Clinical faculty
Faculty at the VCU School of Dentistry are involved in a variety of research activities related to oral health and education. Discover the interests and research conducted by our faculty.
Harmeet Chiang, B.D.S., D.D.S., M.S., FAGD
My main research interest is in dental sleep medicine, especially obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is the stoppage of airflow during sleep. This treatable syndrome has many associated co-morbidities that can have severe detrimental effects on a person’s well being and general health. Though a diagnosis must be made by a medical doctor, the dental community can be a first line of defense to screen and even treat many of these people with oral appliance therapy (OAT).
Some of my other clinical interests have me involved in Silver diamine fluoride effects on dental caries; Vitamin D and its association with dental caries; CAD/CAM and self-assessment in dental education and Evidence based dentistry.
I am interested in evaluating shear bond strength of different dentin bonding agents and composite materials. We have a reliable model for shear testing composite resin samples to enamel and dentin of extracted human teeth. Additionally, I have some experience in conducting surveys and questionnaires. I have also completed testing the D1 and D2 class for deficiencies in color vision using the Farnsworth-Munsell -100 Hue test and correlating their performance to dental shade matching.
Parthasarathy Madurantakam, D.D.S., M.D.S., Ph.D.
I am interested in bone tissue engineering, specifically on developing nanofibrous, electrospun scaffolds that are particularly intended for bone regeneration. Moreover, my collaborative research Matt Halquist in School of Pharmacy is exploring novel delivery vehicles for bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) from scaffolds as well as rapid and accurate detection of BMPs released using HPLC and Mass Spectrometry. On the clinical research front, I work closely with the department of periodontics in characterizing the biological and mechanical properties of platelet concentrates, specifically the platelet-rich fibrin (PRF). I am interested in applying the lessons learned from nature to develop better tissue engineering scaffolds.
I am also interested in exploring novel chairside sterilization techniques. In this front, I work closely with Dr. Todd Kitten in the Philips Institute of Oral Health Research. Finally I am committed to conducting clinical trials with the goal of contributing to the evidence regarding dental intervention
My main areas of research are in adult and pediatric temporo-mandibular joint disorders and maxillo-facial trauma. I am also interested in pediatric pathology including cysts, benign tumors and fibro-osseous lesions and craniofacial developmental abnormalities
Steven J. Lindauer, D.M.D., M.D.Sc.
I am involved in research concerning many aspects of orthodontics and orthodontic treatment. Specifically, I am interested in studying the esthetic aspects of orthodontic diagnosis and treatment, biomechanics, and orthodontic outcomes assessment. I also conduct research in the area of orthodontic biomaterials.
Bhavna Shroff, D.D.S., M.Dent.Sc., M.P.A.
I have a number of on-going research projects. The first one is a prospective small scale clinical trial that investigates the role of an electronic reminder on the compliance of patients with instructions given during orthodontic therapy. We wish to demonstrate that a reminder to wear rubber bands will increase the patient’s compliance. The second project investigates the differences in perceptions between metal orthodontic appliances and clear aligners by a population of prospective patients. We are currently working on a project looking at factors influencing the decision making process of initiating orthodontic treatment and the access to care.
Eser Tufekci, D.D.S., M.S., Ph.D., M.S.H.A.
My research focuses on orthodontic materials and clinical orthodontics. I am especially interested in the development of fluoride containing novel orthodontic materials that could be used to minimize the formation of white spot lesions in orthodontic patients with poor oral hygiene. Some of my clinical projects include use of digital technology in everyday orthodontic practice and orthodontic treatment outcomes.
Tegwyn Brickhouse, D.D.S., Ph.D.
I am interested in oral health disparities and health services research. I have conducted research on pediatric oral health measures, oral health disparities in publicly insured children, utilization of dental services in public programs, and early childhood caries prevention, as well as maternal influences on infant oral health. In 2015 I was awarded a 2.4 million dollar HRSA grant supporting the development of teledental treatment for underserved patients as well as interprofessional educational development for our residency program.
Shillpa Naavaal, B.D.S., M.S., M.P.H.
I am interested in social determinants of oral health and health disparities in dental diseases and services utilization among children and adults. My current research work examines the impact of poor oral health on racial/ethnic and low income minorities and what role is played by dental insurance. I am also evaluating the effect of dental problems on the quality of life among adults with other health conditions.
Tiffany Williams, D.D.S., M.S.D.
My research has focused on the effect of Vitamin D and its relationship to early childhood caries. I have also studied prenatal risk factors for early childhood caries and sealant longevity.
Janina Golob Deeb, D.D.S., M.S.
I am interested in studying changes that occur in periodontal tissues and temporomandibular joints in aging mice using heterochronus repetitive bone marrow transplantation. It is of interest to determine whether transplantation of young bone marrow into older recipient mice could improve immune function and hence have an effect on changes that occur with aging due to immunosenescence. Using micro CT we will evaluate periodontal bone loss and analyze bone surfaces and intra-articular discs. After the radiologic study has been completed, tissues will be further examined microscopically.
Charles Janus, D.D.S., M.S., M.S.
Quality of care has always been an essential goal in practice. A review of the existing literature reveals little prior research on laboratory and dentist miscommunication over this aspect of tooth preparation. My research aims to survey the conceptions of laboratory technicians in regard to the optimum amount of clearance necessary for restorations of differing materials, and to address any discovered misunderstanding between what the dentists provide and what the technicians feel is necessary and potentially address any differences that indicate a need for revised standards or improved laboratory communication.