Summer research internship launched a world of possibilities for dental student
Jonathan Nguyen to showcase his findings at the School of Dentistry Research Day
When Jonathan Nguyen got an invitation to join the OHSU Research Internship Program the summer before starting dental school, he excitedly grabbed the opportunity.
“I’ve always been interested in dentistry, but a part of me has also been drawn to research due to my ties from undergraduate school,” said Nguyen, a third-year dental student who majored in biology and minored in chemistry at the University of Portland.
His introduction to dentistry was thanks to family friend who owned a practice in NE Portland.
Jonathan Nguyen, a third-year OHSU dental student, removes a PBS solution to assess the microgels he previously printed for an upcoming characterization assay.
Nguyen shadowed dental professionals during the pandemic in 2020, observing cases like denture fabrications and root canals. In 2021, he worked as a sterilization technician and dental assistant, finding he enjoyed interacting with patients.
“It gave me an understanding of how dentists are involved with patients and how their relationships develop over time,” he said. “That experience inspired me to pursue a career in dentistry.”
Intrigued by research
As an undergraduate, Nguyen participated in research in a biochemistry lab, conducting wet lab studies and writing manuscripts. He applied what he was learning to his courses in biology and chemistry.
When he learned about the OHSU summer internship with the Knight Cancer Precision Biofabrication Hub directed by Luiz Bertassoni, D.D.S. Ph.D., he accepted the challenge before starting dental school.
The process was intimidating at first.
“I was surrounded by faculty who have thousands of hours of experience—experts in their fields—while I’ve only just completed my bachelor’s,” said Nguyen, who is president of the School of Dentistry Student Research Group.
Faculty members, Nguyen discovered, were welcoming and eager to explain procedural processes, such as the steps for staining live cells and in vivo surgeries. The experience gave him a deeper appreciation for the meticulous nature of scientific research and its potential to improve patient care.
Inspired by surgery
Inspired by his research experience, Nguyen shadowed Srinivasa Chandra, M.D., B.D.S., associate professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and program director, at the OHSU outpatient clinic. Nguyen observed head and neck cancer screenings and the intricacies of the referral system. He also joined Erik Richmond, D.M.D., assistant professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and director of predoctoral education, in the operating room to observe the removal of complex tori, or bone growths, from a patient’s palate.
“This is such an interesting field. I thought, ‘Wow, there’s such a strong connection between patient care and research in this area,’” he said. “This experience has been incredibly motivating and has deepened my passion for pursuing a career that bridges both aspects.”
Nguyen is particularly interested in translating research into clinical practice, focusing on tissue scaffolding and bone grafting techniques.
He will present two research posters at the School of Dentistry Research Day on Tuesday, March 4. The posters cover the topics of Dose-Dependent Salivary Impairment Following Radioactive Iodine Treatment for Thyroid Cancer and Bioprinted Hydrogels: Enhancing Bone Regeneration Through Advanced Mineralization and Printability.
Story by Rhonda Morin, APR. Photos by Jonathan Nguyen and Patrick Lee
