Dental Hygiene Student Research Posters

In their senior year, UNE dental hygiene students take a leadership course, during which they learn various ways to hone their skills as leaders in the profession of dental hygiene. One of the ways they do this is through dissemination of information to the broader community. Each fall, seniors conduct research, then display their research in a poster session open to all members of the dental community. Many elect to submit their poster for consideration in the annual Yankee Dental Congress Student Poster Session where, if chosen as a finalist, students then compete at the convention in Boston in January.

Printing is not supported at the primary Gallery Thumbnail page. Please first navigate to a specific Image before printing.

Effect Of Xylitol Versus Sugar On Caries Risk

Alyssa Birmingham, Kailey Hart, Raissa Igihozo, and Amanda Osmolski

The effect of xylitol versus sugar on caries risk is a rising trend in caries prevention. The dominant explanation for this trend is explained by xylitol’s ability to significantly decrease caries rates in recent studies. To answer the question, in adult patients, what is the effect of xylitol versus sugar on caries risk, we compared previous studies in a literature review. The limitations of these findings include the many... Read More
Opioid Addiction And Its Effect On Oral Health

Nicholas Chamberlain-Nunes, Andalena Chancio, and Annika Thomas

Opioid addiction in this nation is an extremely prevalent public health crisis. The same can be said about dental caries and other oral health conditions. Research shows that opioid addiction and dental caries have a strong correlation, even former opioid addicts are more likely to have caries. The studies reviewed for this paper include an Iranian study, one on the effects of use during pregnancy, a systematic review and... Read More
Periodontal Disease And Alzheimer’s Disease

Lexis Labonte and Jaycee Cole

There is a direct correlation between patients with periodontal disease and negative cognitive decline or Alzheimer’s disease. Research has proven that those who suffer from Alzheimer’s/dementia have a reduced dentition which negatively impacts masticatory function. With impaired masticatory function, it leads to poor nutrition which has a direct effect on cerebral stimulation and blood flow which worsens the effects of Alzheimer’s. The bacteria that is present during periodontitis, causes... Read More
Teledentistry In Dentistry

Jaycee Murray and Lauren Chestnut

Teledentistry is an online service that is utilized in many dental offices allowing for clinicians to virtually meet with patients using interactive tools and telecommunications. This method of care has been extremely beneficial to both the patient and clinician as it continues to become popular and more developed, it increases access to care for many populations by minimizing the cost of dental treatment and providing more convenient care options.... Read More
The Effect Of Periodontal Therapy On Diabetic Patients

Amelia Cohen, Deidra Perreault, and Riley Reardon

Diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disease affecting the body’s ability to produce the hormone insulin. The comparison between diabetic patients who received periodontal therapy, as opposed to those who have not, is explored in this report. Factors such as clinical attachment loss, probing depths, and effectiveness of periodontal therapy are measured. Recognizing the study's limitations, we conclude that non-surgical periodontal treatment on diabetic patients with periodontitis is shown... Read More
Vaping Is More Dangerous Than You Think

Chantel Perreault, Jodi Poirier, Chantelle Vazquez, and Kaelyn Gallipeau

It is predicted that cigarette smokers and users of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) have poor periodontal health and greater levels of the inflammatory cytokines IL-15 and IL-18 in their saliva, compared to nonusers. Electronic cigarettes heat the liquid within the cartridge at a level that permits the individual to inhale. The inhalation within the lungs leads to tooth decay, gum disease and even oral cancer. The studies included... Read More
Cranberry Extract’s Potential To Reduce Streptococcus Mutans

Eliza Estey, Baylee Flemming, Emma Graves, Julia Hamilton, and Courtney E. Vannah

Streptococcus mutans is the most prominent cariogenic bacteria in the oral cavity due to strong adhesion properties. Reducing the leading cariogenic bacteria in dental caries is important for the longevity of natural teeth. The anti-adhesion effects from cranberry derivatives could be helpful in reducing the amount of S. mutans. This literature review aims to determine whether cranberry extract based mouth rinse is effective in reduction of the S. mutans... Read More
Effects Of Polyphenols On Periodontitis

Scott Roberts, Noah Sawtelle, Emma Nelson, Marayah Hynes, and Joann Moulton

Pharmacological agents have been used for centuries to treat or cure diseases. Foods, herbs, and extracts can produce similar pharmacological effects, one being polyphenols. This extract in particular exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. One cellular study stated the biofilm forming capacity and viability of periodontitis pathogens can be significantly altered by dietary polyphenols. Each year 2.8 million people in the United States are diagnosed with an antibiotic resistant bacterial... Read More
Effects Of Vaping Nicotine Vs Traditional Cigarette Smoking On Periodontal Patients

Rachel Pion, Brianna Fontes, Megan Robert, and Debra Chalmers

Vaping is becoming increasingly popular as an attempt to decrease traditional smoking. Chemicals found in cigarettes are known to be harmful to the periodontium. Nicotine, found in both inhalants, is a vasoconstrictor that causes a reduction in the inflammatory response. This leads to less bleeding and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) flow in those that smoke cigarettes versus those that vape. Due to e-cigarettes new prevalence, additional research is required... Read More
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT)

Katelynn Perkins, Sophany Srey, and Courtney E. Vannah

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by upper airway obstruction during sleep. This literature review aimed to determine if myofunctional therapy (MT) could be an effective treatment for OSA. The goal of MT is to induce changes in weak and dysfunctional upper airway muscles. The literature suggests that myofunctional therapy may reduce the symptoms of mild to moderate OSA.
... Read More
Pour Me Some Polyphenols

Sara Dupont, Sadie Garceau, Sydney Jones, and Debra Chalmers

Polyphenols have a positive impact on the overall health of the oral cavity. They can be found in different drinks that are plant-based such as tea, coffee or products containing cocoa. They can be found in plant-based foods like fruits and vegetables. Polyphenols are able to reduce the cariogenic process is what makes them have such an importance in oral health. They play a role in systemic health. The... Read More
Save the Bees, They Prevent Caries

Michaela Godzick, Jessica Meyer, Magnolia Nishan, Aleigh Toof, and Debra Chalmers

Research poster investigating the question: Does the use of natural product based dental products containing propolis provide a decreased risk of caries compared to dental products that are not natural product based? Propolis is a product that is created from bees that is commonly found in a wide variety of natural dental products. Propolis has many beneficial effects; antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory. Dental caries are prominent in... Read More
Stopping The Progression Of Periodontal Disease With Laser Therapy

Sarah Almukhtar, Autumn Baker, and Joann Moulton

A thorough execution of bacteria is not necessarily achieved by non-surgical periodontal instrumentation alone, so it is likely that optimal healing may not take place. Numerous studies have reported on the uses of laser therapy in conjunction with nonsurgical instrumentation. In periodontal laser therapy, the fiber optic tip is placed at the top of the periodontal pocket to remove the diseased tissue that lines the pocket. This is done... Read More
Wash Your Hands... And Brush Your Teeth!

Michelle Desjardins, Sarah Desrochers, Emma Heyland, and Joann Moulton

COVID-19 has become a novel pandemic increasing rapidly all over the world. Periodontal disease and COVID-19 share many of the same risk factors such as age, gender, and systemic diseases like diabetes and hypertension. Although not many studies exist on periodontal disease (PD) and COVID-19 due to it being a new and emerging topic, many studies suggest key links between the two. Maintaining superior oral health is especially important... Read More
Dysfunctional Oral Health

Meghan Glidden, Brynn McKay, Taylor Paulison, and Olivia O'Keefe

An estimated thirty million men in the United States suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED). Recent research suggests a link between periodontal disease (PD) and other systemic conditions. The purpose of this research is to answer the following research question: Is there a relationship between PD and ED in men? A 2019 study found that patients with PD were 95% more likely to be diagnosed with ED. Studies indicate that... Read More
Protecting The Oral Health Of Those Who Protected Us

Taylor Acheson, Jessica Daniels, Peyton Janelle, Anne Murphy, and Melissa Rocha

Research poster addressing the question: What oral health programs in long-term care facilities improve oral health outcomes? The need for effective oral hygiene programs in long-term care (LTC) veterans facilities is crucial due to the rise in the elderly population, as well as untreated caries in older adults. As a state, Maine has 15% of older adults with untreated caries, 41% with gingivitis, 14% with periodontal diseases, and 2.7%... Read More
The Role Of Periodontal Disease In Lymphatic Function

Kristen Carlisle, Hanna Marie, and Haley Taylor

Research poster addressing the question: Does periodontal disease affect lymphatic function? Gingival lymphatic vessels drain interstitial fluid and transport immune cells to lymph nodes but despite this, it is unknown how the lymphatic system impacts periodontal disease in humans. In light of this, studies have been observed on animals with the vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC), a growth factor known to be increased in periodontal patients. VEGFC is... Read More
Air Polishing: A New Look At An Old Technique

Ellen Bosland and Cristina Sevilla

This research poster addresses the question “What differences exist between erythritol, glycine, and sodium bicarbonate powders in air polishing?” The use of air polishers in the dental field is highly recommended; however, the ability to determine the correct powder and grit for each patient can be vital. The three types of powders have different pros and cons related to their function; though most studies show significant advantages of using... Read More
Breastfeeding: The Best Formula For The Oral Microbiome

Eliza Lopes and Alexandra Cabana

This research poster addresses the question “What differences are seen between formula and breastfed babies in the development of the oral microbiome?” The bacteria that make up the oral microbiome begins accumulating from birth through interactions with the environment and caregivers. When it comes to the oral cavity, bacteria such a Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli, can be transferred through saliva or feeding. Breastfeeding provides important nutritional and immunological benefits... Read More
Cariogenic Pathogens: One Less Thing To WINE About

Jordan White, Kathleen Kersey, and Jessica Darcy

Recently, studies have explored how biologically active compounds in wine benefit human teeth. Dietary polyphenols, in particular wine polyphenols, seem to balance the composition of the oral microbiota, thus leading to potentially more effective anti-carious effects on the individual. Recent research has discussed the main action mechanisms of polyphenols against oral microbial diseases and highlighted the antiadhesive capacity of caffeic and p-coumaric acids as well as grape seed and... Read More
How Sweet It Is, To Be Xylitol

Lori Robichaud

Dental caries is a common illness in adults and is caused by the demineralization and decay of tooth structure. There are different factors that can contribute to dental caries, such as poor oral hygiene, an abundance of cariogenic bacteria, frequent consumption of sugary or acidic foods and drinks, and a maintenance of low pH in the oral cavity. While the best prevention of dental caries is brushing twice a... Read More
The Ketogenic Diet: The Effects You’d Yeast Expect

Bryce Edwards and Samantha M. Waters

This research poster addresses the question: How does the ketogenic diet affect the oral cavity? Ketogenic ‘keto’ diet emphasizes high fat, low carbohydrate consumption and avoids simple carbohydrate and sugars. Sugar substitutes are almost always utilized. Fat heavy diets causes the body to go into ketosis: a process in which the body burns fat for energy because glucose isn’t available. The keto diet has many positive effects for the... Read More
When Failure Is Not An Option

Lindsey Ago, Caitlin DiGirolamo, and Dylan Gagner

This research poster addresses the question, “What treatment modalities are most effective at treating peri-implantitis (PI)?” Dental implants are one of the most innovative ways to support dental prosthetics. They can support heavy physical loads. However, infection causes inflammation and bone loss around implants. Studies indicate that there are many factors that can increase the risk for PI. These factors include: Smoking; pre-existing periodontal disease; oral hygiene, quality of... Read More