The professor and researcher of the School of Dentistry has consolidated her professional development in the specialty of periodontics, which has allowed her to delve into various lines of research, teach undergraduate and postgraduate courses, and care for her patients in the Clinic of our University.
During her school years, Dr. Alejandra Chaparro thought that her vocation was connected to the humanities or the arts. It was in fourth grade when she discovered that she loved the world of biology and decided to study dentistry. "Maybe because I wore braces for many years and listened to my orthodontists speak fondly of their profession, they traveled a lot to stay current and could organize their time," she explains.
He began studying dentistry at Universidad de Chile and later, at the same institution, she specialized in PeriodonticsThis discipline studies the gums and how to restore health to the tissues that surround and support the teeth. "I loved this specialty from the beginning because it combines basic science concepts with clinical development and surgical skills. In addition, you engage in a long-term relationship with the patient, which allows you to strengthen the bond of friendship with them,"says Alejandra.
The professor—who arrived at UANDES about 18 years ago—currently serves as Research Director of the School of Dentistry. She also teaches undergraduate, postgraduate, and in the Doctorate in Dental Sciences programs, in addition to conducting research in various projects. "Since I finished my specialty, the area that motivated me the most was to be able to investigate and help understand how gum inflammation—which affects a significant part of the world's population and of our country— could be related to other diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, autoimmune diseases or problems during pregnancy."
Alejandra adds that she has always enjoyed research. "I really liked biology, immunology and genetics, but, in addition, I wanted to take care of patients and be able to help them, restoring their periodontal health,"she says. The main line of research he is currently developing is the association between periodontal disease and other systemic pathologies and, among them, he explains that the one that has borne the most fruit is the relationship between periodontal disease and problems during pregnancy, such as pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes, research he is carrying out in conjunction with the Dr. Sebastián Illanes. Together they are also studying different biomarkers - substances that indicate a biological state - that allow early diagnosis or monitoring of different diseases in oral fluids.
Alejandra is married and has three children. "For women, it is still challenging to balance all our activities. In my case, I am quite a perfectionist and I want everything to turn out well and, unfortunately, that is not an easy task and at times it has been very difficult for me to juggle everything, but nothing is impossible if you set your mind to it. I cannot imagine my life today without all my academic and professional development. In addition, I imagine that my children and husband are grateful to have a mother and wife who is happy and fulfilled in her work, because that happiness is transmitted and radiates outwards.".
This professional development has allowed Alejandra to explore various lines of research and transmit knowledge to her undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education students. "What I like most in the area of research is to contribute, even if it is just a small part, to the generation of knowledge in my discipline and to improve the quality of life of our patients,"she comments on her role as a dentist and professor. "Teaching, for me, is a passion that allows me to stay current and constantly study so that I can deliver the best of myself and the latest knowledge to our students. I also learn from them, and that feedback is very challenging and motivating,"she concludes.