Dentroid is an Australia based start-up founded by a dentist and an engineer (Omar Zuaiter and Alaa Habeb) with a premise that everyone should be able to enjoy a beautiful smile, fresh breath and a healthy mouth. Dentroid’s fully-patented technology represents a platform of automation and robotic products that uses state-of-the-art micro-engineering and laser tools to replace drills, needles and sprays, thus lowering the barriers to quality oral care and offering a significantly kinder experience for practitioners and patients.
The access to Australia’s brightest emerging research talent with APR.Intern intrigued Dentroid, as they were creating cutting-edge solutions to some of the biggest challenges in dentistry. APR Intern Dr Simone Sleep, from Griffith’s School of Medicine and Dentistry was provided with the opportunity to work on game-changing research that has the potential to revolutionise the dental industry by removing a lot of fear around dental visits.
Simone’s doctoral research, which delves into the effects of photobiomodulation on the bioenergetics of mitochondrial cells within osteoblasts, is a compelling and promising area of study. This research seeks to understand how low-level light therapy (LLLT) also known as Photobiomodulation can influence the energy production and function of mitochondria in osteoblasts, the cells responsible for bone formation.
Simone’s research has the potential to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals seeking improved dental treatments pain-free, making her the perfect internship candidate for Dentroid.
“During my internship project with Dentroid in collaboration with Griffith University, our objective was to conduct a comprehensive literature review within the dental field. Our goal was to investigate the integration of state-of-the-art laser technology and innovative analgesia techniques to establish a dental experience that is virtually pain-free for patients. My role was pivotal to the project’s success in formulating laser dosage guidelines for future applications.”
– Dr Simone Sleep, Former APR Intern at Dentroid
Image: Dr Simone Sleep, APR Intern (supplied).
The cutting edge research Simone worked on at Dentroid garnered national media attention, with a coordinated interview between Channel 9 and Griffith University spotlighting the future of pain-free dentistry. This interview gained national prominence, amassing more than one million views and leading to subsequent interviews with prestigious business journals and Bite Magazine a publication within the dental industry. It stands as the most triumphant narrative in our efforts to spotlight Dentroid’s collaboration with Griffith University, significantly elevating our visibility and impact within the dental sector. The story was also featured in Business News Australia and USA Dental News.
“This is our third internship placement under APR.Intern. It has been a pleasure working with a forward-looking organisation that not only understands but also supports industry needs with the placement of outstanding candidates like Dr Simone Sleep. Simone proved helpful and added much value to the entire team through her inquisitive demeanour and problem solving skills.”
– Dr Omar Zuaiter, Chief Executive Officer at Dentroid
Simone credits her APR internship experience as being instrumental in boosting her readiness for the workforce and bolstering her competitiveness in pursuing future employment opportunities.
“As a result of being an APR.Intern, I have become a more appealing candidate for prospective job roles, particularly in research-oriented positions where practical expertise and adaptability are greatly prized,” Simone said.
“I am convinced that my internship program has afforded me the chance to cultivate connections within the dental industry. It has also offered valuable insights into the dynamics of a startup company, encompassing challenges ranging from securing investments to assembling a cohesive team that is progressively coalescing.”
This internship was supported by both the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science and Resources and MTPConnect’s Researcher Exchange and Development within Industry (REDI) initiative. MTPConnect is Australia’s Growth Centre for medical technologies, biotechnologies and pharmaceuticals sector.
