Newly Published Journal Spotlights RSDM Students’ Research

Rutgers School of Dental Medicine students published peer-reviewed research by students and faculty in a new issue of Journal of Dentistry. Creating the 70-page journal was a Herculean task for the dozen-plus students who shepherded it through the rigorous process during the COVID-19 pandemic. “It’s a testament to how motivated the students are,” said David Dadoun ’22, co-editor-in chief of the publication. The laboratory, clinical and social science research featured in the current edition was drawn from the 2020 Dr. Michael Balbo Research Day, at which more than 60 students presented their findings, said Journal of Dentistry advisor Steven R. Singer, DDS. Many students participated in RSDM’s Summer Research Program, while others pursued other research opportunities. Narrowing the Gap “I want students to take with them the experience of being involved in research,” said Singer, chair of the school’s Department of Diagnostic Sciences. “As a dentist, you need to know how to assess research, and distinguish between peer-reviewed studies” and those intended to promote a product or procedure, he said. “Narrowing the gap between the research side and the clinical side of the profession will ultimately make patient care better.” Among the published research was a study exploring best practices for dentists in protecting themselves from the coronavirus, another examining alternatives to radiography for detecting cavities, and one that surveyed the perceptions of students who took part in the school’s annual oral cancer screening event. Two students were invited to present their findings at the International Association of Dental Research General Session in 2020 (which was canceled due to the pandemic), Singer noted. A Passion for Research RSDM Associate Dean for Research Narayanan Ramasubbu estimated at least 10% of students participate in research each year. “Many really have a passion for it,” Ramasubbu said. Faculty in all departments conduct research, allowing students to choose from a variety of areas, Ramasubbu said. When students come up with an idea for research, they first must search peer-reviewed literature to ensure their study will advance knowledge in some way, Singer said. The actual research, overseen by a faculty member, can take upwards of six months to a year. Once written, the study must be reviewed and revised as necessary, often multiple times, ensuring it meets scientific methodology standards, he explained. With all the back-and-forth, publishing the journal is time-consuming, Dadoun said. “It’s a total team effort to make it happen,” he said. His research into the long-term effects of coronectomies will be published in the next edition of the journal.  “We’re taught that research is the pillar of practice, that everything we do should be research-based to be ethical and caring to patients,” said Doudon, who intends to pursue post-graduate study in oral surgery. 

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