DCG student takes first at IADR Conference

Jasmine Canlas, a junior dental student at the Dental College of Georgia, earned first place in both national and international competitions at the 2026 meeting of the International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research in San Diego (IADR).

Canlas first won the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) Hatton Competition Junior Category, then advanced to the global stage to claim first place in the prestigious IADR Hatton Competition. Established in 1953, the award is the organization’s oldest honor recognizing emerging investigators.

Her research project, “Engineered Small Extracellular Vesicles as a Novel Antimicrobial Therapy for Periodontal Disease,” explores a targeted, naturally derived, nanotechnology-based approach to treating periodontal disease.

“My research focuses on developing novel treatments for periodontal disease by using naturally derived extracellular vesicles as a drug-delivery system to enhance the body’s ability to fight harmful bacteria,” Canlas said. “These findings highlight the potential for a safer, more targeted approach to reducing infection and inflammation.”

“This award recognizes the highly innovative research conducted in our lab,” said Dr. Ranya Elsayed, assistant professor of periodontics and Canlas’ mentor. “Our study showcases a promising nanotherapy that delivers antimicrobial agents, combats infection and limits bone loss in periodontal disease.”

In addition to her competition honors, Canlas received an AADOCR Bloc Travel Grant, awarded based on the strength of accepted research abstracts and supported by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.

“Watching Jasmine grow as a researcher has been incredibly rewarding. This recognition reflects her excellence, dedication and the strength of our collaborative work. I’m very proud of her,” Elsayed said.

In addition to her success at IADR, Canlas waas also a finalist for the Student Competition for Advancing Dental Research and its Application (SCADA).