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BLOOMS: A Three-Day Journey into Progressive Research Fields  

Researchers from around the world discovered the evolution of dental research and how it could play a part in impacting oral and systemic health globally.

The world of dental research is constantly evolving, fueled by advancements in technology and innovative approaches. The NUS Faculty of Dentistry and Oral Care Health Innovations and Designs Singapore (ORCHIDS) recently presented a three-day dental research discovery series titled ‘BLOOMS’ to leading experts and researchers from around the globe. The programme sought to engage participants in a discussion about developing research fields such as emerging digital technology in research, biofabrication and microfluidics.

The inaugural programme, held from 19 to 21 July 2023, was opened with an address by Vice Dean (Research) Associate Professor Vinicius Rosa.

“It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I welcome you to this remarkable gathering where you will experience the research techniques that are shaping the future of our profession. Over the course of the programme, you will embark on a journey of exploration, knowledge sharing, and networking to discover how to push the boundaries of dental research. We hope from this discovery series, you will uncover realms of progressive fields which will hold immense potential for transforming dentistry,” said Assoc Prof Rosa.

Assoc Prof Vinicius Rosa welcomed participants from all around the world to BLOOMS 2023.

Through a combination of lectures and hands-on sessions conducted by researchers and industry experts from the National University of Singapore (NUS), CELLINK and REVIVO Biosystems, the programme provided an exciting glimpse into the future of dentistry by showcasing the potential of integrating techniques such as tissue engineering and regeneration, microfluidics and 3D printing with research models. Participants learned how these techniques could be applied to improve research approaches and possibly revolutionise dental practice and improve overall health outcomes.

Assoc Prof Victoria Yu (top) and Prof Dean Ho (bottom) offered their valuable
insights on the best practices of clinical research in endodontics and the
impact of digital technologies on dentistry and medicine respectively.

Participants gained the opportunity to apply what they have learned in hands-on sessions
conducted by Revivo Biosystems, CELLINK and NUS Centre for Additive Manufacturing.

Beyond enhancing their research knowledge, participants gained the unique opportunity to experience the vibrancy of NUS and network among themselves by living on campus and bonding through casual meals. They also learned to appreciate the distinct heritage of Singapore through an evening cruise around the iconic Singapore River.

Participants enjoyed networking with each other at a welcome dinner
and on board the Singapore River Cruise.

Participants shared that the programme offered a holistic and enriching experience as it provided a fantastic platform to share knowledge about various research approaches, explore potential collaborations with peers and counterparts from around the world, and understand more about dental research in Singapore.

Participants with the BLOOMS 2023 Organising Committee.

“I am glad to be part of this terrific discovery series where I gained the opportunity to learn more about enhancing research and patient care to attain good outcomes. It was an absolute pleasure to also explore the state-of-the-art laboratory and clinical facilities at the NUS Faculty of Dentistry. Moving forward, I hope to utilise the knowledge I have learned here in my educational and research journey to make further impact to oral and systemic health,” shared Associate Professor Umesh Kumar who oversees the Unit of Endodontics, Oral Health Sciences Centre at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in Chandigarh, India.

“The BLOOMS programme was fantastic and I particularly loved the hands-on aspect! The overall experience was great, offering many opportunities for participants to network and build new connections beyond gaining knowledge. The organising team from NUS Dentistry arranged everything brilliantly, making us feel really welcome and giving us a taste of Singapore," added Dr Rachael Louise Moses, a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Melbourne, Australia.

"BLOOMS 2023 opened the doors for participants to gain valuable knowledge and forge lifelong friendships. Insights from the hands-on sessions, in particular microfluidics application, will not only inspire the conception of my PhD project but also shape the way I approach and design my studies. This will, hopefully, bring about more innovative and impactful discoveries to enhance oral well-being," said Dr Toan Van Phan, a postdoctoral student at Chulalongkorn University, Thailand.