Awards, DDS, Research, Students

Khosravi-Kamrani Wins IADR Junior Craniofacial Biology Award 

Pegah Khosravi-Kamrani, DDS Candidate 2021, is the winner of the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) 2020 Junior Craniofacial Biology Award. Khosravi-Kamrani was one of ten finalists selected from research abstracts submitted to IADR across the globe.  

“I’m thrilled to have been recognized at the national level for my project,” said Khosravi-Kamrani. “This award was a team effort and would not have been possible without Dr. Frazier-Bowers, for her mentorship, Dr. Wiesen, for his collaboration, as well as Dr. Wright and Dr. Slade for their feedback on my presentation. This award represents the appealing translational dimension of our research and affirms my commitment to research throughout my career.” 

Her research mentor is Sylvia Frazier-Bowers, DDS, PhD. Her project, “Categorizing Cl III Subtypes, Treatment Modes, and Treatment Outcomes,” is part of an ongoing Class III research program that originated in Frazier-Bowers’ lab 15 years ago.  

Past research from the Frazier-Bowers lab identified five predominant subtypes of the Class III malocclusion and created a mathematical model that assigns a subtype to any given patient using their cephalometric measurements. 

Khosravi-Kamrani’s project looked at orthodontic records of Class III patients, using the mathematical model to assign their subtype, and retrospectively determined whether one subtype was at higher risk for orthognathic surgery, including treatment failure 

The model I utilized has the potential to improve the diagnostic process of Cl III patients, in turn allowing for better prediction of treatment outcomes,” said Khosravi-KamraniThis is particularly encouraging as Class III diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment have continually been challenges for orthodontists. 

“We are quickly moving toward a time where machine learning or artificial intelligence will influence our decisions – clinical and otherwise,” said Frazier-Bowers. “While the mathematical model is not ready for immediate real-time application yet, these findings promise to stimulate that possibility in the coming years. I am grateful to Pegah for her diligence, dedication and intellect that helped fuel this award-winning outcome.” 

Abstracts are judged for originality and scientific design of the investigation, suitability of the methods of analysis, and scientific value of the work. Although typically judged in-person at the IADR/AADR/CADR Annual Meeting, this year’s applicants were judged virtually.  

The Junior Craniofacial Biology Award recognizes original and outstanding research on craniofacial growth and development. The awardees will each receive an engraved plaque and the specified monetary prize. This award is supported by DENTAID and the membership of the Craniofacial Biology Group.