Having personally struggled with several eating disorders, I made these infographics in 2021 to highlight the bidirectional oral health implications of eating disorders and highlight ways for dental professionals to help. These infographics were featured on Harvard ASDA's official Instagram Page.
Bree's Research
Publications
-
“Eating Disorders and Oral Health” Zhang B, (2024) "N Y State Dent J November 2024," The New York State Dental Journal: Vol. 90 No. 5., Article 3.
-
“COVID-19: Global Lessons for a Global Profession” Zhang B., Zokaie T. Module 7: COVID-19- Global Lessons for a Global Profession In: Toward Competency-Based Best Practices for Global Health in Dental Education: A Global Health Starter Kit 2nd Edition. Senior editor Seymour B., Assistant editors Clem B, Ramesh N, Suri D., Advisory editor Barrow J.
-
“Does the position of a bottle during infant feeding influence the jaw's postural position?” Zhu H, Zhang B, Rosivack RG. Does the position of a bottle during infant feeding influence the jaw's postural position?. J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2019;37(4):405-408. doi:10.4103/JISPPD.JISPPD_91_18.
Research and Grants in Progress
Oral Health Education for Ob/Gyn Education
Worked alongside faculty in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology to develop an educational module focused on integrating oral health into prenatal care. This project was supported through a 2024 Columbia University Provost Grant for Innovative Course Design ($2,000). The curriculum was designed for Ob/Gyn residents and medical students to improve learner knowledge, attitudes, and confidence regarding oral health screening and referral, and to increase oral health integration.
Results from this work have been accepted for presentation at both the National Oral Health Conference and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) CREOG/APGO Annual Meeting.
Oral Health Education in Pediatric Medical Training
Partnered with faculty involved in Department of Pediatrics in the Columbia University Irving Medical Center to develop and deliver educational module within medical students’ Major Clinical Year pediatric clerkship. This initiative aims to enhance medical students' knowledge of pediatric oral health by equipping them with essential skills to recognize, prevent, and manage common oral health issues, including oral health screening, anticipatory guidance, and referral practices relevant to pediatric populations. Data collection has been completed and a manuscript is currently in preparation.
Eating Disorders Education: Leveraging E-Learning and AI Simulated Patient with ChatGPT Education
Collaborated with psychiatry and dental education faculty to improve training on the identification and management of patients with eating disorders. This work was supported through a 2025 Columbia University Provost Grant for Innovative Course Design ($2,000) and focuses on developing innovative educational approaches for dental learners. The project combines 1) delivery of an interactive educational module 2) artificial intelligence-based simulated patient encounters, allowing students to practice sensitive conversations surrounding eating disorders in a safe learning environment.
Virtual Reality Environment for Dental Anatomy Education
Designing immersive virtual reality (VR) learning environment designed to enhance dental anatomy education for 1st year dental students. The project involves creating anatomically accurate 3D tooth models and interactive learning activities, guided by principles of mental rotation, cognitive load, embodiment, scaffolding, and immersive learning theory. Students identify key anatomical landmarks, organize teeth within the dental arch, and engage in gamified learning experiences that encourage spatial reasoning.
The Association Between Asthma and Oral Health in Adults: NHANES 2021-2023 Cross-Sectional Analysis
Conducted a nationally representative cross-sectional analysis of NHANES 2021–2023 data investigating the relationship between asthma and oral health among U.S. adults. After adjustment for demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral, and health-related confounders, asthma was associated with 41% higher odds of fair or poor oral health (adjusted OR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.16–1.72). Findings support the integration of oral health into chronic disease management.
Results have been accepted for presentation at the National Oral Health Conference; the manuscript is currently under review at the Journal of Public Health Dentistry.
Politicization and Policy Change in Community Water Fluoridation: State Legislative Trends in the United States, 2025
Conducted a comprehensive state-by-state analysis of fluoride-related legislation introduced across the United States during the 2025 federal policy transition, examining legislative trends, political sponsorship, policy focus, and enactment outcomes. Identified increasing legislative efforts to restrict community water fluoridation and characterized emerging policy patterns with implications for dental public health advocacy.
Results from this work have been presented at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine Birnberg Conference. Manuscript was submitted to the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) and invited to revise following peer review.
Narrative Medicine and Diverse Dental Needs
Funded by the Lipton Narrative Medicine in Dentistry Fellowship to investigate the integration of narrative medicine principles—including listening, reflection, communication, and compassion—into dental education. Conducted a mixed-methods needs assessment evaluating dental students' preparedness to care for diverse patient populations, identifying significant gaps in preparedness for trauma-informed care and care of patients with special health care needs. Findings informed recommendations for experiential learning, communication training, and culturally responsive curricula.
Results were presented at the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine Birnberg Research Conference, and contributed to a manuscript, "Dental Student Perceived Preparedness to Work with Diverse Patients," currently under peer review at the Journal of Dental Education.
Medical Illustrations
My scholarly work also includes medical illustration, which has supported academic scholarship and scientific communication across multiple disciplines, including neurosurgery, oral and maxillofacial surgery, periodontics, and facial cosmetic surgery. Recent and ongoing projects include:
-
Aesthetic Correction of Submandibular Gland Ptosis with Partial Submandibular Gland Resection via a Submental Approach (2025) - with Dr. Artem Krutyansky
-
Stellate Ganglion Block for Treating Cerebral Vasospasm and Delayed Cerebral Ischemia After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (2023) - with Dr. Travis CreveCoeur
-
Handgrip Strength Testing in Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (2024) - with Dr. Travis CreveCoeur
-
Periodontal Surgical Techniques for Canine Coverage with Fibroguide (2025) – with Dr. Karim el Kholy•Controversies in Facial Cosmetic Surgery (2026) – with Dr. Artem Krutyanksy and Dr. Ryan Kelm
More About Me
Music Compositions
Performed 5 times in Carnegie Hall, 2 times in the Metropolitan Museum, 2 times in McCarter Theatre
My Asian Identity
Reflections on what it means to be Asian American and my struggles with my identity
Subscribe to my Youtube Channel for more updates!
Follow me on Spotify!