Vertex-Discoveries

UV strategies impacting oral health

Dr. Morio’s biosketch

Kimberly A. Morio, DDS, MS

Dr. Morio is a dentist and endodontist with knowledge and experience in oral microbiology, oral inflammation, and oral innate immunity.

Contact information

General overview

Dr. Morio received her dental degree from the University of Iowa. After graduation, she served for three years in the United States Air Force as a dentist. During this exceptional experience, she was immersed in the intricate field of endodontics. After her Air Force commitment, she returned home and practiced general dentistry for several years. During these years of practice, Dr. Morio’s interest in the field of endodontics continued to grow, specifically in the areas of infection management and pain control. She saw a need for continued advancement and research in the field and decided to apply to the University of Iowa Endodontics program. She completed her residency to become a specialist in endodontics and earned a Master of Oral Science degree. Her thesis was based on the concept of light-based treatment to improve endodontic outcomes. She recognized the need for a new treatment modality using ultraviolet (UV) irradiation as an adjunct to chemomechanical debridement to kill microorganisms in infected endodontic root canals, reduce inflammation in root canals, and produce biomarkers related to endodontic tissue regeneration.

Education

  • University of Iowa College of Dentistry, Master of Oral Science, Graduation in May 2016
  • University of Iowa College of Dentistry, Certificate in Endodontics, Graduation in June 2015
  • University of Iowa College of Dentistry, DDS, Graduation in June 2008
  • University of Iowa College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, BS in Exercise Science, Graduation in December 2003

Professional and training experience

Dr. Morio is a dedicated and experienced Endodontist with a strong background in clinical practice, research, and academia. She is committed to delivering high-quality patient care and contributing to advancements in the field of endodontics.

  • May 2018 – Present. Apex Endodontics. Owner/Operator
    • Provide top-quality endodontic care, including non-surgical, surgical, and IV sedation procedures
    • Demonstrate positive leadership to ensure the ongoing success of the team
    • Lead the research and development efforts for an Endodontic Disinfection Device
  • July 2016 – March 2018. Cedar Rapids Endodontics. Associate Endodontic Practitioner
    • Offered top-quality endodontic care, including non-surgical and surgical procedures, as well as IV sedation
    • Served as a Team Leader for ongoing research and development of an Endodontic Disinfection Device
  • June 2015 – June 2016. University of Iowa Department of Endodontics. Faculty Fellow Associate
    • Provided scheduled and emergency endodontic care to referred patients
    • Instructed third- and fourth-year dental students in endodontics
    • Lead journal reviews for endodontic residency
  • June 2013 – June 2015. Advanced Education Program, Endodontics. Resident
    • Completed a two-year program focused on endodontics, involving patient care, academics, literature, and research
  • June 2013 – June 2016. Graduate Program, University of Iowa, College of Dentistry. Graduate student
    • Graduate student involved in the study design, data collection, interpretation, and publication
    • Project: Development of a Microfiber Optic System for Elimination of Viable Microorganisms from Root Canals.  Dr. David G. Drake, Thesis Supervisor
    • Presented abstracts at American Association for Dental Research (AADR) and the American Association for Endodontics (AAE) national meetings
  • July 2011 – May 2013. University of Iowa, college of Dentistry, Department of Family Dentistry. Adjunct Faculty
    • Mentored 4th year Family Dentistry students in clinic and laboratory skill sets
  • July 2011 – May 2012. Gonzalez and Morio Family Dentistry. General Dentist
    • Provided patient-centered care with an emphasis on education, prevention, and restorative treatment
  • July 2011 – May 2012. Kirkwood Community College. Dental Assisting Advisory Committee Member
    • Provided professional guidance and insight in developing the Kirkwood Dental Assistant curriculum
  • June 2008 – June 2011. United States Air Force. Captain/General Dentist
    • Provided dental care to maintain mission-ready troops
    • Completed various dental courses and certifications
    • Volunteered for Medical/Dental Humanitarian Mission in Guyana, South America
    • Accepted to multiple Air Force Continuing Education Advanced Dental Courses at Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland AFB, TX; total 287 hours completed in 3 years
    • Dental Courses Completed: Treatment Planning, Operative, Endodontics and Pros-Implant
    • Invited and attended AF Prosthodontics Conference, Colorado Springs, CO
    • Completed EMEDS (Expeditionary Medical Support) training Brooks AFB, TX
    • Volunteered for Medical/Dental Humanitarian Mission in Guyana, South America
    • Air Force Certified Medical Authority for Nuclear Personnel
    • Screened, evaluated and maintained medical and dental records for the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Program
    • IPPD (In-Place patient Decontamination) Team Leader
    • Participated in planning and accomplishing a successful mission ready IPPD team
    • September 2004 – May 2008. University of Iowa, College of Dentistry. Student Researcher
    • Established research project and performed research
    • Collected and interpreted data
    • Presented and published research findings
  • January 2004 – August 2004. Rockwell Collins. Security Representative
    • Supported corporate investigations and assisted in the renovation of the Security Operations Center
  • January 2003 – December 2003. University of Iowa, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Student Researcher
    • Assisted in data collection and publication development
  • May 2000 – August 2003. University of Iowa, Hospital Emergency Room. Nursing Assistant
    • Assisted in emergency procedures and patient care in the emergency room

Committee positions

  • June 2013-2015. American Association of Endodontics (AAE) Resident and New Practitioner Committee Member
  • June 2013-2015. AAE REACH Committee Member
  • June 2015 to present. Editorial Committee, Journal of Endodontics

Awards and recognition

  • 2003-2008 Student Awards
    • University of Iowa College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, BS in Exercise Science, Graduation with Honors (December 2003)
    • NIDC Student Research Traineeship 2005-2006
    • NIDCR Student Research Traineeship 2006-2007
    • DOWS Research Award 2007-2008
    • Second place, predoctoral division in the Procter and Gamble Poster Presentation Award at the AADR Iowa Section 2007
    • Nutrition Group Best Student Abstract Award, IADR New Orleans, 2007
  • 2008-2011 Air Force Awards
    • Company Grade Officer of the quarter; two separate quarters
    • Recognized by General Johns for management of Nuclear Weapons Personnel
    • #1/23 dentists in patient accolades for quality care and professionalism
    • Meritorious Service Medal Recipient
  • 2011-present Post-graduate and professional awards
    • Public Policy Award at Annual Student Interdisciplinary Health Research Poster Session
    • Procter and Gamble Predoctoral Poster Presentation Award 2nd Place
    • ADA Predoctoral Table Clinic Award 3rd Place
    • Nutrition Group Best Student Abstract Ward at AADR Annual Meeting
    • American Academy of Dental Practice Administration Award
    • Edward H. Karl Achievement Award
    • Research Achievement Award
    • Awarded first place at ADA Post-doctoral Table Clinic in (February 2016)

Publications

  • Morio, K. A. Development of a new multi-species, in vitro model for root canal disinfection. University of Iowa, College of Dentistry, 2016.
  • Morio, K. A., Marshall, T. A., Qian, F., and Morgan, T. A.  Comparing diet, oral hygiene and caries status of adult methamphetamine users and nonusers.  J. Am. Dent. Assoc.; 139(2):171-176, 2008.
  • Morio, K., Thayer, E. L., Bates, A. M., and Brogden, K. A. 255 nm LED kills Enterococcus faecalis and induces the production of cellular biomarkers in HEPM cells and gingival fibroblasts. J. Endod. 45(6):774-783, 2019. doi: 10.1016/j.joen.2019.02.016.
  • Morio, K. A., Sternowski, R. H., and Brogden, K. A. Dataset of endodontic microorganisms killed at 265 and 280 nm wavelengths by ultraviolet C light emitting diodes. Mendeley Data, October 18, 2021, doi: 10.17632/ck9ckzpfr7.1.
  • Morio, K. A., Sternowski, R. H., and Brogden, K. A. Dataset of endodontic microorganisms killed at 265 nm wavelength by an ultraviolet C light emitting diode in root canals of extracted, instrumented teeth. Data Brief 2022, 40, 107750, doi:10.1016/j.dib.2021.107750.
  • Morio, K. A., Sternowski, R. H., and Brogden, K. A. Using ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diodes (LED) to create sterile root canals and to treat endodontic infections. Curr. Opin. Biomed. Eng. 2022, 23, 100397, doi:10.1016/j.cobme.2022.100397.
  • Morio, K. A., Sternowski, R. H., Zeng, E., and Brogden, K.A. Antimicrobial peptides and biomarkers induced by ultraviolet irradiation have the potential to reduce endodontic inflammation and facilitate tissue healing. Pharmaceutics 2022, 14, 1979, doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14091979. 
  • Morio, K. A., Sternowski, R. H., and Brogden, K. A. Induction of endogenous antimicrobial peptides to prevent or treat oral infection and inflammation. Antibiotics [Basel] 2023, 9, 12(2):361, doi:10.3390/antibiotics12020361.

Presentations

  • Bell, K., Marshall, T. A., Morgan, T. A., and Qian, F. Meal patterns and oral health behaviors of methamphetamine users. 2007 IADR/AADR/CADR General Session, New Orleans, LA. March 23, 2007.
  • Bell, K., Marshall, T. A., Morgan, T. A., and Qian, F. Meal patterns and oral health behaviors of methamphetamine users. 2007 Midwest Regional Student Research Conference, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA. April 14, 2007.
  • Morio, K. A., Drake, D., Teixeira, F. B., Williamson, A. E., Villhauser, A., Lynch, D., and Goree, J. Development of a new multi-species biofilm model for root canal disinfection laboratory testing. Presented at the Iowa chapter of the AADR, , sity of Iowa College of Dentistry Research Day, February 7, 2016.
  • Morio, K., Drake, D., Villhauser, A., Lynch, D., Goree, J., and Teixeira, F. Novel multi-species root canal infection model in extracted human teeth. AADR/CADR Annual Meeting, Los Angeles, CA. March 17, 2016.
  • Thayer, E. L., Morio, K., and Brogden, K. A. 255 nm light emitting diode (LED) in combination with Bleach (NaClO) is more effective in killing E. faecalis in root canal therapies. Presented at the 2018 Fall Undergraduate Research Festival (FURF), University of Iowa, University Capitol Centre, November 14, 2018.
  • Thayer, E. L., Brogden, K. A., and Morio, K. 255 nm light emitting diode (LED) in combination with Bleach (NaClO) is more effective in killing E. faecalis in root canal therapies. Presented at the Iowa chapter of the AADR, University of Iowa College of Dentistry Research Day, February 12, 2019.
  • Thayer, E. L., Morio, K., and Brogden, K. A. A model to assess microbial killing in tooth root canals. Presented at the 2019 Spring Undergraduate Research Festival (SURF), University of Iowa, University Capitol Centre, April 17, 2019.
  • Thayer, E. L., Morio, K., and Brogden, K. A. A model to assess microbial killing in tooth root canals. Presented at the Iowa chapter of the AADR, University of Iowa College of Dentistry Research Day, February 7, 2020.
  • Thayer, E. K., Harless, J., Morio, K., Sternowski, R. H., and Brogden, K. A. UVC light emitting diode (LED) kills microorganisms in an instrumented model of root canals. IADR/AADR/CADR General Session & Exhibition, Washington, DC – March 18-21, 2020.
  • Thayer, E., Harless, J., Morio, K., Sternowski, R., and Brogden, K. UVC LED kills microorganisms in an instrumented root canal model. 2022 AADOCR/CADR Annual Meeting, Hybrid, Atlanta, GA. March 23, 2022.

Patents

  • The combined American and European patents for the ‘Light Based Dental Treatment Device’ include the US and the 38 European countries of AL, AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HR, HU, IE, IS, IT, LI, LT, LU, LV, MC, MK, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SI, SK, SM, and TR.
    • Docket no.3012707-1003; country/region, US/USA; application date, 03/18/2021; application no., 17/277,450; date granted, 08/13/2024; and patent no., 12,059,576.
    • Docket no.3012707-1004; country/region, EP/EPC; application date, 10/25/2019; application no., 19874953.3; date granted, 11/25/2024; and patent no., pending.
    • Docket no.3012707-1011; country/region, US/USA; application date, 01/17/2023; application no., 18/155,388; and patent no. pending.
    • Docket no.3012707-1012; country/region, US/USA; application date, 08/12/2024; application no., 18/800,377; and patent no. pending.