Your name, program, dissertation title.

Dr. Adeyinka Folashade Dayo, Master of Science in Dental Science, Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology track. Comparison of Photothermal Radiometry and Modulated Luminescence (PTR/LUM), Intraoral radiography (IR) and Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) for detection of natural caries under restorations.

Please tell me about yourself, why did you pick UT Health San Antonio, and your program.

I graduated in 2003 with a BDS degree in Dental surgery from the prestigious College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria. My passion for dental diagnostics, early detection and preventive dentistry inspired me to apply for the Oral Medicine residency program at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos. Upon successful completion of a six-year rigorous program, involving dental diagnostics, complete dental treatment planning, management of orofacial pain patients and patients with oral lesions with or without underlying systemic disease, and successfully challenging the two-staged board certifying examinations in 2010, I became a fellow of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.

I chose The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio because it is one of the leading dental schools in the United States of America and offers the best Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology program in the states. In my pursuit for excellence and passion for dental diagnostics, I applied to the school, was admitted in 2015 and I am graduating now, May, 2018 with a diploma in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology and a Masters in Dental Science.

I am married to a charming husband and we have four wonderful children that are always a joy and delight to be with.

What has been the highlight of graduate school so far? Have you won any awards or have there been any achievements you’ve been proud of?

The highlight of graduate school has been the way my dental acumen has been sharpened especially in diagnosis and interpretation of advanced imaging. The exposure to high volume of CBCT, CT and MRI scans and the timeframe in which to interpret and report the scans has made me both effective and efficient as a radiologist.

I have reported over 1000 scans during my residency program, not counting scans viewed during case conferences or CBCT clinic cases where we take the scans and write the report. The knowledgeable, experienced and accessible faculty also lends to the richness of the program. The ability to collaborate with various departments within or outside the school, the availability of research facility and fine collection of seasoned faculty is no doubt a privilege.

I won honorable mention in the 2017/2018 Danny Jones History of Medicine essay competition organized by the Friends of the P.I. Nixon Medical Historical Library at UT Health San Antonio.

Please provide a few sentences summarizing your dissertation. What was the experience like for you?

The aim of my research was to compare the diagnostic characteristics of PTR/LUM to intraoral radiography and CBCT.

The photothermal radiometry and modulated luminescence (PTR/LUM) uses infrared (thermal energy) and light to determine changes in the microstructure of a tooth and generates scores which depict the health or decay status of the tooth.

Dental caries being a dynamic lesion involving phases of demineralization and remineralization, can be prevented with careful observation of the “caries balance” by the patient and dentist. The scale can be tipped in favor of remineralization if detected early before cavitation. However, radiographs do not detect demineralization until about 30 percent to 40 percent of mineral loss, this is the amount needed to create a change in radiographic density.

PTR/LUM had a sensitivity of 0.89, IR had a sensitivity of 0.38 while CBCT had 0.40.

The experience was enlightening and made me aware of my perseverance and resilience as I scaled all hurdles to complete my project.

Why are you passionate about your research topic? How did you first become interested in it?

My interest is in early detection / diagnosis and preventive dentistry. I have an ongoing drive geared towards research topics related to early detection. 30 to 40 percent demineralization is needed before changes in radiographic density can be detected by radiographs, hence having more sensitive modalities is essential.

The use of non-ionizing radiation in early detection of dental caries is in line with the “As Low As Reasonably Achievable” (ALARA) principle in radiology which necessitates the justification for the use of radiation. The (PTR/LUM) is a non-invasive, energy conversion technology that monitors the thermal infrared radiation and alternating current luminescence of the microstructure of teeth. It is highly sensitive and can be used as an adjunct to visual and radiographic evaluation of teeth for early detection of caries. This will ultimately avoid unnecessary tooth tissue loss.

What’s next?

I have always been fascinated with sharing knowledge, and as young as eight years old while in elementary school, I organized tutorial classes for my younger siblings and their friends that lived in my neighborhood. I structured classes and co-opted my class mates to be teachers too, complete with end of term evaluation and awards. This leadership and teaching ability I continued in college as the dental class representative for six years, and the house officer representative as an intern in the Lagos University teaching hospital and later a resident in the same institution. Organizing seminars, scientific conferences, running a clinic and giving lectures were some of my responsibilities.

I will be going into academia as an oral and maxillofacial radiology faculty member because I am passionate about teaching and research, both of which impart the next generation as well as the community.

Any advice for your fellow graduate students?

Learning is living and you can never stop learning. Though the going may get tough, DO NOT GIVE UP, because there is a light at the end of every tunnel. With dedication, commitment and faith, you will leave a legacy that will impart your world positively.