complexities of patient care. Yet, it is no surprise that occasional differences in opinion arise regarding how to approach certain cases.

Should we intervene immediately with a D1 lesion, or allow it to remineralize naturally? Is a crown necessary, or would a composite restoration suffice? When faced with these decisions, whether to save a tooth or opt for extraction, there is rarely a one-size-fits-all answer. Instead, our choices are shaped by a myriad of factors, including clinical experience, patient preferences, and ethical considerations.

It is this very diversity of perspectives that enriches our education and prepares us to navigate the nuances of dental practice.

However, translating these varied philosophies into patient care can sometimes create confusion and uncertainty, especially or patients. The decision-making process may seem vague, leading some individuals to seek second opinions or question their dentist’s judgement. This erosion of trust can ultimately undermine the ethical foundation of our profession VOLUME 17 ISSUE NO. 2

In the midst of these differing viewpoints, it is essential to remember the core principles that underpin dental ethics. Whether we lean towards a more conservative or aggressive approach, our ultimate goal remains the same: to prioritize the well-being of our patients while upholding the principles of beneficence, nonmaleficence, autonomy, justice, and veracity.

So, how can we ensure that our patients maintain faith in our ethical standards amidst these differing philosophies? One key solution lies in increasing patient autonomy. By involving patients in the decision-making process, explaining the rationale behind our treatment recommendations, and presenting them with a range of options, we empower them to make informed choices aligned with their values and priorities. In doing so, we not only foster trust and transparency but also reaffirm our commitment to ethical practice.

As we embark on our journey as future dental professionals, let’s embrace the diversity of thought within our field while remaining steadfast in our dedication to ethical care. By prioritizing patient autonomy and transparent communication, we can navigate the complexities of dental practice with integrity and compassion, ensuring that our patients feel confident in the ethical standards upheld by their dental providers.

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Student Voices VCU ENHANCES CULTURAL COMPETENCY AND PROVIDES BETTER CARE FOR PATIENTS GIOVANNI FLORES, MEMBER OF VCU DDS CLASS OF 2025 ARTICLE ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN VIRGINIA DENTAL JOURNAL VOLUME 101, NUMBER 2

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here are 63.7 million Hispanics living within the United States, making up 19.1% of the total population, according to the U.S. Census (1).

Although they comprise the largest minority group, Hispanic communities face numerous healthcare inequities including a language barrier, structural racism, and inability to access oral health care. Hispanic dentists represent 6% of the national dentist workforce, 3% of dental students, and 8.3% of faculty in dental schools (2). The low number of Hispanic healthcare providers leads to a huge dilemma in providing service for our Spanish-speaking patients. Limited access to primary care and screening programs staffed by bilingual healthcare providers can have adverse effects on Hispanic patients, compromising both their health outcomes and quality of life (2). The Hispanic Student Dental Association (HSDA) at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry (VCU) is actively striving to improve the experience of Spanish speaking patients. HSDA is a student-run organization at VCU and serves as the leading voice for Hispanic oral health. As HSDA members, our vision is to empower the healthcare profession to increase oral health equity and improve healthcare quality for the Hispanic/Latinx community and for other underrepresented populations (3).

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As one of few Spanish-speaking providers at VCU, I have frequently found myself in the role of a translator during clinic sessions. One particular encounter stands out vividly in my memory. While assisting in an operative procedure, I observed a patient who appeared unusually quiet and reserved. I stopped and asked the patient if she was feeling okay. The patient opened up to me about her concerns, and I was able to calm her down and answer all her questions. She later expressed her delight in finding someone around who understood her. In situations like these, patients often feel as though they are an inconvenience to providers because they require additional assistance to acquire proper care. This prevents them from asking further questions at appointments and explaining their true feelings. The HSDA at VCU is determined to ensure that situations like these are avoided by teaching cultural competency to our student body.

The HSDA accomplishes this by setting forth a strong initiative to overcome healthcare barriers that our patient population faces by teaching our student body Spanish dental terminology. Booklets of common phrases and words used in our clinic have been made available to the student body. This has allowed Spanish speakers to learn dental terminology and for beginners to start to pick up on phrases in order to communicate with our Spanishspeaking population. Along with the booklets, the HSDA has hosted in-person

(1) Bureau, US Census. “Hispanic Heritage Month: 2023.” Census.gov, September 28, 2023. https://www.census.gov/newsroom/facts-for-features/2023/hispanicheritage-month.html.

(2) Kaz Rafia, DDS, and DDS Martha Mutis. “Report: Addressing the Oral Health Needs of the US Hispanic Population.” Dentistry IQ, October 3, 2023. https://www.dentistryiq.com/dentistry/article/14299726/reportaddressing-the-oral-health-needs-of-the-us-hispanic-population.

(3) Ruiz, Lydia M. “About HDA.” Home. Accessed March 6, 2024. https://www.hdassoc.org/about-hda.

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Spanish workshops open to the student body, faculty, and staff to attend. Two sessions were held during the Fall 2023 semester: one dedicated to our beginner group, the other to those at a more intermediate/advanced level. During these sessions, we covered Spanish vocabulary for radiological findings, periodontal terminology, and endodontic terminology.

In the Spring 2024 semester, we will continue to build on the previous terminology learned while including axiUm form terminology as well as vocabulary used in a pediatric setting. Our latest addition to the clinic includes translation of commonly used forms and handouts for patients’ convenience. A poster was recently placed in the radiology clinic including Spanish phrases to help explain the x-ray process and the positioning needs of the patient when taking a full mouth series or panoramic x-ray.

It is our goal at VCU to promote oral health in Hispanic/Latinx communities across the Commonwealth of Virginia through prevention, treatment, education, and advocacy. We continue to develop and implement curricula and educational resources to train English-speaking students, faculty, and staff on dental terminology and best practices in communication with Spanish-speaking patients in the dental setting. We fight to overcome the unique barriers these populations face in accessing care and to work together to improve the health and well-being of Hispanic people across our country.

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Research A MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR DENTISTRY JILLIAN BUTLER, VICE PRESIDENT AND MEMBER OF VCU DDS CLASS ARTICLE ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN VIRGINIA DENTAL JOURNAL VOLUME 101, NUMBER 2

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he quote, “Research is seeing what everybody else has seen and thinking what nobody else has thought” by Albert Szent-Györgyi has always resonated with me. I wanted to become involved in research because of my background and my

strong desire to learn more about what we do not know. As a biomedical engineering major in college, I was able to do some amazing lab work and take incredible classes that were part of our curriculum, including creating a working EKG (it was tested on me!) and taking courses such as Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials. I was thrilled about the fact that VCU offered so many great opportunities to become involved in state-of-the-art research, from specially crafted surveys on public opinion to meticulous wet-lab work. During the end of D2 year, I was fortunate enough to find a project suited to my interests when I approached Dr. Eser Tüfekçi, an orthodontist at VCU who has a background in both dentistry and biomaterials. She told me that a team of chemical engineers from Virginia Tech have been developing a biodegradable plastic that has the potential to replace single-use plastics used in clinics every day. I could hardly contain my excitement when I learned that the project could not only lead to a more sustainable option that could be used in almost every clinical setting but that it also appealed to my engineering background and dental future.

The project began quickly, and our team at VCU met with the Virginia Tech (VT) Engineers and the owner of the company that is developing these novel plastics. I was graciously allowed to work under Dr. Todd Kitten, a renowned researcher in the field of Oral and Craniofacial Molecular Biology at VCU. Our goal was to test whether the novel plastics could prevent bacterial contamination to the underlying surface or, in other words, to test their effectiveness as a barrier to bacteria. Dr. Kitten and I utilized a modified protocol for our pilot study based on the International Organization for Standardization 22196. We were able to acquire some samples

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from the VT team of varying cross linking times (0 hours, 3 hours, or 6 hours). Our first question was, can our plastics protect against bacteria (as well as conventional plastics? Our second question was, what degree of crosslinking of our plastics (in hours) provides the best barrier to bacteria? After we executed the study, Dr. Caroline Carrico at VCU was able to perform statistical analysis of the results. It was found that further development and subsequent testing of the plastics is needed to ensure no bacterial leakage. In addition, more trials are necessary to establish statistical differences between the groups themselves.

While the results were not what the team had aimed for, our project was a step in the right direction towards a more sustainable option for conventional single-use plastics. In the future, we hope to continue the development of these biodegradable plastics to eventually establish a product that can be used in all clinics and eventually in settings outside of the healthcare field.

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MANY THANKS to our writing contributors Chloe Eater Brittany Spivey Anneliese Goetz Raven King

Tam Nguyen Kelsey Guraya Jillian Butler Giovanni Flores

to our photo & art contributors John Wallace Vernon Freeman Wendy Yu Chloe Eater

Brittany Spivey Raven King Tam Nguyen Giovanni Flores

to our ASDA sponsors