Big Turnout for Tour of GSDM during IADR/AADR

This year, the IADR/AADR Annual Meeting took place in Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine’s (GSDM) backyard. To welcome researchers and educators to town, GSDM offered a tour of its research and pre-clinical facilities. The GSDM tour, which took place on Wednesday, March 11, included a group of over 50 participants from around the world. The group was given a behind-the-scenes look at the impressive research and learning facilities at GSDM. The tour was organized by Assistant Director for Pre-doctoral Research Ms. Afaf Hourani.

The day began with welcoming remarks from Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter accompanied by an introductory presentation on the School’s history, mission, and infrastructure. Director of Admissions Ms. Linda Reed also gave an overview of GSDM’s programs and information about Admissions.

The tour then kicked off with a visit to the Center for Clinical Research (CCR), located on the first floor of 100 East Newton Street. The mission of the Center is to facilitate collaboration between basic and clinical scientists in order to translate research findings into improved methods of patient care. Clinic Coordinator Ms. Carol Nicholson greeted guests and gave an introduction to the CCR facility.

Upon leaving 100 East Newton Street, the group visited the Department of Molecular & Cell Biology where they were received by Associate Dean for Research Dr. Maria Kukuruzinska and Chair of the Department of Molecular & Cell Biology Dr. David Levin, who provided an overview of the GSDM lab space housed within the Boston University Evans Building. This research space is a state-of-the-art facility which is equipped for advanced research in biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, and cell biology.

Chair of the Department of Restorative Sciences & Biomaterials Dr. Dan Nathanson then welcomed participants to the research facilities located in the adjacent Housman Medical Research Building. Dr. Nathanson and Research Assistant Professor Dr. Yuwei Fan guided participants through the department and gave an overview of the high caliber science being conducted there.

Additional research space for the Department of Restorative Sciences & Biomaterials can be found on the second floor of the Evans Biomedical Research Center (EBRC) across the hall from the GSDM’s Simulation Learning Center (SLC). This made the EBRC the final stop on the tour. The participants visited the lab of Director of Oral Medicine Dr. Laisheng Chou.

Attendees were then invited into the SLC, which is considered to be one of the most advanced pre-clinical laboratories in the world. The SLC offers aspiring dentists and researchers a technologically advanced, personalized learning experience unmatched by any other school of dental medicine. Clinical Professor in the Department of General Dentistry Dr. Ronni Schnell demonstrated the various forms of simulative technology utilized by instructors to give students the best virtual patient care experience possible in a nonclinical setting.

“I was delighted to welcome so many visitors from around the world to our school,” said Dr. Kukuruzinska. “It was an excellent opportunity to showcase our research facilities and accomplishments to the wider dental community.”