A large contingent of students, faculty and staff from University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry presented their recent findings at the IADR General Session & Exhibition, the annual meeting of the International Association for Dental, Oral and Craniofacial Research. 

Held March 25–28 in San Diego, the conference brought together researchers, clinicians and industry professionals from around the world. The program featured oral and poster presentations, interactive workshops, lunch-and-learn sessions, keynote addresses and symposia. 

Dugoni School students and faculty contributed to a wide range of presentations, including: 

Growing Jaws, Shifting Targets: Pediatric IA Block Landmarks 
Authors: Ju Yeon Park (University of the Pacific), Gary D. Richards (University of the Pacific) 
Presented by: Jamie (Ju Yeon) Park 

Racial and Socioeconomic Disparities in Oral Cancer Mortality in U.S. 
Authors: Obinna Ikwuka (University of the Pacific), Ebube Udeozor (University of the Pacific), Endurance Lawrence (East Tennessee State University), Gideon Ugbeyo Noah (East Tennessee State University) 
Presented by: Obinna Ikwuka 

Impact of PEEK vs. PMMA Complete Dentures on Oral Health Related Quality of Life: A Randomized Clinical Trial 
Authors: Dima Abu Baker (The University of Jordan; University of the Pacific), Samiha Sartawi (The University of Jordan), Lana Hirbawi (Private Practice, Amman), Lara Al-Hajajreh (Private Practice, Amman), Motasum Abu-Awwad (The University of Jordan) 
Presented by: Dima Abu Baker   

Cationic Antibiofilm Peptides as Adjunct Irrigants for Residual Endodontic Infections 
Authors: Manar Alzamil (University of the Pacific; Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University), Terrence Cheng (University of the Pacific), Jeffrey Liao (University of the Pacific), Dina G. Moussa (University of the Pacific) 
Presented by: Manar Alzamil 

U.S./U.K. Dental Schools’ Use of International Erosive Tooth Wear Guidance 
Authors: Rupert Austin (King's College London), David Bartlett (King's College London), Nigel B. Pitts (King's College London), Gary S. Stafford (Oregon Health & Science University), Rebecca Moazzez (University of the Pacific) 
Presented by: Dr. Rebecca Moazzez 

Classification of Immune Landscapes in Oral Cancer Progression 
Authors: Xiaoyuan Han (University of the Pacific), Jakob Einhaus (Stanford University), Dyani Gaudilliere (Stanford University), Austin Davies (University of the Pacific), Rifat Ara Islam (University of the Pacific), Denis Shem (Stanford University), David Lam (University of the Pacific), Brice Gaudilliere (Stanford University) 
Presented by: Dr. Xiaoyuan Han 

The Erosive Potential of Plain and Flavored Sparkling Water 
Authors: Halima Al Haid (University of the Pacific; Kuwait University), David Ojcius (University of the Pacific), Joseph Harrison (University of the Pacific), Eric Salmon (University of the Pacific), Rebecca Moazzez (University of the Pacific) 
Presented by: Halima Al Haid 

Mapping the Miss: 3D Insights Into IA Block Variability 
Authors: Amy Takaya (University of the Pacific), Gary D. Richards (University of the Pacific) 
Presented by: Amy Takaya  

Clinical Research Program's Effect on Dental Students' Attitudes and Confidence 
Authors: Rebecca Moazzez (University of the Pacific), Ruth O'Hara (Stanford University School of Medicine), John Sunwoo (Stanford University School of Medicine), John Borghi (Stanford University School of Medicine), Jyothi Tirumalasetty (Stanford University School of Medicine), John Mayberry (University of the Pacific), Daniel Abrahams (University of the Pacific), David Lam (University of the Pacific) 
Presented by: Dr. David Lam   

Wear Analysis of 3D Printed Crown Materials vs Conventional Crowns 
Authors: David Wong (University of the Pacific), Cindy Liu (University of the Pacific), Bina Surti (University of the Pacific), Aouse Khalil (University of the Pacific), Karen Anke Schulze (University of the Pacific) 
Presented by: David Wong 

INBDE Study Strategies and Resources: Comparing DDS and IDS Cohorts 
Authors: Patrick Pansoy (University of the Pacific), Avani Tumuluri (University of the Pacific), Amrita Pawar (University of the Pacific) 
Presented by: Avani Tumuluri 

“Attending IADR 2026 was an exciting and memorable experience, especially being immersed in cutting-edge dental research from all over the world,” said Dr. Obinna Ikwuka, a member of the 2027 International Dental Studies (IDS) Sacramento class. “Presenting my own research made the experience even more meaningful and helped build my confidence in communicating my work and engaging in thoughtful scientific discussions. It was also a rewarding moment to finally meet in person several researchers I had previously collaborated with online. Overall, the experience inspired me to stay actively involved in research and continue contributing to advancements in oral and public health.” 

The Dugoni School’s Center for Innovation and Translation also hosted a booth in the exhibition hall to highlight its role in partnering with industry and academia to generate evidence and translate discoveries into practice. 

“Participation in IADR reflects the Dugoni School’s strong and growing commitment to advancing oral health through research,” said Dr. Rebecca Moazzez. “We are proud to support our students, residents and faculty as they contribute to the global scientific community and pursue their research interests.”   

Across the Dugoni School, students, residents, faculty and staff engage in a wide range of scholarly activity, including clinical and biomedical research, the scholarship of teaching and learning, health care system improvement and professional collaborations that advance the field. 

The school will celebrate excellence in research, clinical care and community service at the upcoming OKU-Sutro Excellence Day on May 6. This annual event showcases student and resident achievements through poster presentations, interactive sessions and a keynote address. 

In other recent research news, advances in artificial intelligence and health were explored at the inaugural AI in Oral Health Care: From Innovation to Access symposium, held Jan. 16 on the Dugoni School’s San Francisco campus. The event brought together leaders in AI, clinical care, education and research to discuss the future of AI technology in oral health.