2017-08-15

Dr. Vincent Senini, a UBC graduate periodontics resident, won first place in the clinical category for his poster presentation at the 2017 Interdisciplinary Summit of the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry. The summit took place in San Diego, California, from August 3 to 5, 2017.

Dr. Vincent Senini

His research poster titled “Photodynamic Therapy in the Treatment of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Disease” is about photodynamic therapy (PDT), an adjunctive periodontal treatment in which bactericidal oxygen agents are locally produced after photosensitizer activation through light application.

The first aim of the project was to review existing literature to determine the degree to which adjunctive use of PDT benefits periodontal debridement as shown by inflammatory, microbial and clinical parameters. The second aim was to provide clinical recommendations for the use of PDT. Ultimately, the review indicated that PDT may benefit localized non-responding sites or sites of disease recurrence during supportive periodontal therapy. In addition, PDT may be beneficial where pathologic sites present in the esthetic zone and surgical periodontal intervention could compromise esthetics or phonetics.

Co-investigators of Senini’s research project included Dr. Edward Putnins, professor, and Penny Hatzimanolakis, clinical associate professor, both in the department of Oral Biological & Medical Sciences.

Senini was also recently selected by the American Academy of Periodontology for a Nobel Biocare Student Member Annual Meeting Scholarship. It was awarded for his history of involvement in periodontal clinical and research activities. Along with attendance at the Academy’s 2017 Annual Meeting, he will be featured in the organization’s December issue of Periospectives.