Research in the Faculty of Dentistry Orientation · Research in the Faculty of Dentistry 1 The Faculty of Dentistry at Dalhousie University is home to an array of research programs,

Orientation Research in the Faculty of Dentistry

1

The Faculty of Dentistry at Dalhousie University is home to an array of research programs, ranging from basic research on materials, tissue regeneration and oral pathogens to population wide surveillance of the prevalence of oral disease. Regardless of the approach, our aim is to improve treatments, increase access to oral care, inform best practice and ultimately elevate the oral health of Atlantic Canadians.

2

In this document you’ll find information on personnel and resources available to support you as you develop your research program. You’ll also find brief profiles of our researchers. More detailed information on each individual’s research program is available in the online Faculty directory at: http://xdent2.dentistry.dal.ca/faculty/research.php

May 2017

2

Martha Brillant – Research Development Officer As Research Development Officer, Martha’s role is to facilitate and grow research activity in

the Faculty of Dentistry. She is available to help with:

• Finding funding opportunities

• Research design

• Reviewing, editing and processing of grant applications

• Navigating Research Services and liaising with funding agencies

• Preparing ethics applications

• Data analysis and manuscript preparation

• Publicizing your research (faculty profile, web stories)

• Developing research agreements/contracts

Contact: [email protected]; phone 902-494-2242; Room 5157

Denise Lynds-Brown – Research Administrator (Finance) In her role as Research Administrator (Finance), Denise is available to assist with post-award

financial administration of research grants. Although researchers are responsible for the

day-to-day management of their own research accounts, Denise can provide advice on

matters related to research account administration. She also assists in setting up new

research accounts and serves as a liaison with Financial Services. Contact:

[email protected]; phone 1675; Room 5216

Tammy Broussard – Admin Secretary (Finance/Personnel) Tammy administers payroll related matters within the Faculty of Dentistry. She is available

for advice and assistance with hiring and compensating research personnel. Contact:

[email protected]; phone 1401; Room 5151 (Dean’s Office)

Faculty of Dentistry – Research Resources Support for Research

Giban Ray – Research Safety Officer In his role as Laboratory Safety Officer for the Faculty of Dentistry and School of Biomedical

Engineering, Giban provides safety training and oversight for students, employees and

faculty. Contact: [email protected]; phone 2359

3

Funding Opportunities

• Summer Research Program – The Faculty provides a stipend for Dalhousie dentistry and dental hygiene students to

conduct a summer research project under the supervision of a faculty member. A call for project proposals is issued in

January of each year.

• Research Activity Support Fund – Funding (up to $2000) is available to support research related activities such as

training, grant preparation, pilot studies or dissemination. There are no deadlines, applications are accepted until

funds are expended.

• Research Equipment Repair Fund – Funding (up to $5000) is available to maintain or replace existing research

equipment in the Faculty.

• Faculty Research Fund – Funding (up to $10,000 for one year) is available for research projects that will help build

research capacity within the Faculty. Competitions are held three times per year (Feb, May and Oct).

• External Funding Sources – Provincial (e.g. NSHRF) and national (e.g. CIHR, NSERC) research granting agencies hold

a variety of research funding competitions throughout the year. Government agencies and industry are other potential

sources of research support. Upcoming competition deadlines for funding opportunities are announced in a monthly

Faculty of Dentistry Research email Bulletin.

Faculty of Dentistry – Research Resources

Research Skills Training The Faculty of Dentistry, along with the Faculties of Medicine and Health Professions, is a member of PREP (the Professional

and Research Education Program). PREP provides research skills training on a wide variety of topics, aimed at varying

levels of expertise. See https://www.dal.ca/faculty/prep.html for upcoming training opportunities. Contact: TerriLyn

Chiasson ([email protected]). PREP sessions and other research training opportunities are announced in our monthly Faculty of

Dentistry Research email Bulletin.

Mentoring Program The Faculty of Dentistry has a mentoring program that helps match new faculty members with potential mentors. The

Faculty provides structure and training support to the mentorship process. Mentoring benefits both protégés and mentors

by promoting personal and professional growth. Contact Martha Brillant ([email protected]) for more information on this

program.

Clinical Research Support The Faculty of Dentistry has prepared a “Guide to Clinical Research in the Faculty of Dentistry". You can find a copy of the

guide on the Faculty of Dentistry Research Training and Support web page under Forms and Resources

(http://www.dal.ca/faculty/dentistry/research/training-support.html).

Faculty of Dentistry – Research Resources Support for Research

4

Dalhousie Research Services

Research Services reviews all grant applications arising from Dalhousie researchers to external agencies and gathers

institutional signatures on applications if needed. David Spurrell ([email protected]) is the primary research grants

facilitator for the Faculty of Dentistry.

Once a grant or contract is awarded, Research Services requires that researchers have all the required paperwork (ethics

approval etc) in place before a research account will be opened. Katie Merwin ([email protected]) deals with post-award

processing of grants and contracts.

Research Services also provides legal advice on research contracts, research agreements and service agreements. All such

agreements must be reviewed by legal advisor Jody Rice Gallagher ([email protected]) during the development process.

For more information on Research Services: www.researchservices.dal.ca

Martha Brillant ([email protected]) serves as a liaison between researchers within the Faculty of Dentistry and Research Services.

Dalhousie Financial Services

Once all requirements are in place for a research grant or contract, Research Services will request that an account be opened by

Financial Services. Research grant accounts are administered by Bobbi Ciz ([email protected]); research contract accounts are

administered by Dawn Dean ([email protected]).

Denise Lynds-Brown ([email protected]) serves as a liaison between Financial Services and researchers within the Faculty of

Dentistry.

Dalhousie Research Ethics Any research planned within the Faculty of Dentistry that involves human participants, human tissue or human data must

receive ethics approval from the Health Sciences Research Ethics Board (HSREB). Access to research funds will be withheld until

approval has been granted. For ethics applications, application deadlines and more information on Research Ethics see:

http://www.dal.ca/dept/research-services/responsible-conduct-/research-ethics-.html. Martha Brillant ([email protected]) is

available to review human subjects research ethics applications prior to HSREB submission.

The University Committee on Laboratory Animals is responsible for reviewing protocols involving the use of animals, animal

tissues or cells. See http://www.dal.ca/dept/animal-ethics.html for protocol review deadlines, training and certification

requirements.

Dalhousie University – Research Resources Support for Research

Research Laboratory Safety A valid Dalhousie Biosafety Certificate is required for all research activities that involve the use or manipulation of potentially

hazardous biological agents and micro-organisms. Biosafety training is mandatory for all faculty, staff and students who work

with biological materials. WHMIS training is required for those who work with chemicals and other hazardous materials. For

more information see http://www.dal.ca/dept/safety.html. A Research Lab Policy and Procedures Manual is available on the

Dentistry web site under "Forms and Resources" (http://www.dal.ca/faculty/dentistry/research/training-support.html).

Giban Ray ([email protected]) is the Research Safety Officer for the Faculty of Dentistry.

5

Daniel Boyd My research interests are focused on the development of therapeutic/regenerative

biomaterials for clinical indications in areas of trauma, oncology, neurovascular interventions

and hard tissue augmentation. To achieve these solutions we actively research within the test

parameters of internationally recognized protocols to evaluate new biomaterials in terms of

safety and efficacy. In particular, emphasis is paid to composition-structure-property

relationships of our new materials via the evaluation of mechanical properties (including

fatigue performance of materials), in vitro evaluation of biological performance, as well as in

vivo safety and efficacy. The research efforts of our laboratory are driven by clinical

requirements and are conducted on an international basis with collaborators in the US, UK,

and in the Republic of Ireland. Contact: [email protected]

Full Profile: http://xdent2.dentistry.dal.ca/faculty/Faculty_Staff_profile3.php?id=1140

Mark Filiaggi My core research program focuses primarily on biomaterials and implants, with an emphasis

on novel calcium phosphate processing approaches that facilitate localized delivery of

therapeutic agents, and on surface modification strategies to enhance the osteopromotive

and antimicrobial properties of metallic implants. For these studies I maintain active

collaborations with both the basic science (Chemistry, Physics) and clinical (orthopaedics,

intervention radiology) communities. In recent years, these interests have been

complemented by my involvement in provincially-based population health studies focused

on oral health assessments and links to the overall health and well being of potentially

marginalized or underserved populations. Contact: [email protected]


J. Michael Lee My research work is centered on the relationships between structure and function in

connective tissues and tissue-derived devices for surgery. Natural tissues include

pericardium, arteries, bone, tendons, ligaments, and non-mammalian tissues like the tail of

the tadpole. Changes in collagen structure from place-to-place in the body, and with age,

are particularly interesting. As well, we are investigating how injuries to tendons and

ligaments due to overload or repetitive motion translate into changes in collagen at the

molecular level and contribute to repair and remodeling phenomena. Tissue devices include

heart valve replacements, vascular grafts, and patches. Our particular interest is in the

mechanisms by which long-term mechanical loading and attack by host cells and enzymes

work together to limit the implantable lifetime of the device. Contact: [email protected]


Faculty of Dentistry – Researcher Profiles Applied Oral Sciences

6

Song Lee My laboratory is investigating the use of Streptococcus gordonii as a live oral vaccine

vehicle against childhood diseases, such as pertussis. The goal is to achieve a protective

immune response through oral colonization. We are also investigating novel platforms for

the development of single-dose vaccines for neonates. A second focus of my laboratory is

investigating host - S. gordonii interactions and factors regulating antigen production in S.

gordonii. The goal of this research is to understand the recognition of S. gordonii by the host

cells and the “bottle-neck” of foreign protein production to provide means to generate an

efficient vaccine vehicle. We are also interested in other oral bacteria including

periodontal pathogens. We are studying mechanisms used by Streptococcus mutans to

modulate the cell surface and we are investigating the pathogenesis of and immunity to

Treponema denticola in animal models. Contact: [email protected]


Yung-Hua Li Bacteria in nature or in the human body are predominately associated with a surface and

form biofilms. Formation of biofilms enable bacteria to resist inhibition or removal by the

host defense mechanisms or by antimicrobial agents. Living in biofilms allow bacteria to

have several advantages in that they can intimately interact with each other and function as a

group for coordinated activities. My research focuses on molecular mechanisms of biofilm

formation and the pathogenicity of oral bacteria, identifying genes important for bacterial

virulence by functional genomic approaches and identifying natural and synthetic

compounds that potentially interfere with oral biofilm formation. Contact: yung-

[email protected].

Full profile: http://xdent2.dentistry.dal.ca/faculty/Faculty_Staff_profile3.php?id=214

Faculty of Dentistry – Researcher Profiles Applied Oral Sciences

Brendan Leung My research program focuses on the development of advanced tissue construct platforms

and assay technologies to understand fundamental phenomenon that govern tissue

homeostasis and responses in human diseases. Specifically I’m interested in creating in

vitro tools to understand the role of human associated microbes in chronic disease, including

metabolic syndrome, fibrosis and cancer. Contact: [email protected]

Full profile: http://xdent2.dentistry.dal.ca/faculty/Faculty_Staff_profile3.php?id=1802

7

Ross Anderson Access to care for marginalized children. Early childhood caries. Medical curriculum.

Contact: [email protected]


Faculty of Dentistry – Researcher Profiles Dental Clinical Sciences

Cynthia Andrews Curriculum planning, mapping, intersection and outcomes. Health Mentors Program

planning and outcomes. Contact: [email protected]


Blaine Cleghorn Early caries diagnosis using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and polarized Raman

spectroscopy (PRS). Contact: [email protected]


Nader Hamdan Biomarkers for detecting periodontal disease. Effect of dentures on diet. Methods for testing

implant stability. Evidence-based guidelines for periodontal practice. Contact:

[email protected]


8


Ferne Kraglund Public health issues: access and barriers to care, oral health status and needs of marginalized

populations (e.g. immigrants, Aboriginal communities) and provision of oral health services.

Preventive dentistry: dental caries risk factors and caries risk assessment. Contact:

[email protected]


Chris Lee Access to dental care for underserviced populations. Emergency dental services. Dental

management of medically complex patients. Contact: [email protected]


Debora Matthews Patient reported outcomes. Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. Oral health

disparities in vulnerable populations. Contact: [email protected]


Mary McNally My clinical and academic interests include caring for elders, oral health promotion, and

health care ethics focusing on social justice and access to care for vulnerable populations.

My current research projects explore possibilities for effective promotion and integration

of oral health care for frail and dependent older adults residing both at home and in

continuing care settings. In addition to developing research meant to inform policies and

programs to promote better oral care practices, I am interested in gaining a better

understanding of the ethical implications of personal mouth care. Contact:

[email protected]


9


Richard Price World-leading expertise in the design, evaluation, and use of dental curing lights. I have

worked with most of the global dental manufacturers assisting them to evaluate and study

their new curing lights and materials. Currently I am investigating the longevity of

posterior resin composite restorations, the light output from dental curing lights in dental

offices, the existence of any 'blue-light' hazard, and the benefits of fast vs. slow curing of

dental restorations. Contact: [email protected]


Kathy Russell My research interests are focused in the area of treatment outcome assessments and care for

patients with cleft lip and palate and other craniofacial anomalies. I am presently part of the

“Americleft” North American multicentre outcome assessment research group for cleft lip

and palate. Present focus include, alveolar bone graft outcome assessments, nasolabial

esthetics, burden of care of various treatment protocols, and outcome comparisons of infant

orthopedic techniques. Contact: [email protected]


Pierre-Luc Michaud

Compatibility of adhesives and resins. Reversal of anesthetic agents. Contact:

[email protected]


Isabel Mello

My research involves translational studies in root canal irrigants, intracanal medicaments,

filling materials and endodontic instruments.

Contact: [email protected]


10

Faculty of Dentistry – Researcher Profiles Dental Hygiene

Heather Doucette Cultural competency in the dental hygiene curriculum. The use of translators in an

immigrant oral health clinic. Contact: [email protected]


Kim Haslam The role of dental hygienists in head and neck cancer detection. Contact: [email protected]


Nancy Neish Fear management techniques. Program outcomes evaluation. Interprofessional health

education initiatives. Mindfulness training. Contact: [email protected]


Cara Tax Adult learning theory and its application in a variety of educational settings. Contact:

[email protected]


11

Ben Davis The study of the effect of ketamine on post-operative pain. Propofol as a sole agent for

procedural sedation. TMJ arthoscopy for temperomandibular disorders. Contact:

[email protected]


Faculty of Dentistry – Researcher Profiles Oral and Maxillofacial Sciences

Jean-Charles Doucet Primary repair of the cleft lip nasal deformity, early alveolar bone grafting, and cleft

distraction osteogenesis. Contact: [email protected]


Reginald Goodday

Diagnosis, treatment planning and surgical management of obstructive sleep apnea. Contact:

[email protected]


Curtis Gregoire Early detection of oral dysplasia, reducing surgical patient morbidity, maxillofacial

reconstruction and rehabilitation. Contact: [email protected]


12

Faculty of Dentistry – Researcher Profiles Oral and Maxillofacial Sciences

Yang Gu Etiology of oral lichen planus. Contact: [email protected]


Lisa Johnson Effects of e-cigarettes on the oral epithelium. Contact: [email protected]


Chad Robertson Oral cancer detection, surveillance and epidemiology. Effects of orthognathic surgery on

the TMJ. Contact: [email protected]


Documents

Research in the Faculty of Dentistry Orientation · Research in the Faculty of Dentistry 1 The Faculty of Dentistry at Dalhousie University is home to an array of research programs,