Three dental hygiene students from West Coast University have achieved an extraordinary milestone, clinching first place both in California and nationwide with their innovative research project. The students, mentored by WCU Dental Hygiene Professor Dr. Annette Stelter, tested a novel salt and citric acid powder mixture designed to suppress a patient’s gag reflex for about an hour after a 10-second application.
The team – made up of WCU-Orange County dental hygiene students Isabella T., Reyna V., and Katie C. – first showcased their work at the California Dental Hygiene Association (CDHA) conference, where they won first place in the state. Following this success, they went on to secure the top spot nationally and are now preparing to present their research at the prestigious “RDH Under One Roof” conference in Denver, Colorado, this July.
Despite only having about two months of research training, the students quickly adapted, developing impressive skill sets over two terms. Professor Stelter expressed immense pride in their achievements, highlighting their dedication and the sophisticated methodologies they developed for their study.
“I just can’t say how proud I am and how honored I have been to work with the three of them,” Stelter said. “It was 20 weeks of hard work, and I know I pushed them, but they did it.”
The students conducted their research at the WCU Dental Hygiene Clinic in Anaheim, identifying five key points in the mouth most likely to trigger the gag reflex. They tested the powder on participants, noting their reactions before and after application. Remarkably, the powder effectively suppressed the gag reflex for an hour, consistent with the manufacturer’s claims.
“Gag reflex is a common inconvenience for not only the patient but for us as dental professionals,” WCU student Katie C. said. “A lot of times, it’s challenging to even do our job because the gag reflex poses such a significant challenge for us, so this powder was amazing.”
A significant aspect of the study involved participant selection and data collection. They conducted pre-surveys to gauge the severity of participants’ gag reflexes and only included those with higher sensitivity. After applying the powder, they re-tested the reflex and documented their findings, which showed a high success rate of 9 out of 10 participants experiencing suppression of the gag reflex.
The students faced various challenges, including initial uncertainty about how to structure their study and calibration issues in identifying gag reflex trigger points. Despite these hurdles, their perseverance paid off, and they were able to successfully complete and present their research.
“It’s so different learning about research versus conducting your own study. The hardest part was figuring out how we were going to test this and the best way to go about it,” Isabella T. said. “You have to get participants, figure out methods and materials, and learn how to analyze your results. It was a lot, so I’m just proud of us for doing it.”
Reflecting on their journey, the students expressed pride in their teamwork and the skills they developed. They also noted the impact of their win on their confidence and future career aspirations. The experience at the CDHA conference, surrounded by accomplished professionals and peers, inspired them to consider broader career possibilities beyond clinical practice, including roles in research and public health.
As they prepare to graduate in October, the students are excited about the future, bolstered by their achievements and the support they received from their mentor and university. Their success story not only highlights their hard work and dedication but also serves as an inspiration for other students and professionals in the field.
“I got into dental hygiene because I want to be in private practice because I want to connect with patients,” Reyna said. “I had a lot of doubts going into the competition because I felt like maybe if we were not going to win, it was going to be because of me, but this ended up being the boost of confidence that I really needed.”
WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.
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