Hattanas Kumchai, PROS 16, DScD 16, with the Frechette Award
Hattanas Kumchai, PROS 16, DScD 16, was presented with the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) Arthur Frechette Award at the IADR/AADR (American Association for Dental Research) Annual Meeting in Boston March 11–14, 2015. The Frechette Award is given annually to a young investigator in Prosthodontics who is conducting innovative research in the field. Kumchai gave a ten minute oral presentation on his project, “In-vitro Repair of Veneered Zirconia Crowns with Ceramics vs. Resins,” to a panel of IADR/AADR judges and was named the winner. Kumchai was mentored in this work by Professor and Chair of the Department of Restorative Sciences & Biomaterials Dr. Dan Nathanson. Dr. Patrapan Junatvee ORTHO 15, MSD 15, was an additional collaborator on the project.
This in-vitro study utilized CAD/CAM technology to repair veneered zirconia crowns which had simulated porcelain chipping. Conventionally, a chipped restoration can be repaired by conducting surface treatment on the crown followed by the application of a resin composite. However, this has led to some concern regarding the discoloration of the repaired component. By using CAD/CAM technology, the chipped portion can be made from milling CAD/CAM ceramic material and then cemented back on to the crown. The result of this study found that veneered zirconia crowns repaired with CAD/CAM ceramic materials exhibited significantly higher load-to-failure than veneered crowns repaired with resin composites. Kumchai explains, “In many situations, it is not practical to replace the crowns that have porcelain chipping. This in-vitro study looked into the alternative way to address the issue.” While this work is promising, Kumchai believes more extensive research will be needed to study this novel repairing technique.
A manuscript for this study is being prepared and will be submitted in the near future. Kumchai is thrilled to have won the award and is grateful for the support he has received during his time at GSDM. “I’d like to thank Dr. Nathanson for his excellent mentorship and support throughout this research project,” said Kumchai. “I’d also like to thank Dr. Sun and all faculty members involved throughout my four years in the clinical and research program.”
Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter said, “Congratulations to Hattanas on his accomplishment. GSDM could not be more proud of its students and faculty and their continued pursuit of research excellence. I am extremely proud to have another member of the GSDM community as a Frechette award recipient.” Associate Professor and Director of the Department of Restorative Sciences & Biomaterials Dr. Russell Giordano is the 1992 IADR Frechette Award winner.
During his time at GSDM, Kumchai also received the first place award at the American College of Prosthodontists New England Fall Symposium two years in a row. He received this award in 2013 for his project, “Effect of veneering ceramics and methods on failure load of veneered zirconia” and in 2014 for his project, “Surface conditioning of ceramic materials: Effect on bond to brackets”.