Recent Prosthodontics Graduates Co-Author PLOS ONE Study

Two recent graduates of Columbia University College of Dental Medicine's prosthodontics residency are co-authors of a newly published study in PLOS ONE, the culmination of research they conducted during their training.

Dr. Carlos Nicolas Nowik, who served as principal investigator, and Dr. Salar Zeinali, both graduates of the Class of 2025, collaborated on the study, led by Dr. Luiz Pimenta, professor of prosthodontics and director of CDM's Division of Prosthodontics. Titled “Comparative Effects of Bioelectric and Manual Toothbrushing on Acrylic Denture Teeth: Surface Integrity and Wear Analysis,” the research found that a bioelectric toothbrush produced significantly less surface roughening than a conventional manual toothbrush while causing no measurable material loss, suggesting it may offer a less abrasive approach to cleaning removable dentures.

The publication reflects a broader emphasis on scholarship within CDM’s Division of Prosthodontics, where research is woven into every stage of residency training. Over the past five years, the division has worked to more closely integrate scholarly inquiry with advanced clinical education, recognizing that exceptional prosthodontists must not only master clinical skills but also critically evaluate scientific evidence and contribute to the advancement of the profession. Research also plays an important role in preparing residents to embrace innovation and continually improve patient care through an evidence-based approach.

Under the guidance of faculty mentors, every resident completes a research project, moving through each phase of the scientific process, from identifying a clinically relevant research question and designing a study to collecting and analyzing data and disseminating the findings. Residents are also encouraged to collaborate with faculty and fellow residents on ongoing investigations that may lead to presentations at regional and national scientific meetings and publication in peer-reviewed journals. Through these experiences, they graduate with firsthand knowledge of scientific writing, the peer-review process, and scholarly dissemination while developing the skills to become lifelong contributors to evidence-based dentistry.

Participating in the study provided Nowik with firsthand experience of the full research process, from developing the project through publication. Seeing the team's work published in PLOS ONE was a rewarding conclusion to months of collaborative research.

"Being part of a peer-reviewed publication is very rewarding because it reflects the work our team put into the project and gives me the opportunity to contribute to the profession early in my career," Nowik said.

While publication was an important milestone, Zeinali said the experience also reshaped the way he thinks about dentistry. Conducting research challenged them to look beyond established techniques, critically evaluate scientific evidence, and better understand how research informs clinical decision-making.

"Research participation has strengthened my commitment to evidence-based dentistry by improving my ability to evaluate quality, identify bias, interpret levels of evidence, and translate scientific findings into clinically relevant treatment decisions," Zeinali said.

For Pimenta, seeing residents publish alongside faculty before they complete their training is one of the most meaningful aspects of leading the division and mentoring the next generation of prosthodontists.

"A peer-reviewed publication represents much more than the completion of a research project," Pimenta said. "It reflects intellectual curiosity, perseverance, collaboration, and a commitment to advancing patient care through scientific inquiry."