DMD Student Publishes Research

Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) student Jerry Ashrafi DMD 10 published his research in the June 2009 issue of The Journal of Implant & Advanced Clinical Dentistry (JIACD).

The paper was titled, "Predictable Bone Augmentation without Using Barrier Membranes," and Ashrafi worked closely with Associate Professor and Chair of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Dr. David Cottrell on this research as well as Assistant Professor Dr. Hussam Batal, and Adjunct Assistant Professor Dr. Marius Steigmann. Ashrafi began researching with Dr. Cottrell as part of his first-year APEX rotation and has continued to work on this research as part of his second-year APEX rotation and in his spare time as a third-year dental student.

The published research concluded that in most cases bone augmentation can be achieved in a predictable fashion without the use of barrier membranes. Ashrafi and Dr. Cottrell sought to eliminate the use of barrier membranes due to the possible complications associated with them. Of the 157 grafting procedures analyzed, 156 resulted in the successful placement of 445 implants and the overall complication rate was 7.2%.

Ashrafi enjoyed working with Dr. Cottrell and was pleased and honored to be recognized by the peer-reviewed JIACD adding, "This experience has encouraged me to continue research in some capacity after graduation."

"Jerry should be extremely proud of his accomplishment," said Dean Jeffrey Hutter. "To be published in such a prestigious journal at this stage in his career is quite an honor."