Volume 8 • 2021 • Issue 4

developmental disabilities combined in Canada. However, this vulnerable population doesn’t have much exposure,” explains Hu. Â Research Abstract: Katie Hu (University of Saskatchewan) Â Research Abstract: Simran Kaur Sarao (University of Alberta) 2nd Place: Simran Kaur Sarao Simran Kaur Sarao (DDS 2022) from the University of Alberta was the runner-up in the competition for her research on compliance with preventive measures for dental trauma among hockey players, supervised by Dr. Liran Levin. Sarao evaluated the level of compliance and the reasons for non-compliance with the use of preventive measures for dental injuries (such as mouthguards and full-face shields) among hockey players. Although over 30% of participants reported past oral injuries, the data showed a low compliance rate of protective equipment use, mostly because of factors like discomfort, impairment of function, or lack of visibility. The research suggests that efforts should be made to help dental professionals better communicate on these challenges with hockey players to increase compliance and avoid severe traumatic oral injuries. Moreover, in consultation with hockey players, the industry could optimize protective product design to enforce their use. Sarao won a $1,000 cash prize for her second place. Listen to an interview with Katie Hu on CDA Oasis at: bit.ly/3xScQVA FASD can occur when alcohol enters the system at any point during a pregnancy. It can have an effect on various parts of the development of the fetus, but especially the brain and the craniofacial complex. Orofacial abnormalities include micrognathia, cleft lip and/or palate, softer enamel or higher risk of dental caries. Some of Hu’s key findings show that FASD pediatric patients are at a higher risk of having more extreme treatment needs. While 80% of her population sample had visited the dentist in the last two years—which is less than the national average, two-thirds had required extractions and over 50% needed sedation or general anesthesia for their care. “I believe we need to raise awareness among the dental community, so we can provide the best care possible to this vulnerable population,” says Hu. She won a $2,000 cash award in lieu of an expense-paid trip to the American Association for Dental Research (AADR) Annual Meeting, due to the risks related to travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. This year was obviously different as we did not have theopportunity tomeet the student clinicians in person, but even in a virtual format, the quality of their research and their presentations came through. N ews and E vents 23 Issue 4 | 2021 |