EIOH Resident Spotlight – Dr. Livia Barros
Dr. Livia Barros (GenDen ’24) has been actively involved in research throughout her time at EIOH and has given presentations at eight different conferences (See below the Q&A for a full listing).
Q: What is the best advice you ever received?
A: To not be afraid of making mistakes. Instead, I see them as opportunities to learn and grow. When I started seeing things that way, I have been able to step outside of my comfort zone, take risks, and achieve things I never thought were possible.
Q: In what way did your Eastman experience allow you to grow?
A: Professionally, I gained invaluable hands-on experience in various dental procedures, learned from expert faculty, and had opportunities to collaborate with colleagues in a supportive environment. Personally, I developed strong communication skills, learned to manage time efficiently, became more resilient in the face of challenges, and made relationships that will last a lifetime. Additionally, being part of such a prestigious institution boosts my confidence in my future career as a dental professional.
Q: Best memory of your EIOH residency?
A: One of the most unforgettable experiences was when we visited Capitol Hill for ADEA/AADOCR Advocacy Day. It was an amazing and eye-opening opportunity to meet with lawmakers and their staff and talk to them about why funding for oral health initiatives is so important. During the visit, we shared personal stories, statistics, and arguments in support of our case. This experience was truly transformative and showed me the essential role of advocacy in shaping the future of oral healthcare.
Q: Your biggest fear?
A: My biggest fear is losing the capacity to learn and grow because I believe that continuous learning and personal development are essential for a fulfilling life. The idea of feeling stuck or not making any progress in any area of life scares me because it means that I might miss out on new experiences and opportunities to become a better person and inspire people around me.

Q: Next steps after graduation?
A: After my graduation, I plan to work as a general dentist in Florida. I intend to join a well-established dental practice where I can apply the skills and knowledge acquired during my education and training at Eastman. I am excited about the opportunity to serve the community, establish strong patient relationships, and contribute to promoting oral health and well-being in my new location.
Q: Why did you choose Eastman?
A: I decided to apply to Eastman Dental due to its outstanding reputation in dental education, many research opportunities, and advanced technology. Additionally, the program's emphasis on clinical experience and interdisciplinary collaboration is in line with my personal and professional goals.
Q: Last time you were in awe?
A: The last time I was in awe was when I held my baby girl for the first time. She was so tiny and innocent, and her beauty filled me with overwhelming joy and a sense of wonder at the miracle of life.
Q: A person who has inspired you?
A: Someone who inspired me deeply was my grandmother. She had been through a lot in her life, but she always stayed positive and kind. Her resilience, strength, and love for her family were truly amazing. She taught me the value of perseverance, kindness, and never giving up – no matter how tough life gets. Her example continues to guide me, reminding me to always be the best version of myself and to face challenges with determination.

Q: The one thing you can’t live without?
A: The one thing I absolutely can't live without is the time I spend with my family and kids. They are the most important part of my life and they give my life purpose, love, and happiness.
Q: One thing few people know about you?
A: Few people know that I come from a huge family. My mom is one of seventeen siblings, which means I have a lot of aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Q: If you could change one thing about yourself?
A: My tendency to become shy in certain situations. I wish I could be more outgoing and comfortable in social settings, which would allow me to connect with people more easily and participate more actively in various aspects of life.
Q: If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
A: I'd choose teleportation. It would make life more convenient and exciting by allowing me to travel instantly anywhere in the world.
Q: Favorite place you’ve traveled?
A: Switzerland
Q: Favorite game to watch or play?
A: Soccer (as a good Brazilian)
Q: Favorite part of Rochester?
A: Highland Park
Q: Other than dentist, what career would you choose?
A: Architect
Q: If you could eat only one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A: Seafood
Presentations:
1. Endodontic Management of Radix Entomolaris: Case reports. Monroy, D; Keegan, RV; Coelho, V; Barros, LO; Kojima, AN; Macedo, H; Elmasry, S; Tzouma, K. April 2024 Annual Meeting of the American Association of Endodontists, Los Angeles.
2. Dens invaginatus - Type III A. Monroy, D; Keegan, RV; Michail, A; Coelho, V; Barros, LO; Tzouma, K. May 2023 Annual Meeting of the American Association of Endodontists, Chicago.
3. Microbial Biomarkers of Oral Mucosistis Onset. Barros, LO; Keegan, RV; Monroy, D.; Macedo, H; Corby, P. June 2023 Annual Meeting of the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Cranial Research - Eastman Institute for Oral Health. Rochester.
4. Dens Invaginatus Type IIIa: Case report. D. Monroy*, R. Keegan, H. Macedo, L. Barros, A. Michail, K. Tzouma. June 2023 Annual Meeting of the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Cranial Research - Eastman Institute for Oral Health. Rochester.
5. Review of Photobiomodulation for Oral Mucositis with a Dose Analysis. R. Keegan*, D. Monroy, H. Macedo, L. Barros, P. Corby. June 2023 Annual Meeting of the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Cranial Research - Eastman Institute for Oral Health. Rochester.
6. Tongue ulceration associated to Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw. Barros, LO; Keegan, RV; Ren, Y; Rasubala, L. April 2023 Oral Medicine Conference - Eastman Institute for Oral Health, Rochester.
7. Pregnant women in dental emergency. Barros, LO; Keegan, RV; Monroy, D; Ren, Y; Rasubala, L. June 2022 Annual Meeting of the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Cranial Research - Eastman Institute for Oral Health. Rochester.
8. Clinical and histological evaluation of photobiomodulation therapy in the treatment of oral mucositis in an animal model: A pilot study. Keegan, RV; Barros, LO; Rasubala, L; Ren, Y; Valentim, E; Coelho, V; Vitória, L; Mathias, C; Ramalho, L. April 2022 Oral Medicine Conference - Eastman Institute for Oral Health, Rochester.