Each West Virginia University School of Dentistry dental hygiene senior received an acknowledgement of a job well done in research from the coordinators of Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol.
"I have never, until this Class of 2022, had all of our projects be selected to represent WVU for this event and, also, then be selected on the statewide event. Their research was outstanding, and I am so glad that their efforts were recognized on the local and then on the state level. The Dental Hygiene Class of 2022 have done well," said Dr. Alcinda Trickett Shockey, professor in the School of Dentistry.
The annual event, now in its nineteenth year, was developed to keep state government leaders informed of the higher education programs and research supported through funding approved by lawmakers.
“This is a great time for our dental hygiene students to be able to interact and meet members of the legislature, as well as, be part of the Research Showcase that is happening that day. We are proud to represent WVU and the other undergraduate programs within all the state’s higher education programs,” said Shockey.
A total of 100 students from 10 institutions were invited to be part of the showcase. WVU dental hygiene students made up 20 of the 49 students from WVU's Morgantown and Beckely campuses.
The Department of Dental Hygiene’s curriculum includes prominent attention to research. Students design and implement a two-year research project, culminating in a formal presentation among classmates and dental school leaders and administration.
Opportunities for students to promote their work are found through the Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol, American Dental Hygienists’ Association meetings and at the spring research day health at Health Sciences Center among others.
"Research projects have always been a graduation requirement for the Dental Hygiene program here at WVU which makes our program one of the premier programs in the nation. Past students have participated and won or placed at ADHA and Van Liere and the Spring Undergrad Research on the downtown campus," Shockey said. "The success of the research programming is due largely to student performance excellence which makes my job as their PI and their faculty mentor along with the other faculty mentors' job a rewarding experience for all."
Class of 2022 Research:
Catlyn Sparks and Kandice Pruitt
“The Link Between Different Dental Products and Enamel Crystallization
Mady Hinkle, Emma Rice and Caylie Simmons
“The Ergonomics of Dental Hygiene in Rural West Virginia”
Jordan Clark, Reese Prezioso and Macie Zumack
“Students on WVU Health Science Campus Knowledge on Tongue Cleaning”
Baylee Fitzwater and Kaci Zopp
“Professional Grade Carbamide Peroxide for at Home Bleach Trays –vs- at Home Bleaching Remedies"
Kelsie Bishop and Madelyn White
“ The Effects of Different Operator Chairs on Dental Professional Back Pain and Ergonomics”
Tatiyana Caesar and Abigail Charles
“Efficacy of Plastic Protective Barriers –vs- Disinfectant Wipes”
Natalie Clingan and Makennah Rursch
“Use of Plastic in the WVU School of Dentistry”
Lauren Bane, Hannah Grimm, Lauren Sobek and Kaylee Wellborn
“ A Study to Determine Dental Hygienists’ Comfortability to Assess Eating Disorders in West Virginia”
According to the Undergraduate Research Day website, the event features posters on research/creative endeavors from student attendees of colleges and universities around the state and will help members of the WV State Legislature and Executive Branch understand the importance of undergraduate scholarly activities by providing members with an opportunity to speak directly with the students whom these programs impact.
Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol is sponsored by West Virginia State University, West Virginia University, Marshall University and University of Charleston.
Click to learn how to apply to the WVU Bachelor in Dental Hygiene program.