AADOCR NSRG President Candidate 2027-2028
UCLA school of Dentistry
Porter Ranch, CA
Graduation Date: 2029
Reasons for Running
As I commence my orthodontic residency next year at the UCLA School of Dentistry, I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to serve as an officer of the AADOCR National Student Research Group. In this role, I aim to contribute to the development of a more robust, interconnected, and inspiring community of dental researchers. My progression from student researcher to resident clinician has demonstrated to me the transformative power of mentorship, collaboration, and effective communication in advancing both scientific progress and personal development.
In this capacity, I endeavor to establish sustainable and engaging platforms that enhance mentorship, visibility, and collaboration within AADOCR. These initiatives include the introduction of a Student–Faculty Research Mentorship Hub designed to connect students, residents, and faculty mentors; the organization of interdisciplinary research spotlights to showcase innovative projects and promote cross-institutional learning; and the development of digital outreach initiatives, such as a “Student Voices in Research” series and interactive networking forums, to amplify member achievements and cultivate a sense of belonging.
In my capacity as a resident, I am uniquely positioned to connect the predoctoral and postdoctoral research communities, thereby integrating clinical experience with scientific investigation. I am committed to advancing translational and AI-driven research aimed at enhancing patient outcomes, while also fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for emerging scholars.
In this capacity, I aspire to contribute to the development of the next phase of the NSRG, emphasizing collaboration, curiosity, and communication as the cornerstones of innovation in dental research.
Thank you for the opportunity to share my vision and for your consideration of my candidacy.
Dr. Shveta Duggal
Research Conducted / Student Activities
Research – United States
Department of Orthodontics, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Dentistry
2025 – Present
AI-Driven Micro-CT Analysis of Clear Aligner Attachments
Role: Co-Investigator | Mentor: Dr. Ahmed Ghoneima, B.D.S., M.Sc., Ph.D., M.S.D.
Outcome: Micro-CT analysis partially completed; AI-driven quantification in progress for pilot study.
AI-Registered Micro-CT to Quantify Flavonoid Effects on Tooth Movement and Bone Quality
Role: Co-Investigator | Mentors: Dr. Karolina Kaczor-Urbanowicz & Dr. Yi Lin
Outcome: Research proposal under faculty review; lab acquisition underway.
3-D Condylar Changes in the TMJ after Orthodontic Treatment for Anterior Open Bite
Role: Scientific writing & manuscript preparation | Mentor: Dr. Yi Lin
Outcome: Manuscript completed; under faculty review for submission.
Artificial Intelligence for Detecting Orthodontically Induced Root Resorption: A Scoping Review
Role: Co-Investigator | Mentor: Dr. Yi Lin
Outcome: Proposal under faculty review; preliminary data extraction ongoing.
Salivary Biomarkers in Pediatric Oral Diseases: A Scoping Review
Role: Co-Investigator | Mentor: Dr. Karolina Kaczor-Urbanowicz
Outcome: Data extraction completed; manuscript in progress.
CBCT-Measured Alveolar Bone Changes with Clear Aligner Therapy: A Systematic Review
Role: Co-Investigator | Mentors: Dr. Karolina Kaczor-Urbanowicz & Dr. Ahmed Ghoneima
Outcome: Research proposal under faculty review.
Department of Orthodontics, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
2024 – 2025
Meta-Analysis of Overbite Correction: Predictability and Accuracy of Invisalign vs Fixed Functional Appliances
Role: Principal Author | Mentor: Dr. Dennis Tartakow
Outcome: Abstract accepted – IADR 2025 Poster (Barcelona, Spain); PROSPERO ID CRD420245485.
Department of Orthodontics, University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine
2023 – 2024
Biomechanics of Cantilever Springs for Anchorage Reinforcement: A 3-D Analysis
Role: Co-Investigator & Co-Author | Mentor: Dr. Madhur Upadhyay
Outcome: Grant approved; manuscript submitted to AJO-DO.
Developing AI-Based Algorithms for Automation of Orthodontic Records and Treatment Planning
Role: Co-Investigator | Mentor: Dr. Madhur Upadhyay
Outcome: Poster selected for NESO Conference.
Case Report: Molar Protraction Using V-Bend Principle
Role: Author & Presenter | Mentor: Dr. Madhur Upadhyay
Outcome: Abstract selected for AAO 2025 (Philadelphia) e-poster.
Case Report: Interdisciplinary Management of a Large Multicystic Ameloblastoma in the Mandible
Role: Principal Author | Mentor: Dr. Flavio A. Uribe
Outcome: Accepted – Journal of Clinical Orthodontics.
Current Orthodontic Training Needs from Residents’ Perspective
Role: Principal Investigator | Mentor: Dr. Madhur Upadhyay
Outcome: Self-initiated; IRB #24X-138-2 (unfinished).
Assessment of ABO-OGS Outcomes & Treatment Time for Canine Retraction vs En-Masse Retraction
Role: Principal Investigator | Mentor: Dr. Flavio A. Uribe
Outcome: IRB #24X-151-1; data collection completed.
Short Root Anomaly and Risk of Root Resorption: A CBCT Study
Role: Data Collection | Mentor: Dr. Niloufar Azami
Outcome: IRB approved; ongoing.
Case Report: Interdisciplinary Approach for Increasing Vertical Dimension in Adult with Missing Teeth – 12-Year Update
Role: Principal Author | Mentor: Dr. Flavio A. Uribe
Outcome: Manuscript rejected by AJO-DO Clinical Companion.
Case Report: Autotransplantation of Third Molar with Central Incisor after Trauma
Role: Principal Author | Mentor: Dr. Flavio A. Uribe
Outcome: Unfinished (patient lost to follow-up).
Department of Orthodontics, University of Florida, Gainesville
2023 – 2024
Outcomes Assessed in RCTs on Orthodontic Clear Aligners: A Scoping Review
Role: Co-Investigator & Co-Author | Mentor: Dr. Sarah H. Abu Arqub
Outcome: Manuscript writing phase.
Department of Orthodontics, University of Nebraska Medical Center
2023
Biomechanics of the Tip-Back Bend: Analysis of Force System via Translational Research
Role: Data Collection & Standardization | Mentor: Dr. Madhur Upadhyay
Outcome: Graduate Resident (Dr. Lyndzie Brace) Master’s Thesis completed and defended.
Research – International
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Republic of Korea
2013 – 2016
Angular and Proportional Analysis of Facial Attractiveness in Indian Population
Role: Principal Investigator | Mentor: Dr. Seung Chul Rhee
Outcome: Manuscript published and presented.
Biomers Ltd., Singapore / Center of Clinical Excellence, New Delhi, India
2013 – 2014
Simpliclear Bracket and Archwire System Project
Role: Principal Investigator | Mentor: Dr. Gurkeerat Singh
Outcome: Unfinished due to relocation to U.S.
Department of Orthodontics, M.J.P. Rohilkhand University, Bareilly, India
2010 – 2013
Edgewise Mechanics: Literature Review of 60+ Papers
Role: Principal Investigator | Mentor: Dr. Santosh Verma
Outcome: Master’s Dissertation Statement.
Evaluation of Children (~300) for Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN Index)
Role: Principal Investigator | Mentor: Dr. D.N. Kapoor
Outcome: Unfinished due to financial constraints.
Photogrammetric Evaluation of Facial Proportions and Lip Fullness in Relation to Attractiveness
Role: Principal Investigator | Mentors: Dr. D.N. Kapoor & Dr. Santosh Verma
Outcome: Master’s Thesis Statement published and presented.
