Page 26 - Dentistry Magazine 2021

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DENTISTRY 2021
“A dental hygienist has an important role in underserved and diverse communities,” Abbott reflected, explaining her desire to embed cultural competence into her work ethic and provide care in a way that reduces social, cultural and language barriers.
Abbot knows that this future is possible in part because of Hoover and Hackborn’s generosity. “Their investment in my future will not only impact me, but the profession and the communities I serve,” she said.
Hoover hopes the scholarship gift can pay forward what the school gave her, and inspire the next generation of students. “It’s a really wonderful career. I loved being a dental hygienist,” she said. “So to all the young people going through it now: hang in there, work hard and know that it is a wonderful career.”
Taking a collaborative approach to research
Nicholas Fischer, PhD, DDS ’25, is the Secretary-elect for the American Association for Dental Research’s National Student Research Group (NSRG), the organization announced following an AADR election in July.
Fischer is a dual-degree student who completed his
PhD in Oral Biology in May, and began his DDS studies
in August. He studies strategies to use materials and biomolecules that trigger tissue responses and reduce infection for medical devices that go through skin under advisor Conrado Aparicio, PhD, MSc Eng. He successfully defended his dissertation on that topic in early June.
He was attracted to the NSRG, a student-led, research- focused organization, after his first experience at an AADR meeting six years ago. He sees the organization as integral in ensuring that dental research, oral health, and scientific research can collaborate with one another.
“One of the great joys, but also great challenges, in dental research is weaving together our expertise
in non-dental areas and that rich source of basic knowledge in the context of oral health,” he explained. He likened the need for expertise in various areas to the concept of a “triple threat” entertainer who sings, dances and acts. “I’m adamant that this collaboration is critical for the future of dental research.”
As an oral health researcher, Fischer recognizes the need for the small band of oral health and dental researchers to communicate and collaborate well for the sake of their research. “Having a support network to help us do vibrant, sustainable research— regardless of whether we want to make a career out of it—is critical to the future of dental research.”
In the role, Fischer hopes to work toward greater collaboration and encourage the richness of basic sciences, dental research and oral health research with one another and with practical goals.
Fischer and the other nominees will take office after the 2022 Annual Meeting in Atlanta.