Julianna Iourno, a second-year student at the Lincoln Memorial University-College of Dental Medicine (LMU-CDM), received the Most Outstanding Presentation in Biomaterials and Technology Research award at the 2025 Hinman Student Research Symposium for her presentation titled “3-D Evaluation of Transverse Maxillary & Palatal Dimensions in Patients with Cleft and Non-Cleft.”
Iourno’s research examined how a cleft palate affects the width and shape of the upper jaw and palate in children. Using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans, she compared maxillary and palatal measurements from patients with a one-sided cleft palate to those without clefts, accounting for age and sex. Measurements included jaw width, bone width, and palatal area to better understand how clefts influence maxillary development.
Results indicated that children with cleft palates tend to have narrower upper jaws than non-cleft controls. These findings may help guide clinical decisions about orthodontic or surgical treatment timing and emphasize the importance of evaluating jaw dimensions when planning care for cleft patients. The study also identified the need for additional research connecting jaw development with airway function and surgical outcomes.
Iourno conducted her research under the mentorship of Dr. Karima Ait-Aissa and Dr. Shaza Mardini, LMU-CDM faculty members. Her work reflects LMU-CDM’s commitment to advancing evidence-based research and fostering student excellence in dental education.
Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in the liberal arts and professional studies. Lincoln Memorial University-College of Dental Medicine (LMU-CDM) is home to the Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) and Dental Hygiene (DH) programs. It is in Knoxville at the newly renovated LMU Tower. For more information about LMU-CDM programs contact, CollegeofDentalMedicine@LMUnet.edu.
