Sukirth Ganesan, associate professor and director of the Advanced Education Program in Periodontics at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry, recently served as the open plenary session speaker at the 20th PHSU-PRI Annual Scientific Conference and fourth RCMI Symposium on Health Disparities in Ponce, Puerto Rico.

His keynote highlighted ongoing research examining how obesity and metabolic syndrome influence the oral microbiome, host immune responses, and oral-systemic health. The lecture also addressed the disproportionate burden of chronic disease in underserved populations and the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to reducing health disparities.

Hosted by Ponce Research Institute, the conference brought together more than 500 attendees, including high school students, trainees, health care professionals, researchers, and community leaders. The diverse audience created a unique environment for scientific exchange, mentorship, and discussions focused on improving health equity and health care outcomes across communities.