Travis Nelson | Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Shen Awards

Dr. Travis Nelson | Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

University of Washington, United States

Dr. Travis M. Nelson, DDS, MSD, MPH, is a distinguished pediatric dentist and academic leader with extensive expertise in clinical practice, research, and education. He earned his BA from Walla Walla College in 2003, DDS from Loma Linda University in 2007, and MSD/MPH from the University of Washington in 2010. Currently a tenured Associate Professor at the University of Washington, he has held multiple academic appointments, including Clinical and Tenure-Track Associate Professor, Chair of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Interim Predoctoral Director, Graduate Program Director, and Acting Chair, demonstrating strong leadership and commitment to advancing pediatric oral health education. Dr. Nelson’s professional experience is complemented by his service on the medical staff at Seattle Children’s Hospital and active involvement in professional organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Western Society of Pediatric Dentistry, and American Dental Education Association. His research interests focus on pediatric oral health, early childhood caries prevention, dental sedation and anesthesia, and improving access to dental care for children with special needs. He has authored 37 publications with 521 citations and an h-index of 12, reflecting significant contributions to the scientific literature. Dr. Nelson is highly skilled in clinical pediatric dentistry, procedural sedation, dental public health research, and interdisciplinary program development. His numerous awards and honors include the Law Lewis Endowed Chair, multiple UW Pediatric Dentistry Resident Teaching Awards, Jerome B. Miller “For the Kids” Award, recognition as a Top Dentist by Seattle Metropolitan Magazine, and multiple national and international research fellowships and scholarships. He has also mentored numerous graduate students and residents, guiding impactful research projects on pediatric sedation, dental behavior, and preventive care. Overall, Dr. Nelson’s career exemplifies a seamless integration of clinical excellence, innovative research, and educational leadership, positioning him as a leading figure in pediatric dentistry whose work continues to advance knowledge, improve clinical outcomes, and foster the development of future dental professionals.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

  1. Nelson, T. M., Berg, J. H., Bell, J. F., Leggott, P. J., & Seminario, A. L. (2011). Assessing the effectiveness of text messages as appointment reminders in a pediatric dental setting. Journal of the American Dental Association, 142(4), 397–405.

  2. Nelson, T. M. (2011). The key to caries prevention. Dimensions of Dental Hygiene, 9(7), 48–50, 52–53.

  3. Nelson, T. M. (2012). The consequences of convenience. Dimensions of Dental Hygiene, 10(2), 30–32, 34.

  4. Nelson, T. M. (2013). An improved interim therapeutic restoration (ITR) technique for management of anterior early childhood caries. Pediatric Dentistry, 35(4), 124–128.

  5. Nelson, T., & Nelson, G. (2013). The role of sedation in contemporary pediatric dentistry. Dental Clinics of North America, 57(1), 145–161.

Dr. Travis M. Nelson’s work advances pediatric oral health by improving early childhood caries prevention, optimizing sedation and anesthesia protocols, and expanding access to dental care for children with special needs. His research and educational initiatives bridge clinical practice and public health, fostering healthier communities and shaping the next generation of dental professionals globally.

HYO-SANG PARK | Dentistry | Excellence in Research Award

Published on by Shen Awards

Prof. HYO-SANG PARK | Dentistry | Excellence in Research Award

Department of Orthodontics, Kyungpook National Univsersity, South Korea

Prof. Hyo-Sang Park, DDS, MSD, Ph.D., is a distinguished scholar, clinician, and global leader in orthodontics, widely recognized for pioneering orthodontic microimplants that have revolutionized treatment protocols worldwide. He completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) at Kyungpook National University in Daegu, Korea, followed by specialist orthodontic training and authorization at Kyungpook National University Hospital. He earned a Master of Science in Orthodontics and later obtained his Ph.D. in Oral Biology and Orthodontics from Kyungpook National University, reflecting a solid academic foundation. Professionally, he has served as a full-time instructor, assistant professor, and associate professor at Keimyung University Medical College before becoming Professor and Chair of the Department of Orthodontics at Kyungpook National University, while also enriching his international exposure as a Visiting Associate Professor at the University of Oklahoma, USA. His research interests include the development of orthodontic microimplants, microimplant-assisted orthodontic treatment, clear aligner-microimplant combined treatment, and orthognathic surgery. With expertise spanning biomechanics, surgical orthodontics, device design, and clinical applications, his research skills have resulted in over 114 indexed publications, 4,303 citations, and an h-index of 33, alongside multiple patents for orthodontic anchorage systems and innovative devices. His books and monographs, translated into Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, and Portuguese, further highlight his international influence, and his more than 200 lectures, 300 training courses, and global presentations underscore his role as a thought leader and educator. Prof. Park has received widespread recognition for his contributions, including leadership in academic societies, authorship of standard orthodontic textbooks, and patents that bridge clinical innovation with patient care. In conclusion, Prof. Hyo-Sang Park’s career reflects an exceptional blend of academic excellence, pioneering research, international collaboration, and mentorship, making him highly deserving of global recognition for his transformative contributions to orthodontics and his ongoing potential to advance the field through innovation, leadership, and education.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publication

Park, H. S., Jeong, S. H., & Kwon, O. W. (2006). Factors affecting the clinical success of screw implants used as orthodontic anchorage. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 130(1), 18–25.  — Cited 984

Park, H. S. (2001). MIA (Micro-Implant Anchorage) for Class I bialveolar protrusion. Journal of Clinical Orthodontics, 35(7), 417–422. — Cited 803

Kyung, H. M., Park, H. S., Bae, S. M., & Jae-Hyun, S. (2003). Overview: Development of orthodontic micro-implants for intraoral anchorage. Journal of Clinical Orthodontics, 37(6), 321–328. — Cited 718

Bae, S., Park, H. S., Kyung, H. M., Kwon, O. W., & Sung, J. H. (2002). Clinical application of micro-implant anchorage. Journal of Clinical Orthodontics, 36(5), 298–302. — Cited 583

Lee, M. H., Kwon, T. G., Park, H. S., Wozney, J. M., & Ryoo, H. M. (2003). BMP-2-induced Osterix expression is mediated by Dlx5 but is independent of Runx2. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 309(3), 689–694. Cited 561