• Recognition & Award
• Expressions Summer 2024

World-Renowned Achievements

Faculty members honoured with IADR accolades

Our faculty staff and students received awards or fellowships at the 2024 International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (IADR) General Session, which was held in New Orleans during March 13-16, 2024. In addition, several members were elected to prominent leading positions within various scientific groups and networks affiliated with IADR. Congratulations to all recipients for their outstanding achievements at the IADR General Session!

IADR Distinguished Service Award

Professor Colman McGrath, Clinical Professor in Dental Public Health

Professor Colman McGrath is honoured for his outstanding service to the IADR.

Notably, Professor Colman McGrath, Clinical Professor in Dental Public Health and Chief, Division of Applied Oral Sciences and Community Dental Care was awarded the IADR Distinguished Service Award, recognising his contributions in behavioural, epidemiologic, and health service research (BEHSR), and dental anaesthesiology & special care dentistry (DASCR).

Professor McGrath has long been a pioneering researcher in the impact of oral health on society, and the impact of society on oral health and oral health inequalities. He has published more than 250 articles in ISI peer-reviewed journals, with over 13,500 citations. His contributions to the theoretical and conceptual frameworks of Oral Health-related Quality of Life (OHQoL), have greatly enhanced our understanding of behavioural sciences in oral health. He has conducted more than 20 clinical trials, with a particular focus in Special Care Dentistry to advocate and promote equitable oral health for people with disabilities.

He is also passionate about research in dental education. He co-edited the book Problem-Based Learning in Clinical Education: The Next Generation, discussing the research directions in problem-based learning (PBL), a teaching method adopted in the Faculty since 1998.

In addition to his research achievements, Professor McGrath has also held various leadership positions within IADR. For over a decade, he has served on the executive committee of Behavioural, Epidemiologic & Health Services Research (BEHSR). His roles included International Year Director (2007), Councilor (2008, 2009), Symposium Coordinator (2010), President-elect (2011), President (2012), and Past President (2013). This year he has been chosen as President-elect, IADR Dental Anesthesiology and Special Care Research (DASCR) Group.

IADR STAR Network Academy Fellowship

Professor Will Qiao, Clinical Assistant Professor in Applied Oral Sciences and Community Dental Care

Professor Will Qiao (left) and Dr Cher Farrugia (2nd right) from University of Bristol, another fellowship recipient, visit School of Dentistry, Louisiana State University.

Professor Will Qiao, Clinical Assistant Professor in Applied Oral Sciences and Community Dental Care and Assistant Dean (Research) was awarded the IADR STAR Network Academy Fellowship.

This Fellowship, which is offered to young dental researchers who have made a significant contribution in their field, aims to bridge the knowledge gap in clinical and basic science research, academic career development, and training methodologies.

Professor Qiao is passionate about investigating the interplay between host immune cells and peripheral sensory nerves during tissue regeneration. He is also interested in the development of biomaterials that can interact with the host tissue to establish a microenvironment conducive to infection eradication, inflammation resolution, and wound healing. His first-authored works have been published in prestigious journals such as Nature Communications, Biomaterials, Bioactive Materials, Advanced Science, and Journal of Dental Research.

IADR CTOR Award for Student Excellence in Orthodontics

Ms Junjing Zhang, PhD student in Applied Oral Sciences and Community Dental Care

Ms Junjing Zhang, PhD student in Applied Oral Sciences and Community Dental Care was awarded the IADR CTOR Award for Student Excellence in Orthodontics with the project titled “Innovative Integration: A New 3D-printed Orthodontic Clear Aligner with Wire”.

This project aims to develop a new 3D printing technology to combine the dental clear aligner or retainer with wires to provide constant orthodontic forces, long-term effectiveness, improved mechanical properties, and less deformation. This new concept can expand the use of clear aligners or retainers and other medical devices.

“I am truly grateful for this great honour and recognition given by the IADR Orthodontics Research Group for my research. I want to thank my supervisors, Professor Dan Cho and Professor James Tsoi, for their invaluable guidance, as well as my research group colleagues for their continued support,” Zhang said.

IADR Hatton Competition Senior Basic Science Category – First Place

Ms Shuting Gao, PhD student in Applied Oral Sciences and Community Dental Care

Ms Shuting Gao, PhD student in Applied Oral Sciences and Community Dental Care achieved the First Place in the IADR Hatton Competition Senior Basic Science Category. Her project titled “A Novel Multifunctional Injectable Polyxylitol Succinate-based Bioadhesive for Periodontal Regeneration” aims to improve treatment outcomes and clinical comfort in periodontal therapy. Gao attributed her success to the advice and guidance from her supervisors who emphasised the importance of logic, clarity, confidence and enthusiasm during the presentations before the judges. She added, “I am deeply grateful to my supervisors, Professor Waruna Dissanayaka and Professor James Tsoi, as well as our collaborators from the HKU Department of Chemistry, and my Postdoctoral Fellow peers, for their expertise and technical guidance.”

IADR Kulzer Travel Award

Ms Rosalind Chan, PhD student in Applied Oral Sciences and Community Dental Care

Ms Rosalind Chan, PhD student in Applied Oral Sciences and Community Dental Care was one of the five recipients of the IADR Kulzer Travel Award. Her research, titled “Biomechanically Advanced Polymer-Based Biocomposites for Oral and Maxillofacial Reconstruction”, focuses on developing lightweight and high-strength medical implants by integrating functionalised biocomposites with optimised bone internal structures. The metal-free implants possess strong mechanical strength, exhibit outstanding osteointegration activity, and have enhanced osteogenesis through cold plasma surface treatment. Chan expressed her gratitude, “I am honoured to receive this award, which supports young investigators in dental materials. I am so grateful to Professor Dan Cho and Professor James Tsoi, lab technicians, and my hardworking conscientious lab mates for their support and guidance.”

IADR Lion Dental Research Award in Periodontal Research

Ms Yuqi Ma, PhD student in Restorative Dental Sciences

Ms Yuqi Ma, PhD student in Restorative Dental Sciences won the award with her project titled “Bismuth Nanoparticles Loaded Electrospun Membrane for Periodontal Diseases Treatment”. The project aims to develop a localised and effective treatment for periodontal diseases by creating a targeted delivery system for antimicrobial agents. The knowledge gained from the study paves the way for the development of localised therapies that can effectively manage periodontal diseases while minimising systemic side effects. Ma expressed her gratitude and stated, “This award is a tremendous honour and validation of our team’s dedication to advancing periodontal research. I am grateful for the encouragement from the scientific community and the support from my supervisors and collaborators. This award further motivates me to continue my efforts in improving oral health outcomes through innovative research and collaboration.”

INNOVATION Award for Excellence in Orthodontics Research

Mr Jianhan Ren, PhD student in Orthodontics

Mr Jianhan Ren, PhD student in Orthodontics received the award for the project titled “Inflammation Differentially Modulates the Activity of Mechanosensitive Ion Channels in Periodontal Ligament Cells (PDLCs)”. The project focuses on the impact of inflammatory conditions on mechanosensitive ion channels in PDLCs. The study can potentially lead to the development of targeted interventions to optimise treatment outcomes and minimise adverse effects in patients with inflammation. Ren is grateful for the award, “It is a testament to the collaborative efforts of our research team and the support of my supervisor and colleagues. This recognition inspires us to delve deeper into this fascinating area of research, to investigate the nature of inflammation and mechanotransduction, and to explore innovative approaches to improve treatment outcomes.”

IADR Periodontal Research Group Past Presidents’ Travel Award

Mr Pengfei Zhao, PhD Student in Periodontology and Implant Dentistry

Mr Pengfei Zhao, PhD Student in Periodontology and Implant Dentistry won the award for the project “Exercise Ameliorates Periodontal Bone Loss in Obese Mice with Periodontitis”, which demonstrates that regular physical activity can significantly reduce alveolar bone loss in an obese mouse model with periodontitis. The finding suggests a promising, non-invasive approach to manage obesity-associated periodontitis. Zhao expressed his gratitude for receiving the award and the opportunity to share his findings, “I have gained valuable insights into the complex relationship between periodontitis, bone metabolism, and lifestyle factors. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my supervisor, Professor WK Leung, for his continuous guidance, and to my colleagues in the Periodontology and Implant Dentistry Division for their collaborative support.”

IADR Pediatric Oral Health Research Group Young Investigator Award

Ms Shuyang He, PhD student in Applied Oral Sciences and Community Dental Care

Ms Shuyang He, PhD student in Applied Oral Sciences and Community Dental Care was honoured with the IADR Pediatric Oral Health Research Group Young Investigator Award for the project “Effectiveness of Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) In Preventing Occlusal Caries in Primary Teeth of Preschool Children: a 30-month Randomised Clinical Trial”. This study contributes to the novel knowledge on the use of SDF to prevent occlusal caries in preschool children. She expressed her excitement about winning the award, “It was an honour to be recognised by a prestigious organisation and to have my research acknowledged by the talented researchers. I want to thank my supervisors and collaborators. The support and feedback I have received has been invaluable and will help me to further develop my research. This award has motivated me to continue pursuing excellence in my work and to make a positive impact on children’s oral health.”

IADR Scientific Groups & Networks Positions

HKU Reception

The Faculty was privileged to welcome more than 180 guests to our reception during the IADR General Session. The event provided a valuable opportunity for Faculty members to network with alumni and peers in the global dental community.

From left: Professor David Bartlett, Professor Frauke Müller and Professor Colman McGrath have a pleasant discussion.

From left: Professor Will Qiao, Professor Chengfei Zhang, Professor Yongbo Lu, Professor Xinquan Jiang and Professor Xuliang Deng

Professor Edmond Pow (left) and Professor Katherine Leung (right) meet Professor Prasanna Neelakantan.

Professor Ke Deng (left) and Professor Philip Preshaw at the HKU Reception.

Our students meet their international peers.