A resident in the School of Dentistry's graduate periodontics program whose post-doctoral training focuses on regenerative sciences, recently won a first place award during the 9th International Symposium on Periodontics and Restorative Dentistry.
Dr. Hector Rios received the top honor in research competition in June in Boston for his poster presentation. The poster competition recognizes innovative clinical and translational research in periodontics, restorative dentistry, and implant dentistry.
Mentored by Dr. William Giannobile, Rios's work focuses on the molecular mechanism that allows the periodontal ligament (PDL) to absorb and distribute the mechanical forces, as well as regulate overall periodontal homeostasis.
Their work suggests that this adaptive response may be due to the influence of key molecules that control the integrity of the PDL during occlusal function. Periostin, an extracellular matrix protein that is primarily expressed in PDL, is likely to be one of these key molecules. Their research shows that the cementum, alveolar bone, and PDL of mice lacking this gene dramatically deteriorate after the teeth erupt.
The symposium is held every three years to allow for the testing and evaluation of new treatments.