Students Awarded at Hinman Student Research Symposium
At the 29th Annual Hinman Student Research Symposium Daniel Yevseyevich and Samantha Lee were honored.
In November, several College of Dental Medicine students traveled to Memphis, Tennessee to present at the 29th Annual Hinman Student Research Symposium. Daniel Yevseyevich (Class of 2026) and Samantha Lee (Class of 2026) were both honored for their impressive clinical research presentations.
Daniel Yevseyevich took home the symposium’s highest award. “Winning Most Outstanding Presentation was a tremendous honor,” he said. “It’s deeply rewarding to see my research recognized on such a prestigious platform.”
Samantha Lee was recognized with an Honorable Mention for Outstanding Oral Presentation. “I was surprised when I found out that I [received an] honorable mention,” she said, “because oral presentations are not really my strong suit.”
“I remember being nervous before going up on the podium,” she recalled, “but it was relieving to see my classmates and research mentor in the front cheering me on!”
The research symposium included presentations by 117 students from across the United States and Canada, including 6 by College of Dental Medicine Students.
“Enhancing Dental Caries Diagnosis Using AI in Panoramic Radiographs” presented by Daniel Yevseyevich
Contributors: Daniel Yevseyevich, Connor Schwartz, Milan Khazana, Man Hung
Most Outstanding Presentation in Clinical Research
“My presentation explored how artificial intelligence (AI) models—specifically machine learning and deep learning algorithms—could improve diagnosing dental caries in panoramic radiographs.” Daniel shared, “I chose this topic because of the significant potential AI has to streamline and enhance diagnostic accuracy in dentistry, especially in detecting conditions that are sometimes challenging to identify on traditional radiographs.”
Daniel enjoyed learning about the different types of artificial intelligence used in dentistry and was surprised by how accurate some of them have become. He explained, “Certain AI models like the Tooth Type Enhanced Transformer demonstrated high accuracy, close to 95%, highlighting the impressive capabilities of these technologies.”
“Deep Learning Model showed the highest average diagnostic values, while DiagnoCat and Tooth Type Enhanced Transformer also performed well.” Daniel added, “I hope these findings encourage further AI development in dental diagnostics, as they could support dentists by providing quicker, more accurate assessments, especially in settings where resources are limited.”
When asked about his experience at Hinman, he shared, “I had an amazing, memorable time going with my colleagues from Roseman University, and I would do it every year if I had the opportunity to do so.”
“Exploring the Relationship Between Vitamin D and Periodontal Disease in Postmenopausal Women” presented by Samantha Lee
Contributors: Samantha Lee, Jacob Gardner, Man Hung
Honorable Mention for Outstanding Oral Presentation in Clinical Research
Samanthan’s interest in the relationship between vitamin D and periodontal disease in postmenopausal women began several years ago. “I spent my gap years before dental school working in a research lab, where I studied the craniofacial bone mineral density of mice,” she recalled. “These years were super invaluable to me, as they sparked my love for both research and dentistry.”
In her first year of dental school, when she learned that the loss of the alveolar bone was the primary sign of periodontitis, she remembered her work in the research lab. She said, “I became curious as to whether females experience more periodontal disease, specifically periodontitis, as I knew they have a higher tendency for bone loss.”
This research was particularly captivating for Samantha because of its potential impact. “The findings,” she explained, “could have implications for half of the world’s population!”
At the research symposium, she enjoyed meeting dental students from other schools and spending time with her peers outside of a traditional classroom environment. “I loved the experience,” she shared. “We all got closer and had a great time bonding.”
“The Association between Dental Malocclusion and Gastrointestinal Symptoms: A Scoping Review” presented by Aditya Deshpande
Contributors: Aditya Deshpande, Randy Kwon, Konstantinia Almpani
“My presentation was a scoping review investigating the existing evidence on the association between dental malocclusion and gastrointestinal symptoms, such as GERD, constipation, gastric emptying, and indigestion,” Aditya said. “This topic intrigued me because it’s an area that hasn’t received much research attention, with few people associating malocclusion with gastrointestinal symptoms.”
He continued, “I enjoyed reviewing numerous articles, delving into the intricate connections between malocclusion and gastrointestinal symptoms, and building on the existing body of knowledge.”
When asked about the results of his research, Aditya revealed, “Our scoping review results show a positive association between dental malocclusion and gastrointestinal symptoms, though the current evidence is limited and of low quality. I hope this research prompts more targeted clinical trials focusing on individuals with malocclusion to assess potential gastrointestinal symptoms, leading to appropriate treatment interventions.”
Sharing his work at the Hinman Student Research Symposium was rewarding. “Presenting my research was especially fulfilling, as it allowed me to contribute to the ever-evolving field of dentistry with the hope of making a positive impact,” he shared. “Overall, it was a memorable and valuable experience.”
“Association between Vitamin D and Plasma Fasting Glucose in Non-Diabetic Patients: A 2011-2018 Data Study” presented by Steven Park
Contributors: Steven Park, Justin Nguyen, Amir Mohajeri, Jaime R. Cabrera-Pardo and Man Hung
“Regional Disparities in U.S. Hospital Patient Satisfaction” presented by Jacob Gardner
Contributors: Jacob Gardner, Eric S. Hon, Sharon Vu, Martin S. Lipsky, Logan Reese, Man Hung
Unlocking Smiles: Transforming Class II Open Bite with Temporary Anchorage Devices” presented by Justin Nguyen
Contributors: Justin Nguyen, Chris Cramer, Steven Park, Hayden Jones, Ivan Alpizar, Man Hung
Please join us in congratulating each of the participants on a job well done!