Hometown: Hurricane, Utah 

Faculty mentor: Jeffrey Banas, PhD, professor of pediatric dentistry, College of Dentistry 

Degree program and anticipated graduation date: Doctor of Dental Surgery, 2025 

Sam Allen's research centers around probiotics and oral disease. He analyzes and evaluates new bacteria strains to identify candidate probiotics that are good for oral health. Beneficial qualities of these bacteria range from fighting other harmful bacteria and fungi to affecting how the body responds to germs. These new options for oral probiotics may help prevent or manage cavities, gum disease, and even oral squamous cell carcinoma, the most common oral cancer. Some of the strains may serve to promote health in other areas of the body as well. After finishing dental school, Allen plans to attend a residency to specialize in periodontics, the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of gum diseases.