Clinic Spotlight: Exceptional efforts in the PAAS study

• Member Spotlights

The Network’s Periodontal Adjunctive Antibiotics Study (PAAS) is making significant strides, thanks to the exceptional efforts of Dr. Kristi Soileau and her dedicated team of staff and students. Dr. Soileau, her hygienist and office manager, Huong Dang and Megan Cantore, along with their group of interns, are not only investigators in the study, but are also enrolling patients at an impressive rate, contributing greatly to the study’s success.

About Dr. Kristi Soileau

Dr. Kristi Soileau is a periodontist with over three decades of experience. She has held numerous leadership positions in dental associations and is a Clinical Associate Professor at Louisiana State University (LSU). Dr. Soileau is also actively involved in community service, volunteering as a dentist for Notre Dame Hospice and working in nursing home dentistry for over 30 years. Her dedication to the field has earned her numerous accolades, including being voted Alumna of the Year in 2016 for the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry. Dr. Soileau has participated in five clinical studies and cross-sectional surveys since joining the Network in 2013.

Meet the Team Behind the Success

Huong Dang: With a BS in Biological Sciences and a minor in Business Administration from the University of New Orleans, Huong has been an Expanded Duty Dental Assistant (EDDA) since 2003. Her dual role in both the front and back office, along with her dedication as a mother, showcases her exceptional multitasking abilities and commitment to patient care.

Megan Cantore: Megan has been a vital part of Dr. Soileau’s practice for 20 years. An active member of the American Association of Dental Office Managers, Megan’s experience and enthusiasm for the Network have been instrumental in the smooth enrollment of patients for the PAAS study.

The Interns Making a Difference

A group of talented interns—college students and recent graduates—has joined Dr. Soileau’s team to gain hands-on experience and explore future careers in dentistry. In addition to learning about the daily operations of the dental office, the interns are observing Dr. Soileau, Mrs. Huong, and Megan as they enroll participants and collect data for the DIRR study. This experience provides the interns with valuable exposure not only to clinical care but also to the unique aspects of conducting research in a real-world dental setting. Let us introduce you to their current interns.

Roman Brown: As the chief pre-dental intern, Roman’s attention to detail and passion for dentistry are evident in his meticulous work with patient data and periodontal charting. His personal experiences with dental treatments have fueled his desire to help others improve their oral health.

Ilana Bresky: Originally from Clearwater, Florida, Ilana’s journey to dental hygiene has been shaped by her experiences in merchandising and customer engagement. Her dedication to building long-term patient relationships and providing consistent care makes her a valuable asset to the team.

Alex Ha: Holding a master’s degree in Biological Sciences from the University of New Orleans, Alex has been collaborating with Dr. Soileau on antibiotic research. His unique combination of scientific knowledge and practical skills, including self-taught barbering, highlights his diverse talents and commitment to oral health.

Anthony Le: A pre-dental hopeful from Xavier University of Louisiana, Anthony’s involvement in the PAAS study and his passion for guitar playing demonstrate his dedication to both his professional and personal growth. His aspiration to become a compassionate dentist is evident in his work ethic and enthusiasm.

Emily Tran: With a Bachelor of Science degree from Louisiana State University, Emily’s passion for dentistry stems from her desire to educate others about the importance of dental care. Her experience in a professional wedding cake design studio adds a creative touch to her precise and methodical approach to dentistry.

Adam DeGenova: A graduate of The Citadel with a BS in Biology, Adam is currently pursuing a second master’s degree in healthcare administration. His contributions to dental journals and his passion for the outdoors reflect his well-rounded character and dedication to the field of dentistry.

The dedication and hard work of Dr. Soileau, her hygienists, and interns have not gone unnoticed. The staff has been recognized with plaques, and the interns have received framed certificates, acknowledging their exceptional contributions to the PAAS study. Their collective efforts are driving the study forward, benefiting the dental community and patients alike. We are very grateful to their commitment to excellence and contributions to the PAAS study.

About the PAAS Study

The PAAS study is a research study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of adjunctive antibiotics in the treatment of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease, a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. The study seeks to determine whether the use of antibiotics, in addition to standard periodontal therapy, can improve treatment outcomes and reduce the progression of the disease.

A significant focus of the PAAS study is to address the overuse of antibiotics, which is a growing concern in modern medicine. Overusing antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, where bacteria evolve to become resistant to the drugs designed to kill them. This resistance can result in infections that are harder to treat and can spread more easily. These consequences highlight the importance of using antibiotics judiciously and only when necessary.

To learn more about the Periodontal Adjunctive Antibiotics Study (PAAS), click here.