Yuyin Lin, D.D.S., a third-year resident in pediatric dentistry, has been awarded the prestigious 2021 American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) Graduate Student Research Award (GSRA).

Lin’s research, “Chemical, Physical and Antibacterial Properties of Contemporary Pulp Capping Materials,” compared the calcium-releasing, pH changes, water sorption and solubility, and antibacterial effects against Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis of 8 contemporary direct pulp capping materials. “A better understanding of the clinical relevant properties of different pulp capping materials will help clinical decision making in choosing a pulp capping material for achieving the best clinical outcome,” she said.

The mentors of Lin’s research project are Nate Lawson, D.M.D. (Biomaterials) and Ping Zhang, D.D.S., Ph.D., Kyounga Cheon, D.M.D., M.S., and Janice Jackson, D.M.D. (Pediatric Dentistry).

The GSRA was established in 1989 for pediatric dentistry residents and recent graduates for completed research projects with significant findings. Awardees present their research during the AAPD Annual Session. They receive complimentary registration to the Annual Session and a cash award and plaque presented during the General Assembly at the Annual Session. A matching cash award is presented to each finalist’s training program.

Lin is one of eight residents from over 90 pediatric dentistry residency programs across the U.S. and Canada to receive the award this year.