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IADR Pediatric Oral Health Research Group Student Award

Despite stiff competition, Melissa Khor has won the IADR Pediatric Oral Health Research Group Student Award for her stunning research poster. The award is based on general excellence in research related to pediatric oral health via a research poster, with an oral presentation for finalists.

Melissa’s research topic explored the impact of application of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) to dentine prior to placement of a glass ionomer cement (GIC) restoration, and its resulting bond strength of the restoration to dentine. It was found that application of SDF to sound dentine reduced the bond strength of GIC but had no effect when applied to artificially carious dentine.

Her fascination with an emerging restorative technique used by clinicians where SDF was first applied before restoration gave her inspiration for her research poster topic.

“We wanted to find out if doing so would have any potential impact on the longevity of such restorations,” said Melissa.

The research topic proved to be a challenge, as the research was technically difficult due to the nature of the materials used, and many rounds of trial and error were required. However, with the support of her supervisor, Dr. Hu Shijia, as well as research supervisors A/P Vinicius Rosa, A/P Catherine Hong and Dr. Sim Chien Joo, it was a challenge that paid off.

“I am very thankful & humbled; I feel the award is a reflection of the high standard of research that NUS FoD is carrying out,” Melissa shared.