Researcher at the Academic Centre of Reconstructive Science wins poster prize
Dr Andreas Artopoulos, Clinical Research Fellow in Maxillofacial Prosthetic Rehabilitation and Clinical Teacher in Removable Prosthodontics at the Dental Institute, was awarded a prize for his poster presentation at the recent biennial meeting of the Institute of Maxillofacial Prosthetists and Technologists, which took place in London on the 10th and 11th of September.
Dr Artopoulos presented a poster titled ‘Integration of low-cost digital technologies in maxillofacial rehabilitation training and research’. The study, co-supervised by Dr Trevor J. Coward and conducted at the Academic Centre of Reconstructive Science, aimed to reduce costs of introducing trainees to digital technologies by using low-cost consumer devices, which are not often considered for scientific applications on the assumption of poor performance. The findings of the study provided evidence against this assumption.
Four projects were completed by undergraduate research fellows as part of this study:
- Mr Haseeb Moiz (iBSc Regenerative Medicine & Innovation Technology, MBBS year 3) used a £650 3D printer to produce anatomical models of the nose.
- Dr Subegh Srao (BDS year 5) used a £350 3D printer to produce anatomical models of the mandibular condyle.
- Ms Catherine Liu (BDS year 4) used a £950 portable optical 3D scanner to digitize models of the face.
- Ms Annika Hindocha (BDS phase 2) used a £350 handheld 3D laser scanner to digitize edentulous casts.
The results indicated that these devices may be used for laboratory or research applications, and could also be considered for clinical applications. More importantly, the students demonstrated good understanding of the technologies utilized, and would feel confident integrating such technologies in their future workflow.
The students commented on their experience:
‘I have learned a lot during my time working on this project…having thoroughly enjoyed the experience it is definitely something that I would like to do again in the future.’ (Ms Hindocha)
‘This has given me the opportunity to understand how laboratory research is conducted as it is not something that many undergraduate healthcare students get the opportunity to be involved with.’ (Dr Srao)
Two of the students’ projects (Dr Srao and Ms Liu) were funded by King’s Undergraduate Research Fellowships scheme.