Hi, I 'm Deema
I'm a D3 dental student at LSU School of Dentistry, heading into my D4 year. Before dental school, I earned my Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from Tulane University, and I haven't slowed down since.
What drives me most is my patients. I believe that every person who sits in my chair deserves to feel heard, understood, and cared for. I try my best to bring compassion and empathy into every interaction because I know that a trip to the dentist can feel overwhelming, and I want to change that experience for people.
Outside of clinic, I serve as Secretary of the Digital Dentistry Club, and will be stepping into the role of President next year, where I get to combine my love for innovation with dental education. I also authored the implant manual used at LSU Dental, and I recently passed the first half of my board exams.
I'm currently earning honors in research, teaching, and leadership, but at the end of the day, what matters most to me is making my patients smile, both literally and figuratively.
Research
My research explores the accuracy of a single-stage digital denture workflow, comparing it to traditional methods that require multiple appointments and impression trays. My study, titled "Accuracy of Single-Stage Digital Denture Workflow: An Arch-Specific Comparative Study," investigates whether digital scans can replace conventional impressions and still deliver clinically acceptable results.
My findings showed that for maxillary (upper) dentures, the single-stage digital workflow achieved surface coverage well within the clinically acceptable accuracy window, meaning fewer appointments, less chair time, and a more comfortable experience for patients. For mandibular (lower) dentures, the results indicated that further refinement is needed, as the fit tolerances were less predictable.
This research has real impact: it could mean eliminating an entire impression appointment for elderly and medically compromised patients, reducing the burden of repeated dental visits.
I'm currently presenting this research at the IADR Conference in San Diego, my first time presenting at IADR, and a major milestone in my academic journey.
The Implant Manual
I volunteered to write the implant manual at LSU Dental. We already had an occlusion and denture manual, and I knew firsthand how helpful they were, but there wasn't one for implants. I spoke to my instructors to see if I could help create it, and instead they gave me the job to write the entire thing myself.
Since I was learning implants for the first time, I was in a perfect position to explain everything in a way that a first-time learner would understand. The manual is now used by students at LSU Dental as a resource for implant procedures.
Leading with heart
PRESIDENT
Digital Dentistry Club
I've been the secretary for three years and will be stepping into the role of president next year. We design and print custom trays and baseplates for every denture case done by D4s. We also host speakers and experiment with new scanners, workflows, and machines.
VOLUNTEER
Ozanam Clinic
I've been volunteering at Ozanam since my D1 year, providing dental care to those experiencing homelessness. We mainly perform extractions on hopeless and infected teeth that are causing patients a lot of pain. It's taught me so much, not just about treatment, but about how to run a clinic since students handle everything.
VOLUNTEER
Toothbus
I volunteered at the Toothbus, providing dental care to children from communities with limited access to care. Working under pediatric dentistry residents, I learned how to properly manage young patients, both in terms of treatment and behavioral guidance.
HONORS
Peer Teaching & Mentorship
I'm a Big to two underclassmen, helping guide them through dental school. I'm also earning my teaching honors for writing the implant manual used at LSU Dental, a resource I created to help fellow students learn implant procedures. You can find the manual in the Research tab!
Deema, I didn't know what to
expect since it was my first
time at LSU Dental. I was a little
worried, but you put me at ease
right away. You explained
everything so that I would
understand what would take
place. I enjoyed being your
patient. I know you will be a
success in your profession. I'm
so glad I met you, and I wish
you the best!