A recipe for student researchers
School of Dentistry student Peter Nguyen’s work is featured at Research Day
Here is a recipe for inspiring dental students to explore research:
- Start with being curious
- Add positive dental experiences at a general practice
- Mix in an invitation to work at a renowned research lab
- Top it off with the chance to present your work to the dental community
These are a few of the ingredients that persuaded Peter Nguyen, a second-year School of Dentistry student, to consider research as part of his learning process.
Originally, medicine was his career choice. Nguyen was accepted to two medical programs but declined them while completing his undergraduate studies in chemistry. He then spent a year working in his mother’s private dental practice. He appreciated working directly with patients, clinicians and office staff. In a short time, it became clear that dentistry was the better choice for him.
Second-year OHSU School of Dentistry student Peter Nguyen sets up a computer control handpiece to cut preparations on extracted teeth to use as samples.
After being accepted to the OHSU School of Dentistry school in Dec. 2022, Nguyen got a letter from Hui Wu, Ph.D., professor and associate dean of research and Weight endowed professor in research, asking if he would consider joining the summer Research Internship Program as a pre-matriculation student.
“I didn’t have an interest in research during my undergraduate studies, but the short program prior to dental school allowed me to test the waters,” said Nguyen.
Eight weeks before school started, Nguyen was in the Pfeifer Polymers Lab, directed by Carmem Pfeifer, D.D.S., Ph.D., head of the Biomaterial and Biosciences Division and professor of Restorative Dentistry.
The experience introduced Nguyen to dental materials. He explored resin composites and inorganic filler material. The tooth-colored, light-cured, restorative material is a popular choice for direct dental composite restorations.
Experiential approach
Nguyen’s summer studies in the Pfeifer Lab earned him a first-place tie in the DMD student category at the 2024 School of Dentistry Research Day. He’s since done other research projects and finds the work rewarding.
“Now that I understand more about dentistry, I see how everything is connected. Things make sense when I apply what I have learned,” said Nguyen, who is also president of the OHSU student interest group, Innovation in Dentistry.
He’s particularly interested in understanding the components of resin composites, such as the effects of the composite’s chemical and biological properties and how they are tested.
“I feel like I’ll make a better dentist if the knowledge I gain from research helps me make informed decisions about the materials I’m using,” Nguyen said.
He will present a Critically Appraised Topic, or caseCAT on March 4 at the School of Dentistry Research Day 2025. The title is “Reduction of Silver Diamine Staining in Carious Teeth: Using Potassium Iodine to Form Silver-Iodine Precipitate.”
Nguyen will also present a poster from a study he, co-authors and mentors conducted within the Division of Biomaterial and Biomedical Sciences. It’s titled “Inhibition of Dentinal Collagen Degradation by Matrix Metalloproteinases: Using Quaternary Ammonium Methacrylates.”
He may come full circle from where he started when dental school is done. Nguyen anticipates joining his mother’s practice—Perfect Smiles Dental in Beaverton—where he can provide comprehensive care based on scientific research.
Nguyen’s journey is a recipe for success.
Story by Rhonda Morin, APR. Photo by Peter Nguyen
