Dr. Lauren Rotondi is a second-year resident at the University of Toronto in the Master of Science in Endodontics program. She first decided to pursue endodontics with a desire to become an expert in helping people save their teeth through root canal treatment. Dr. Rotondi is thankful for the guidance of her supervisor, Dr. Kishen, and all the other faculty members at the University of Toronto. In her spare time, she enjoys being with her family and spending time outdoors.
Dr. Lauren Rotondi SPRING 2023 Resident Winner
Dr. Lauren Rotondi’s research proposal titled, Investigating the Role of Cell Adhesion Molecules in Macrophage - Stem Cell from Apical Papilla Interactions Using a 3D Organoid Model, explores regeneration as a biologically based procedure. Her basic science research will contribute to a better understanding of the biology of periapical healing and regeneration by investigating how immune cells and stem cells communicate to guide this repair process. Dr. Rotondi is interested in applying her research to immunomodulation strategies and cell-based regeneration therapies. Dr. Rotondi’s findings will improve our understanding of the biology mediating periapical wound healing and regeneration. The project will also further validate the use of the 3D collagen based organoid model to better simulate in vivo conditions compared to a 2D co-culture model. She is hoping her results can help guide immunomodulation strategies and cell-based regeneration for patients with necrotic young permanent teeth, so that they can be retained as long as possible. Dr. Rotondi first heard about the Foundation when Dr. Kusienski, Foundation President, came to visit the University of Toronto to speak to residents. Dr. Rotondi said the Foundation’s support has made a big difference in supporting their research by providing funding for access to the Imaging Centre at The Hospital for Sick Children, ordering many antibodies, and purchasing the numerous kits needed for the project. Her research would not have been possible without the Foundation's support.
Dr. Frederico Martinho FALL 2023 Faculty Winner
Dr. Martinho’s Fall 2023 Competitive Research, titled Piezoelectric Device and Dynamic Navigation System Integration for Bone-window Guided Surgery: A Cadaver Study, will explore the DNS technology integrated into the piezoelectric device for bone-window-guided surgery. DNS was initially used in implant dentistry and has been extensively studied for implant surgery. After demonstrating the feasibility of DNS for endodontic procedures and identifying limitations through challenging the technology in selected treatments, we began integrating the system with other technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and, most recently, the piezoelectric device. Dynamic navigation systems (DNS) have recently been widely explored in endodontics. The DNS, inherited from implant dentistry, is like a 'GPS' for the handpiece, utilizing anatomy from the CBCT as a 'road map.' The surgical procedure is
During the spring and fall competitive research grant cycles, the highest-scoring resident and faculty proposals receive a $500 personal cash award. The goal is to pay tribute to those applicants whose efforts reflect the highest quality science.
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