DOMINIC GONZALEZ

Pro Seal versus Opal Seal: Surface Roughness and Color Stability

Dominic Gonzalez, Brooke Knoles, Dr. Tanya Al-Talib, Dr. Neamat Hassan Abubakr Hassan

• The present in vitro study evaluated the effectiveness of two orthodontic sealants, Opal Seal and Pro Seal, in preventing white spot lesion formation on anterior teeth bonded with orthodontic brackets. Surface roughness and color stability were assessed at 3-month intervals over a simulated 2-year period using a thermocycler.
• 2026 Student Competition for Advancing Dental Research and its Application (SCADA) participant.

UNLV School of Dental Medicine Student Research Competition - 1st Place

Student Competition for Advancing Dental Research and its Application (SCADA) Alumni Association - Certificate of Membership

UNLV Student Nutrition and Dietetics Association - Leadership Award

University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Life Sciences - Dean's Honor List

United States Powerlifting Association - Junior State Record (Squat)

United States Powerlifting Association - Junior State Record (Bench Press)

Advanced Clinical Orthodontics Course

• Completed advanced training in orthodontics, with a focus on digital treatment planning and clear aligner therapy. Developed proficiency in manual scanning techniques, treatment simulation, and clear aligner fabrication.

Advanced Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Course

• Advanced clinical training in oral surgery procedures, treatment planning, impacted tooth removal, and management of oral diseases. Developed proficiency in surgical techniques, anesthesia principles, postoperative care, and management of complications.

American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) 2026 Annual Conference

Courses/Presentations Attended:

• Effects of Functional Appliances on Mandibular Incisor Inclination and Anterior Bone Thickness (Dr. Alicia Lee, DMD, MSc)
• Evaluation of Orthodontic Treatment with Invisalign in Different Wear Time Protocols: RCT (Dr.Tiago Fialho, DDS, MS, PhD)
• Body Mass Index and Skeletal Age in Male Children and Adolescents of Different Ethnicities (Dr. Arden Hu, DDS, MDS)
• Assessing Associations Between Overbite, Lower Incisor Wear, and Root Length (Dr. Ayumi Shoji, DDS, PhD)
• Developing a Fully Automated AI System for Skeletal Maturity Assessment Using CBCT (Dr. Amanda Nikho, DMD)
• Automated Bone Age Classification Using Transfer Learning Using Lateral Cephalometric Radiographs: A Comparative Study of Eight CNN Architectures (Dr. Hanife Yilmaz)
• Practice Owner Track: Personal Branding and Social Media for Orthodontics (Dr. Daniel Bills, DMD, MS)
• The Conversation Cure: Building Happier, Healthier Teams
• More Than Just A Paycheck: Building Careers, Not Just Jobs, in Your Orthodontic Practice
• Perspectives in Practice: Corporate, Private, and Academic Orthodontics (Dr. Neal Kravitz, DMD, MS)
• The Resident's Roadmap: Career Strategy and Market Trends in Orthodontics (Shannon Patterson, CPR, CMSR)
• YOUR Leadership to Elevate Humanity (Dr. Dana Born, BS, MS, MA, PhD)

IADR/AADOCR/CADR 2026 General Session & Exhibition

• Student Competition for Advancing Dental Research and its Application (SCADA) participant

Lead Coordinator / Volunteer, 08/2022 - Current

UNLV Farmers Market - Las Vegas, NV

Coordinated once-a-month food distribution events in collaboration with Three Square Food Bank, providing over 440,000 pounds of food to the Las Vegas community over the past four years, managing scheduling and logistics for over 100 volunteers, and ensuring seamless event operations and resource allocation.

Volunteer, 09/2020 - 04/2025

UNLV Food Pantry - Las Vegas, NV

Managed inventory and organized donations, ensuring efficient distribution of food to UNLV students and the surrounding Las Vegas community.

Volunteer, 02/2022 - 04/2023

Inclusion Fusion - Henderson, NV

Assisted children with special needs in developing autonomy during activities of daily living and enhancing social skills when communicating with peers.

Gym Receptionist, 10/2020 - 12/2022

ProtoGym Fitness Center - Henderson, NV

Provided exceptional customer service, assisting gym members with their membership and various concerns, and ensured a welcoming, clean environment.

Sales Associate, 05/2019 - 09/2020

Buckle - Henderson, NV

Delivered exceptional customer service by assisting customers with apparel, footwear, and accessory selections in a fast-paced retail environment.

Altar Server (Senior Acolyte), 02/2023 - Current

Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church - Las Vegas, NV

Assisted the priest in celebrating the Tridentine Mass, completing training in traditional liturgical practices and responsibilities as a senior acolyte in the Archconfraternity of St. Stephen.

Food Pantry Chair, 05/2022 - 05/2023

UNLV Student Nutrition and Dietetics Association - Las Vegas, NV

Led all food pantry operations, managing inventory, coordinating food distribution, and recruiting, training, and supervising volunteers to support students experiencing food insecurity.

Philanthropy Chair, 05/2022 - 05/2023

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity - Las Vegas, NV

Planned and led philanthropic initiatives and fundraising events, coordinating event logistics, volunteer participation, and community outreach efforts to raise more than $3,000 for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.

Community Service Chair, 05/2021 - 05/2022

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity - Las Vegas, NV

Coordinated and managed community service initiatives with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Food Pantry and other local organizations, facilitating more than 400 hours of volunteer service.

Scholarship Chair, 05/2021 - 05/2022

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity - Las Vegas, NV

Promoted academic excellence within the chapter by tutoring members, monitoring academic progress, and providing individualized support to improve scholastic performance.