University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), Portugal
Joana Mendes is a distinguished academic and clinical professional whose career spans the realms of marine biology and dental sciences. Currently serving as a Researcher at the UNIPRO – Oral Pathology and Rehabilitation Research Unit and as an Invited Assistant at Instituto Universitário de Ciências da Saúde, Joana combines academic rigor with clinical expertise. Her dedication to translational medicine and dental innovation is evident through her interdisciplinary educational background, a growing portfolio of scientific publications, and recognition from the academic community. She exemplifies a new generation of health researchers focused on enhancing patient outcomes through evidence-based clinical practice.
Profile
ORCID
Education
Joana Mendes has cultivated a rich and diverse academic path. She began with a Licenciatura in Ciências do Meio Aquático at the Universidade do Porto (2013), followed by a Mestrado in Recursos Biológicos Aquáticos (2015), where she studied aquaculture nutrition in Senegalese sole. Driven by a passion for clinical science, she pursued a Licenciatura (2020) and subsequently a Mestrado Integrado in Medicina Dentária (2023) at Instituto Universitário de Ciências da Saúde. Her current academic endeavor is a Doctorate in Medicine and Translational Research at Universitat de Barcelona, started in 2023. This multidisciplinary education provides her with a unique ability to bridge biological sciences with clinical applications in dentistry.
Professional Experience
Joana’s professional engagements reflect both depth and breadth. She has been a researcher at UNIPRO since 2022, where she is actively involved in dental material studies and implantology. Simultaneously, she works as an Invited Assistant at IUCS, contributing to the academic training of future dentists. Clinically, she practices as a Médica Dentista at Clínica Luso Espanhola. Her experience also includes multiple roles as a dental assistant and formadora (instructor) at higher education institutions. Earlier in her career, she completed research traineeships in marine and aquatic biology, which laid the foundation for her analytical and methodological skills, now applied to dental research.
Research Interests
Joana Mendes focuses on oral rehabilitation, dental biomaterials, and implantology. Her research delves into the mechanical properties of prosthetic components, implant-abutment interfaces, and torque dynamics of dental screws. She is particularly interested in biofilm formation, screw loosening prevention, and the influence of environmental and chemical agents (such as beverages and cleaning solutions) on prosthetic integrity. This research aims to optimize prosthodontic materials and techniques, ensuring better longevity and performance of dental treatments. Her commitment to translational research is evident in how she merges laboratory findings with real-world clinical challenges.
Awards and Honors
Joana has been recognized for her academic excellence and presentation skills. In 2021, she won the Best Poster Award for her work on thermoplastic prostheses in pediatric dentistry at the Instituto Superior de Ciências da Saúde Norte. Additionally, she received Honorable Mentions for posters showcasing the VISTA surgical technique and the application of T-scan technology for evaluating occlusal contacts. These accolades underscore her ability to communicate complex clinical research effectively and her innovative approach to dental practice.
Key Publications
Joana Mendes has authored several impactful journal articles in the fields of materials science and dental research. Highlighted below are seven of her significant publications, all cited by related research in prosthodontics and implantology:
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“Evaluation of Oral Mucosa Elastomers for a 3D Oral Simulation Model”, Materials, 2025 – Cited in studies on oral biomechanical simulations.
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“Evaluation of Orthodontic Mini-Implants’ Stability Based on Insertion and Removal Torques”, Bioengineering, 2025 – Referenced for biomechanical evaluation of implants.
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“Coating Materials to Prevent Screw Loosening in Single Dental Implant Crowns: A Systematic Review”, Materials, 2024 – Cited in prosthetic screw design studies.
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“The Influence of the Diameter of Orthodontic Mini-Implants on Primary Stability”, Materials, 2024 – Referenced in implant design research.
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“Preload and Removal Torque of Two Different Prosthetic Screw Coatings—A Laboratory Study”, Materials, 2024 – Noted for prosthetic material performance.
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“Influence of Popular Beverages on the Fracture Resistance of Implant-Supported Bis-Acrylic Resin Provisional Crowns”, Polymers, 2023 – Cited for dietary impact on prosthetics.
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“The Influence of Cleaning Solutions on the Retention of Overdenture Attachment Systems”, Biomedicines, 2023 – Referenced in hygiene and retention studies.
Conclusion
Joana Mendes embodies the synergy of clinical expertise and academic excellence. Her innovative research in dental materials and prosthodontics, coupled with her commitment to education and patient care, places her among the promising leaders in dental science. With a well-rounded academic background, real-world clinical engagement, and impactful scholarly contributions, Joana is a deserving nominee for recognition in any academic or research excellence award program.