Necessity Prompts Invention for Student Michael Masino

Michael Masino

Michael Masino has always loved building and designing things –from furniture to jewelry. That’s why he initially began a career as a biomedical engineer before enrolling in dental school.

But he soon realized that working in relative isolation wasn’t for him. “It was too anti-social of a job,’’ said Masino, a third-year student who is president of the Class of 2022. “And I didn’t get to see the immediate impact of my work. With dentistry, I can.’’

Masino’s engineering skills came in handy during the height of the pandemic, which created a manufacturing shortage of a small part used in fittings for N95 masks and other PPE required as a result of COVID-19.

“It’s super necessary for the fitting because it takes this foul-smelling liquid and aerosolizes it so you can tell if the mask is airtight,’’ he explained.

After staff at University Hospital asked if RSDM could try using its 3D printers to make the part, Masino worked with Dr. Michael Conte, Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs, and Dr. Heba Elkassaby, Director of Digital Dentistry. Drs. Conte and Elkassaby couldn't figure out how to make the small perforations it required, but with Masino's help, the team succeeded.

Since, their work has resulted in 45 devices being used for fit tests, which help protect faculty, staff and students working at RSDM and the hospital from infection.

The project reminded Masino that craft and technological innovations are a large part of dentistry, just as they are in engineering—especially when they’re in the service of helping others.

“Being able to transform someone’s smile, it takes a little bit of artistry, a little bit of engineering and a doctor’s skill,’’ he said. “Being able to do something for someone and making them happy makes a world of difference to me.’’