U of IL at Chicago College of Dentistry Restorative Resident Dr. Amy Au Honored by IADR

CHICAGO - May 20, 2013 - PRLog -- The research of University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry Restorative Dentistry Resident Dr. Amy Au has garnered her an International Association for Dental Research (IADR) Prosthodontics Group Student Research Fellowship.

         Dr. Au is researching the antimicrobial effect of titania nanotube surfaces embedded with silver, particularly against porphyromonas gingivalis. “The advent of implant dentistry has revolutionized the way we treat our patients,” Dr. Au explained. “However, one of the catastrophic failures can be when perrimplantitis occurs. A forefront theory is that bacterial accumulation at the transgingival abutment section causes the inflammation. We are trying to fabricate an antimicrobial implant surface.”

         Dr. Au’s background in basic sciences research has helped her in her current endeavor.  Her mentors are Dr. Cortino Sukotjo, Assistant Professor, Restorative Dentistry; Dr. Christine Wu, Professor, Pediatric Dentistry; and Dr. Tolou Shokuhfar Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Michigan Technological University.

         “It’s truly an honor to gain recognition and receive funding for my Master’s Thesis project,” Dr. Au said. “I want to thank everyone who has made my research project possible thus far.”

         Dr. Au said the process of turning the literature and her thoughts into a research proposal “gave me confidence that my research is designed properly.”

         The Fellowship and grant money will give Dr. Au the ability to acquire supplies for her project. She also will receive a travel stipend so that she can attend the IADR meeting this year and meet with other researchers.

         Dr. Au also recently received a Greater New York Academy of Prosthodontics Student Grant as well.

The University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry is celebrating its 100th year as a college of the University of Illinois in 2013 with special events throughout the year under the theme “A Proud Past, A Brilliant Future.”