UB dental student researchers will swap their sickle probes for laser pointers during the School of Dental Medicine’s 2015 Student Research Day on Feb. 26.

This year’s researchers tackle topics that range from understanding the health risks that could result from tongue piercings to reducing the likelihood of infection after dental implants using photodynamic therapy — nontoxic light-sensitive compounds used to destroy bacteria.

The annual symposium features poster presentations by 45 students that detail the studies they completed throughout the year with the mentorship of dental faculty.

The event will take place from 2-4:15 p.m. in 100 and 107 Allen Hall, South Campus.

The event is free and open to the UB community.

“Why do we care about research?” asks Anne Meyer, associate dean for research and director of the Industry/University Center for Biosurfaces. “The goal of all of the basic, applied and clinical research that we do at UB SDM is to improve the quality of life for patients here, in Buffalo, and around the world.”

Dental school faculty members will judge the posters based on the significance of the subject matter, the quality of the presentation and the merit of the research methods used.