Ongoing Research

Dental materials is an important area of research at UDM and is a rapidly evolving part of dentistry. New products and techniques are introduced daily to the profession. UDM prides itself on working closely with industry during both the development and the evaluation of new materials and devices. This will aid students and clinicians in the proper selection and manipulation of new materials. Currently the Department of Restorative Dentistry is at the cutting edge in materials evaluation.

Restorative dental materials being evaluated:
· Dental amalgam
· Resin composite
· Resin-modified glass ionomer
· Bonding agents
· Compomer
· Glass ionomer
· Crown and bridge cements
· Finishing and polishing agents

Testing methods include:
· Microleakage
· Bond strength
· Surface analysis
· Mercury vapor release
· Consistency in handling characteristics

Close-up view of tooth specimen during sectioning on the Buehler water-cooled saw. Restorations within sections will be analyzed for the extent and pattern of leakage at the material/tooth interface.

If you would like to get involved in research at UDM or have individual questions regarding various projects please email Dr. Ann-Marie Neme at nemeaml@udmercy.edu for additional information.