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Research Activities
Since the Dental Hygiene Research Center (DHRC) at Old Dominion University was officially designated as the first facility of its kind, research activities continue to be an integral part of everyday life at the school. Students have the opportunity to work collaboratively with experienced research faculty in developing research skills. Some of the exciting research activities include:
Joyce Downs, BSDH, MS(c)
Represents College of Health Sciences
at the Third Annual Graduate
Student Research Forum
Richmond, VA.
February 2008
Representing the College at the Third Annual Graduate Student Research Forum, Joyce Downs, degree candidate in the Master of Science in Dental Hygiene Degree Program presented her research titled,
"Bisphenol A Blood and Saliva Levels Prior To And After Sealant Placement In Adults: An Exploratory Study."
Graduate students participating in the event embodied the valuable contributions to discovery, teaching and engagement of Virginia universities. Attendees included legislators and their staff; and officials and staff from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, businesses, organizations, and local, state and federal agencies. The Virginia Council of Graduate Schools coordinated the forum to provide a glimpse into the world of graduate research, and a better understanding of the impact graduate students have on the growth and sustainability of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The event was held at the State Library of Virginia in Richmond, VA on February 5, 2008.
Ms. Downs was one of six graduate students selected to represent Old Dominion University. Graduate students enrolled at Virginia universities come from all states in the nation and over 60 nations throughout the world. Joyce will defend her thesis during the Spring 2008 semester, and pending this event, is scheduled to graduate with her Master of Science in Dental Hygiene Degree in May 2008, and start the Health Services Research PhD Program.
 Lisa Turner MSDH graduate, Distinguished Student Research Award, 2006. Efficacy of Chlorhexidine-coated Toothbrush Tufts in Controlling Bacterial Quantity. This research was completed by Lisa Turner, MSDHS graduate under the faculty direction of Gayle McCombs. This project evaluated the effectiveness of an antibacterial toothbrush in controlling bacterial growth on toothbrush bristles. Funding provided in part by Sunstar-Butler Inc., Chicago. Il.
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Discus Dental, Inc. Corporate Sponsor, Barbara Nordquist and Master's Program Graduate, Elizabeth Southern presenting research at the I.A.D.R. in Honolulu, Hawaii. |
 Bacterial Effects of Cold Plasma Technology on Geobacillus Stearothermophilus and Bacilus Atropaeus Spores. The purpose of this experiment is to explore the effectiveness of cold plasma technology as a potential method of sterilization. This research is being conducted by MSDH student Angela Morris under the faculty direction of Gayle McCombs. Funding for this project was granted through the Institute of Oral Health, American Dental Hygienists' Association. - Vital Tooth Whitening Effects on Tooth Color Satisfaction, Self-Perceived Dentofacial Appearance and Self-Esteem. The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of tooth whitening in older adults. This research is being conducted by MSDH student Kelly Seeber under the faculty direction of Michele Darby.
 Vital Tooth Whitening Effects on Quality of Life in Older Adults. The purpose of this investigation is to determine if tooth whitening in older adults improves overall oral health-related quality of life. This research is being conducted by MSDH student Ann Poindexter under the faculty direction of Michele Darby.  In Vitro Comparative Evaluation of the Traditional Rotating Disposable Prophylaxis Angle with the Newly Designed Reciprocating Disposable Prophylaxis Angle. The purpose of this research is to compare two different types of prophy angles to determine which is most effective in minimizing risk of disease transmission from splatter, risk of pulpal damage from heat, and removal of stain. This project is being conducted by MSDH student Inma LaCross under the faculty direction of Michele Darby.  Bisphenol A Blood and Saliva Levels Prior to and After Dental Sealant Placement in Adults. This study will explore the presence of Bisphenol A (BPA) in the blood and saliva of adults after placement of dental sealants, since BPA has been associated with an increased risk for breast and prostrate cancer in laboratory studies. This project is being conducted by MSDH student Joyce Downs under the faculty direction of Deanne Shuman with Sharon Stull, School of Dental Hygiene; Dr. C. Thomas Somma and Rebecca Warren, School of Medical and Laboratory Sciences; and Dr. Robert Ratzlaff, Department of Biological Sciences. Support for this project is provided the ADHA Institute for Oral Health.  Effects of Five Different Finger Rest Positions on Arm Muscle Activity during Hand Scaling by Dental Hygiene Students. The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of five different finger fulcrums on the forearm muscle activity of four muscles, (extensor carpi radialis longus, flexor carpi ulnaris, biceps brachii and pronator teres) as measured by surface elctromyography during a simulated periodontal scaling experience. This project is being conducted by Lynn Tolle and MSDH graduate student Mary Cosoboom along with Martha Walker, Physical Therapy. Funding for this project was granted through the Institute of Oral Health, American Dental Hygienists' Association. - Effects of Over-the-Counter Tooth Whitening on Patient Knowledge and Value of Their Oral Health. The purpose of this study is to determine if tooth whitening will cause an increase in perception and value of personal oral health. This research is being conducted by MSDS student Katie Ballantyne under the faculty direction of Michele Darby.
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Alexsandra Pavolotskaya, MSDS graduate and Gayle McCombs, faculty member present research finding at the American Dental Hygienists' Association Meeting in NYC. |
- Ultrasonographic Periodontal Probe: - Phase II. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the ultrasound periodontal probe compared to standard manual probing. Funding for this project is supported through private industry. This research is conducted in collaboration with Mark Hinders, Department of Applied Science, the College of William and Mary. The project is ongoing under the direction of Gayle McCombs.
- Effects of Ultrasonic and Manual Scaling on Tactile Sensitivity in Second Year Dental Hygiene Students. This project was a continuation of an experimental study to determine if ultrasonic scaler usage affects tactile sensitivity. In doing so, ultrasonic scalers were compared to hand scaling. This project was conducted by recent MSDH graduate Miranda Beeson under the faculty direction of Michele Darby.
- Ultrasonographic Periodontal Probe: A New Technology - Phase I. The purpose of this pilot study was to compare the new ultrasound periodontal probing technology to computerized and manual probing. This project was conducted in collaboration with Mark Hinders, Department of Applied Science, the College of William & Mary and private industry. The project is ongoing under the direction of Gayle McCombs. Funding for this project was provided by Visual Programs, Inc., Richmond, VA. and a summer research grant from Old Dominion University.
FACULTY AND STUDENTS have presented research finding at meeting such as:
- American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA)
- International Association of Dental Research (IADR)
- American Association of Dental Research (AADR)
- Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions (ASAHP)
- College of Health Sciences Research Day, Old Dominion University
- Old Dominion University Research Exposition
DHRC RESEARCH COLLABORATORS AND FACULTY:
ODU School of Dental Hygiene Faculty
- Deborah Bauman, BSDH, MS, Associate Professor and Chair
- Irene Connolly, BSDH, MS, Lecturer
- Michele Darby, BSDH, MS, Professor and Eminent Scholar
- Margaret Green, MS, Adjunct Professor
- Carleen Lynch, BS, MS, MPH, Assistant Professor
- Kenneth Marinak, DDS, Adjunct Professor
- Gayle McCombs, BS, MS, Associate Professor
- Deanne Shuman, PhD, Professor
- Sharon Stull, BSDH, MS, Lecturer
- Evelyn Thomson, BSDH, MS, Senior Lecturer
- Lynn Tolle, BSDH, MS, Professor
ODU Collaborating Schools
- Colin Box, HSC. Associate Professor, Community and Environmental Health
- Wayne Hynes, PhD. Professor, Department of Biological Sciences
- Mounir Laroussi, PhD, Associate Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering
- James Neff, PhD, Professor, Community and Environmental Health
- Stacey Plichta, ScD, Associate Professor, Community and Environmental Health
- Joel Sever, PhD, Associate Professor, Early Childhood, Speech
Pathology and Special Education
- C. Thomas Somma, PhD, Associate Professor, Medical Laboratory and Radiation Sciences
- Patricia Pleban, PhD, Associate Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry
- Robert Ratzlaff, PhD, Professor, Department of Biological Sciences
- Martha Walker, PhD, Associate Professor, School of Physical Therapy
Outside Collaborators
- David Archer, MD, Professor and Director, Conrad Clinical Research Center, Eastern Virginia Medical School
- Sharon Brosious, DSN, RN, CCRN, Associate Professor of Nursing, Christopher Newport University
- Rita Debate, PhD, Associate Professor, College of Public Health, University of South Florida
- Jerry Garnick, DDS, Retired Professor of Periodontology
- Judith Gordon, PhD, Research Scientist, Oregon Research Institute
- Mark Hinders, PhD, Professor, Department of Applied Science, College of Williams and Mary
- Karin Loftin, PhD, Former Adjunct Professor, School of Dental Hygiene, Old Dominion University and Norfolk Public Health Department
- Steven Offenbacher, PhD, Professor, Center for Oral and Systemic Diseases, Department of Periodontology, School of Dentistry, University of North Carolina
- Carol Southard, RN, MSN, Project Manager, American Dental Hygienists Association, Chicago, IL
- Margaret Walsh, PhD, Professor, University of Southern California, San Francisco, CA.
- JoAnn Wells, RDH, BS, Statewide Education Coordinator, Virginia Department of Health
OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY Research EXPO
This annual event highlights research activities conducted by University faculty and students through poster and oral presentations. Each year a keynote speaker is featured which provides an evening of research and refreshments!
Gayle B. McCombs, RDH, MS
Director, Dental Hygiene Research Center
757-683-5150 (gmccombs@odu.edu)
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