Education
Prof. Llena holds a Doctorate in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Zaragoza and a Specialist Degree in Stomatology from the University of Valencia. She has also earned multiple master’s degrees, including Oral Public Health from the University of the Basque Country, Audit and Quality in Healthcare Organizations from the Polytechnic University of Valencia, and Applied Statistics from UNED, Spain. In addition, she completed diplomas in Primary Care, Oral Medicine and Surgery, Endodontics, Dental Traumatology, and Dental Whitening, reflecting her commitment to continuous academic and professional development.
Experience
Her teaching and professional career demonstrate extensive expertise in dentistry and medical sciences. At the University of Valencia, she teaches in Dentistry, Medicine, PhD in Dentistry, and the Official Master’s in Dental Sciences. She directs several postgraduate diplomas and collaborates with leading research networks, including the UV Interuniversity Network for Teaching Innovation in Dental Pathology and Therapeutics and FISABIO. In addition to her academic work, she maintains clinical practice at Hospital General de Valencia, ensuring her research and teaching are closely connected to real-world patient care.
Awards and Recognitions
Prof. Llena has received 48 awards in recognition of her teaching, research, and professional achievements. She has served as a reviewer for 20 scientific journals, participated in four editorial boards, and evaluated competitive projects for national research and teaching innovation programs. Her election to the Pierre Fauchard Academy and active membership in societies such as the European Society of Endodontology, Spanish Society of Oral Public Health, Spanish Society of Oral Medicine, and the Spanish Endodontic Association reflect her international reputation and influence.
Research Focus
Her research covers a broad spectrum of key dental science areas, including dental whitening, adhesive dentistry, endodontics, cariology, oral public health, the oral microbiome, and pulpal regeneration biomaterials. She has participated in 12 competitive research projects, six as principal investigator, and continues to lead advancements in innovative dental materials and oral health strategies. Her interdisciplinary collaborations extend across Spanish and international institutions, reinforcing her impact on both research and clinical practice.
Publications
Effect of Chlorhexidine Immersion and Polishing Systems on the Color Stability and Microhardness of BPA-Based and BPA-Free Resin Composite
Authors: María Melo; Eleonor Vélez; James Ghilotti; José Luis Sanz; Carmen Llena
Journal: Journal of Composites Science, 2025
Effect of Over-the-Counter Whitening Dentifrices on the Color Stability and Microhardness of Composite Resins
Authors: Xinnuo Yu; Maria Pilar Melo; Sofia Folguera; Carmen Llena
Journal: Journal of Composites Science, 2025
Motivating dental students to learn caries detection methods: comparative evaluation of augmented reality and interactive presentations (Preprint)
Authors: Sofía Folguera; Carmen Llena; José Luis Sanz; Leopoldo Forner; María Melo
Journal: Preprint, 2025
Decoronation as a Therapeutic Alternative for Ankylosis in Children and Adolescents for Vertical Bone Preservation and Growth: A Systematic Review
Authors: Aroa Bautista; James Ghilotti; Jose Luis Sanz; Carmen Llena
Journal: Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2025
Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Assessment of the Prevalence and Association of Pulp Calcification with Dental and Periodontal Pathology: A Descriptive Study
Authors: José Luis Sanz; Lucía Callado; Stefana Mantale; Jenifer Nicolás; James Ghilotti; Carmen Llena
Journal: Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2025
Scientific evidence on the efficacy of effervescent tablets for cleaning removable prostheses. A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yolanda Martinez; Verónica Ausina; Carmen Llena; Jose M. Montiel
Journal: The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, 2024
Effect of Bleaching Agents on Composite Resins with and without Bis-GMA: An In Vitro Study
Authors: María Melo; Bianca Dumitrache; James Ghilotti; José Luis Sanz; Carmen Llena
Journal: Journal of Functional Biomaterials, 2024
Conclusion
Prof. Carmen Llena is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award due to her exceptional academic qualifications, outstanding research achievements, and sustained contributions to clinical dentistry and public health. With a proven record of publications, awards, and leadership in innovative research, she exemplifies the qualities of a world-class researcher whose work significantly advances both academic knowledge and practical applications in oral healthcare.