Lasting Impressions | Winter 2014

22 x LASTING IMPRESSIONS THE NATURAL LOOK Researcher focuses on more durable ceramic materials that resemble natural tooth structure. #: ."3: )-"%,: Faculty Impressions A winning smile that shows off healthy, bright teeth con- veys an outgoing personality that is confident and capa- ble—a key to hiring, promo- tions, and relationships. Jeffrey Thompson , Ph.D., professor and director of the Biosciences Research Center at NSU’s College of Dental Medi- cine, works to get you that smile. While not a dentist, his train- ing in engineering and materi- als science has propelled him into research to make better and more durable ceramic materials used in crowns, implants, and dentures. Just as important is that the ceramic material looks as good as the natural tooth. His research primarily focuses on the use of zirconia, a biomaterial that is stronger and less likely to fracture than some other materials used to repair or replace teeth. Zirco- nia has other advan- tages as well. It is biocompatible, mean- ing it interacts well with the mouth. It does not produce allergic reac- tions. And, it is used with other materials to make teeth that are aestheti- cally pleasing. “They can be made to look like natural tooth structure,” Thompson said. “You can’t tell the difference if the work is good.” He also aims to create mate- rials that are easy for dentists to use. “We are trying to develop new techniques, new technolo- gies that make it easier for clinicians to do their jobs effi- ciently,” Thompson said. “We are trying to make these tech- nologies simpler to use and more cost effective. Most import- ant, we are trying to improve the treatment outcomes for the patient.” Research being conducted in Thompson’s research center— which has three other, full- time researchers—is important to NSU, said Ana Karina Mascar- enhas, B.D.S., M.P.H., Dr.P.H., associate dean of research, professor, and chief of the Divi- sion of Primary Care of NSU’s College of Dental Medicine. “Part of our mission is to be a top-tier university, so there is huge interest in the administra- tion and faculty to increase our research efforts,” she said. Thompson also is very in- volved with teaching first- and second-year students, as well as postgraduate dental students, about biomaterials. Students give him rave reviews. While the subject might seem dull at first, they said, Thompson is able to explain how important it is to their future dental practices. “He’s the go-to biomaterials guy,” said Jason Watts, 24, a third-year dental student. “He is a spectacular teacher, the way he is able to relate complex information to someone just learning it.”