Third year dentistry student receives national student research award

Katie Hu is a third-year student in the College of Dentistry Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program and is also completing her Bachelor of Science in Dentistry. She has recently been awarded with the national Canadian Dental Association (CDA)/Dentsply Sirona Student Research Award.  This national competition includes one undergraduate student from each dental school across the country with students presenting the top research project from their respective school.

Hu’s research presentation, entitled “Oral healthcare behaviour and utilization for children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder”, examines the access to oral health care for children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) based on the perceptions of parental figures and/or caregivers. 

“I hope that my research can increase awareness about patients with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and the barriers they face in accessing oral healthcare and be used to guide the improvement of provider and community resources for this vulnerable population.” Said Hu.

“We are incredibly proud of Katie for this award and for representing the College so well on the National stage. The CDA/Dentsply Sirona Student Clinician Research Program has existed since 1971, and every year each of the 10 Canadian schools send their top students to present their work in front of a panel of judges. It is quite an accomplishment to be awarded First Prize, considering the high quality of all the projects that were presented this year.” Said Dr. Keith Da Silva (DDS, MSC), assistant professor and Hu’s research supervisor.  “In addition to her award, Katie’s virtual presentation is available on-demand for all attendees of the joint CDA/MDA Convention. This will allow her important contributions towards improving access to oral health care for individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder to be shared with a wide audience.”

“I am proud to have represented the University of Saskatchewan at this year’s CDA/Dentsply Student Clinician Research Program. Receiving this award is a great honour to not just me, but to everyone who supported me along the way. I am very grateful for the mentorship of my supervisor, Dr. Keith Da Silva. Additionally, I would like to thank Dr. Brothwell, dean, College of Dentistry and Dr. Siquiera, associate dean academic, for nominating me.” Said Hu.

Hu’s research also recently received a Canadian Association of Dental Research-Network for Canadian Oral Health Research Student Research Presentation Award.