Gold Crest Award on Dentistry

I spent one week in the biomolecular research labs at the University of Birmingham School of Dentistry. Here I observed and worked alongside academics and professors, who put together a series of experiments for me to Enamel

participate in. Dental Pulp Cavity My project was to determine if low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS), a form of ultrasound therapy, could stimulate cell growth, proliferation and differentiation and if so, how this could be applied to Ultrasound radiation

clinical dental practice.

Dentine Gum

Maxillary Bone

The initial aim of the project was to prepare some odontoblast stem cells, subject them to LIPUS and compare the result against non-treated cells.

Images of each sample could be recorded and compared to determine cell quantity and structure. If the LIPUS worked in this particular scenario, it could then possibly be applied to the tooth to stimulate the odontoblasts cells to regrow dentine, which is a tough layer designed to support the enamel.

The results from the series of experiments were promising, indicating that there was a 71% increase in number of cells present from LIPUS treatment compared to the non-treated sample. This was supporting evidence that the ultrasound treatment does in fact stimulate cell growth and proliferation, and that LIPUS treatment could be used in a supporting role in restorative treatments, as an additional method of building up tooth structure and in increasing longevity of the tooth. It is hoped that LIPUS treatment could be used as a supporting role in restorative treatments, as an additional method of building up tooth structure and in increasing longevity of the tooth.

Overall, my CREST placement was very enjoyable and interesting, allowing me to gain an insight into my future career choice as well as broadening my knowledge of dental research. Furthermore, it gave me a once in a lifetime experience to work alongside academics and researchers to produce a report close to undergraduate level!

Khushi Dhadda, U6th Student