Andres Palacios Cardona

Fourth-year dental student with a strong foundation in public health and a passion for digitally guided prosthodontic and surgical planning. Dedicated to delivering high-quality dental care to underserved populations. Proven ability to integrate technology into clinical practice for improved patient outcomes.

• AHA Basic Life Support Certification
• City Health Information Privacy & Security (HPS) for Clinical Investigators
• Management and Control of Asthma in Adults

• Lipid-lowering agents used in the periodontitis and diabetes study, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR, 01/2022-03/2022. Research assistant to Dr. Oelisoa M. Andriankaja. In charge of reporting, developing, and renewing the project's protocols and documents to the IRB, along with planning the transfer of biological samples for proper analysis.
• Prevalence of symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress levels in health care professionals working in Puerto Rico during the COVID-19 pandemic, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR, 01/2021-06/2021. Conduct a cross-sectional study focused on the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of doctors and nurses actively working in Puerto Rico. Developed an online survey using REDcap platform and abiding by the PHQ-9, GAD-7, and PSS-10. Worked alongside the College of Nursing Professionals of Puerto Rico and the College of Medical Professionals to reach participants through their email database.
• Dental care for the intellectually disabled, Texas A&M School of Dentistry, Dallas, TX, 05/2018-06/2018. Conduct a literature review and in person interviews in order to develop an oral presentation on the effects of the lack of dental care available for intellectually disabled patients. Data was presented to faculty and staff.
• The effects of beta tubulin II on cytokine secretion in mouse monocyte cells, St Mary's University, San Antonio, TX, 01/2018-04/2018. Cellular and molecular methods research focused on the possible effects of beta tubulin II in cytokine secretion in mouse monocyte cells. Techniques such as Immunofluorescence were used in order to detect and localized antigens, ELISA for the detection of antibodies and qPCR to measure the intensity of the fluorescence emitted and quantify nucleic acids. Cells were treated with SiRNA and LPS and their exposure was analyzed.

• Digital Dentistry Club
• Opportunities in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
• Prosthodontics Interest Group
• Hispanic Student Dental Association
• Special Care Dentistry Association
• American Student Dental Association
• Student Board of Directors: Curriculum Representative (2022-2023)(2023-2024)
• Course Representative: Professional Development I and III
• St. Mary's University Pre-dental society
• National Society of Leadership and Success

• Oral Hygiene Month, San Juan, PR, work alongside the Colegio de Cirujanos Dentistas de Puerto Rico to perform oral screenings and educational activities to pediatric patients in our communities
• Give Kids a Smile, San Juan, PR, performs oral screenings at schools, focusing on the pediatric population, and gives an oral presentation on the importance of oral hygiene, flossing, and brushing techniques
• Cernimiento de cáncer oral, San Juan, PR, offers oral cancer screenings for the members of the San Juan community, along with members of the Prosthodontics Interest Group
• Project Smiles, San Antonio, TX, works as a volunteer to educate elementary school students in the San Antonio community on the importance of dental care, preparing educational activities that engage elementary school students in learning about different oral hygiene techniques and their importance