Congratulations to Dayane Oliveira, D.D.S., M.S., Ph.D., who was recently selected as a mentee for a mentoring program coordinated by the American Association for Dental, Oral and Craniofacial Research, or AADOCR.
Oliveira, a clinical associate professor in the Department of Restorative Dental Sciences, Division of Operative Dentistry, will participate in the fifth cohort of the Mentoring an Inclusive Network for a Diverse Workforce of the Future, or MIND the Future, program. The program’s goal is to build a vibrant and inclusive community of investigators whose participation is vital to advancing dental, oral and craniofacial research and improving oral health in the United States. The program offers educational activities and interactive opportunities across the network, between mentors and mentees to support the development of a diverse cadre of dental, oral and craniofacial research.
Oliveira will be mentored during the program by Livia Tenuta, D.D.S., MSc., Ph.D., an associate professor of dentistry in the University of Michigan’s Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences & Endodontics.
“I am very pleased that Dr. Tenuta was chosen as my mentor. She is well known and respected in the world of caries research and recently became the editor in chief of Caries Research, a journal that publishes epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory studies in dental caries, fluorosis, erosion, and related dental diseases,” Oliveira said.
Oliveira’s research is in the broad field of biomedical sciences, with a specialized focus on dental biomaterials. This specialty involves developing and evaluating materials designed specifically for dental applications, bridging the gap between dental materials chemistry and clinical practice. One of her key areas of interest is the synthesis and application of photoinitiators that are activated by red light, aiming to innovate restorative dentistry techniques. This approach enhances the effectiveness of dental treatments and also minimizes the adverse effects associated with traditional curing methods. By conducting both in vivo and in vitro testing, her work seeks to push the boundaries of innovation in dental treatment, ensuring safer and more effective dental care solutions.
Oliveira serves as the faculty advisor for the UF American Association for Women in Dentistry, which coordinates initiatives aimed at advancing, connecting and enriching the educational journey of young women dentists, helping them navigate the challenges of the dental profession. She also works to propose and review academic policies that enhance diversity and inclusion that aim to increase participation from underrepresented groups in biomedical research.
“My personal experiences as a Latina in academia drive my commitment to diversity and inclusion. By continuing to serve in leadership and mentoring roles, I aim to contribute to a transformative change in the biomedical sciences, ensuring that all talented individuals, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to succeed and contribute to our collective goals of health improvement, innovation and discovery,” she said.
The program is funded by a five-year grant from the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Oliveira’s participation will run 13 months, from August 2024 through September 2025. The grant covers all training materials, access to online training session and travel for the 2025 AADOCR Annual Meeting.