3Shape today announced that the Company’s Board of Directors has appointed Jakob Just-Bomholt as Chief Executive Officer, effective August 1st. Jakob leaves a position as Executive Vice President of Falck A/S, a global emergency and health care company. Prior to joining Falck in 2017, Jakob worked in various top executive positions at the shipping and logistics company, A.P. Moller-Maersk.

3Shape’s current Co-CEOs and Co-founders Tais Clausen and Nikolaj Deichmann will remain active at 3Shape in new roles as Co-Vice chairmen of the board.

Jørgen Jensen, Chairman of 3Shape’s Board of Directors said: “Jakob has the leadership track record and scope of business experience we believe are essential to head 3Shape in its continued growth, including a strong focus on leading with innovation, and commitment to our people and core values. Under Tais and Nikolaj’s lead, 3Shape has developed the dental market’s strongest digital product portfolio and we believe that Jakob is the right person to take the company into the future. Speaking on behalf of the board, we look forward to working closely with Jakob as Chief Executive Officer.”

“At the same time, we are delighted that we will continue to benefit from Tais Clausen and Nikolaj Deichmann’s industry experience and entrepreneurial spirit through their active roles on the Board of Directors as Vice-Chairmen. They have both been strong leaders at 3Shape and are recognized as true pioneers in the dental and hearing industries,” concludes Jørgen Jensen.

The new CEO, Jakob Just-Bomholt said: “I am truly honored to take the lead of 3Shape as Chief Executive Officer. I look forward to working to further develop the company together with the 3Shape team in order to deliver true value to our customers and partners for better patient care. 3Shape brings fantastic products to the market and I am excited to be a part of 3Shape’s innovation journey.”

About Jakob Just-Bomholt

Jakob Just-Bomholt has held various leadership positions in international companies. Before joining 3Shape as its CEO, Jakob headed Falck’s Emergency Service division consisting of 14,000 employees worldwide. Before Falck, Jakob came from a long career at A.P. Moller-Maersk from 1997 to 2017. During 2011 to 2015, Jakob successfully built a new business at A.P. Moller-Maersk from scratch, the Seago Line, which today still actively trades in the Intra-European market. Jakob is 45 years old and lives just north of Copenhagen. He is married to Christina and they have 3 children aged 14, 12 and 10.

About 3Shape

3Shape is changing dentistry together with dental professionals across the world by developing innovations that provide superior dental care for patients. Our portfolio of 3D scanners and CAD/CAM software solutions for the dental industry includes the multiple award-winning 3Shape TRIOS intraoral scanner, the upcoming 3Shape X1 CBCT scanner, and market leading scanning and design software solutions for dental labs.

Two graduate students founded 3Shape in Denmark’s capital in the year 2000. Today, 3Shape has over 1,600 employees serving customers in over 100 countries from an ever-growing number of 3Shape offices around the world. 3Shape’s products and innovations continue to challenge traditional methods, enabling dental professionals to treat more patients more effectively.

RPMTM – Reinforced PTFE Mesh is Now Available Through Geistlich Biomaterials

Geistlich Biomaterials is proud to announce an expansion of its portfolio of regenerative and complimentary products through a new distribution partnership with Osteogenics Biomedical.

“Adding the Reinforced PTFE Mesh, RPM™ to our product offering enables Geistlich Biomaterials to provide a unique solution to the difficult challenge of horizontal and vertical ridge augmentation. The product aligns nicely to our core values of offering clinicians scientific and clinically tested regenerative products.“ – Greg Bosch, CEO, Geistlich Pharma North America, Inc.

Osteogenics Biomedical co-developed RPM™ with Prof. Dr. Istvan Urban, which was released into the market in 2019. The new RPM™ technology combines the benefits of a stable scaffold and a PTFE barrier membrane, while allowing optimal supply of the bone graft through vascularization from the periosteum to obtain vital bone.

To learn more about RPM™ please visit: https://dental.geistlich-na.com/dental/rpm/reinforced-ptfe-mesh/user-benefits/

Vertical Ridge Augmentation with RPM™ -

Reinforced PTFE Mesh, RPM™ can be easily trimmed, adapted, and fixed with pins. RPM™ offers high stability and the secluded space can be augmented with a mixture of Geistlich Bio-Oss® and autologous bone. Geistlich Bio-Oss® provides long-term volume stability³, and autologous bone contains the required osteoinductive properties for vertical augmentation⁴. The autologous particulate bone graft can be harvested from the mandibular ramus using a bone scraper device^3,5, such as Micross.

PTFE membranes have a long-standing history as barrier membranes and are highly biocompatible¹. Collagen membranes, such as Geistlich Bio-Gide®, have been shown beneficial for uneventful soft tissue healing^5,6 in guided bone regeneration (GBR) procedures resulting in low complication rates⁵. Thus, potential exposures can be anticipated by covering RPM™ with Geistlich Bio-Gide® to obtain better soft tissue healing^5,6. Moreover, both Geistlich Bio-Gide® and RPM™ follow the concept of biofunctional membranes that allow nutrition and early vascularization of the graft.

As for all augmentative procedures, soft tissue management is key^2,7. This especially comprises:

• Preparation of soft tissues before, during, and after treatment to increase mucogingival thickness and keratinized tissue width

• Elevation of a full-thickness remote or papilla preservation flap

• Periosteal release to advance flap to achieve tension-free closure

• Primary soft tissue closure by horizontal mattress and single interrupted sutures

References:

1. Elgali I, et al: Eur J Oral Sci 2017; 125 (5), 315-337

2. Urban IA, et al.: J Periodontics Restorative Dent 2017; 37(5):639-645 (clinical study) – review format of this reference

3. Buser D et al., J Dent Res. 2013 Dec;92(12 Suppl):176S–82S (Clinical study)

4. Urban IA et al., Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent 2015, 35(5):613-623 (clinical study) – review format of this reference

5. Becker J et al. Clin Oral Implants Res. 2009; 20(7):742-749. (Clinical study)

6. Tal H et al. Clin Oral Implants Res. 2008; 19(3) : 295-302. (Clinical study)

7. Urban IA, et al Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent 2016, 36(3):329-337 (clinical study) review format of this reference

About Geistlich Biomaterials:

With over 165 years of devoted collagen expertise, Geistlich Biomaterials continues to lead oral regeneration with an expanding portfolio of intentionally designed and clinically proven biomaterials. This begins with our world-class bone substitute Geistlich Bio-Oss® and its full line of sizes and formulations. Resorbable collagen membrane Geistlich Bio-Gide® extends its reach with two new products: Geistlich Bio-Gide® Compressed for an alternative handling experience; and uniquely pre-cut Geistlich Bio-Gide® Shape designed for the treatment of non-intact extraction sockets. Finally, our collagen matrix Geistlich Mucograft® is ideal for soft-tissue regeneration, and our new volume-stable collagen matrix breakthrough Geistlich Fibro-Gide® providing an alternative to connective tissue grafts.

Our dedication to scientific collaboration and commitment to successful treatment outcomes are what makes Geistlich Biomaterials, Exactly Like No Other.

About Osteogenics Biomedical:

Headquartered in Lubbock, Texas, Osteogenics Biomedical is a leader in the development of innovative dental bone grafting products serving periodontists, oral & maxillofacial surgeons and clinicians involved in regenerative and implant dentistry throughout the world.

The Supervisory Board of Finapolline, ACTEON Group's holding company, announces the appointment, effective June 1st, 2020, of Michael Rynerson as Chief Executive Officer of the ACTEON Group.

Vincent Ménez, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Finapolline, says: "Michael Rynerson has over 25 years of experience in various senior executive positions for global hightechnology companies, notably in the dental industry, and the Supervisory Board considers that he holds all the skills required to lead the new phase of development of ACTEON, with the ambition to strengthen its global leadership in the fields of dental equipment, consumables and imaging.

Michael will ensure that the company emerges stronger from the current health and economic crisis and is best positioned to accompany the future evolutions of the dental industry. His extensive expertise in developing, manufacturing and distributing innovative technologies at a global scale will also be a valuable asset to accelerate ACTEON's development in the context of the digitalization of the dental industry.

Deeply acquainted with the European culture thanks to his education and past professional experience in Europe, Michael will undoubtedly be able to create a fruitful working relationship among the teams to foster the future success of ACTEON.”

Vincent Ménez adds: "I would like to sincerely thank Yann Gallard and the management team for their strong commitment which has allowed the company to run effectively during the transition period, and for their courage and ability to make the right decisions to address the current crisis.”

The Supervisory Committee renews its confidence in ACTEON's teams, and remains fully convinced by its human, technological and industrial assets, and long-term growth potential.

About ACTEON

ACTEON is a French MedTech company specializing in high-tech medical devices. Based in Mérignac, the Group has become a leading global player thanks to its cutting-edge innovative technology. ACTEON employs 820 people, almost half of whom are outside France. They are spread across 6 manufacturing plants, 7 branches and 8 representative offices established in the main global markets. The Group has a well-established and rigorous quality policy focused on customer satisfaction and innovation, in strict compliance with the applicable international regulations and standards. www.acteongroup.com.

Patient safety has always been the top priority of dentists throughout the United States

Dentists in the U.S. have launched a brand new grassroots campaign #DentalSAFETY to build public confidence about the safety of dental practices. Dentists and their teams have always taken precautions to ensure the safety of their patients. Now, in the midst of the novel Coronavirus pandemic, additional safety measures have been adopted at dental offices nationwide to protect patients from the COVID-19 virus. In fact, dentists throughout the country have treated over half a million dental emergencies with no reports of COVID-19 infection traced to a dental practice, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  In spite of this remarkable statistic, however, there is still a significant number of patients who are afraid to visit their dentists and other healthcare providers. For more information about the #DentalSAFETY campaign, click HERE.

According to recent reports, a large population of patients are suffering from untreated dental issues due to fears from entering a dental office. Nearly one-third of adults in the U.S. and half of all seniors reported delaying medical care in April due to fears of contamination at medical facilities, and the latest American Dental Association data reported average weekly patient visits were down 82% in early May. While concerns about safety are understandable, experts believe the health consequences of delaying needed dental care are an even greater risk.

The Mayo Clinic reports a clear linkage between dental health and overall health and well-being, including complications associated with extreme pain, infection, pregnancy, pneumonia, HIV/AIDS, and more. In addition, poor oral hygiene has also been linked to COVID-19 complications, particularly in patients suffering with diabetes, hypertension or cardiovascular disease. Dentists supported by leading dental support organization Pacific Dental Services® are also committed to bringing awareness to patients about the link between oral health and whole-body health – what PDS and its supported practices call the Mouth-Body Connection®.  Research shows that harmful bacteria and inflammation in the mouth can indicate and even cause systemic conditions throughout the body.  Maladies of the mouth, including periodontal disease, may be linked with other medical conditions including oral cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and more.

How dentists and others can join the #DentalSAFETY movement:

1. Record a 1-minute video giving an example of how to mitigate risk through safety protocols; or record a 2-minute video sharing a patient safety story.

2. Post the video to preferred social media channels.

3. Include the hashtags: #DentalSAFETY, #DentalER, and #DentalHEROES

4. Tag relevant dental groups, schools, professional associations, fellow dentists, and healthcare professionals.

Learn more about the #DentalSAFETY movement by visiting www.dentalsafety.care. 

About Pacific Dental Services®

Founded in 1994, Pacific Dental Services (PDS) is one of the country’s leading dental support organizations, providing supported autonomy that enables dentists to concentrate on clinical excellence and the highest levels of cost-effective comprehensive patient care. PDS originated the Private Practice+® model to enable dentists to focus on their passion: serving patients. PDS also pioneered the concept of Modern Dentistry so that dentists are equipped to combine advances in the latest technology with the best operational practices and procedures, highly skilled support staff and a commitment to ongoing training and education. PDS continues to grow, with over 800 supported dental offices across the United States and plans to expand into several new markets. PDS has been on the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest growing private companies in America 14 times. PDS supported dentists aim to be the provider of choice in all the markets they serve and to develop Patients for Life™.

MicroDental Laboratories announces that Robert Kreyer, CDT, has been appointed to the position of Director of Advanced Dentures and Implants at MicroDental in Northern California. With Robert’s extensive background and award-winning leadership in dental Implants and Dentures, he will be overseeing both departments and supporting growth in digital fabrication techniques, quality control, doctor communication, education, and streamlined case flow. Reporting directly to Laura Kelly, CEO of MicroDental Laboratories and Modern Dental Group in North America and Canada, Robert will be based at MicroDental Laboratories in Livermore, California.

“It is a great pleasure to join the MicroDental team and work alongside very talented Implant and Denture technicians, committed to a mindset that supports excellence in both esthetics and function,” states Robert, who received his technical training from the US Army Medical Field Service School in 1971 and served as a member of various prosthodontic groups at the University of California San Francisco and University of Southern California. He is currently a member of the American Prosthodontic Society, Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and past Chair of The American College of Prosthodontists Dental Technician Alliance. “MicroDental has a legacy that combines both technology and highly trained technicians, which makes joining the team as a director during this critical time more meaningful than ever. Focusing on greater efficiencies in case experience for both doctors and their patients, as well as continued advances in product design are some of the key priorities as I onboard.”

As a third generation dental technician, Robert has dedicated his career to participating, improving, leading, and strengthening innovations in prosthodontics. In 2010, Robert was the first recipient of The American College of Prosthodontists Dental Technician Leadership Award, and in 2011 was selected by the National Board of Certification in Dental Technology as their 2011 CDT of the Year. In 2014 Robert also received the Rudd Award from the Editorial Council of The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry at the American Prosthodontic Society’s 86th Annual Meeting. Robert’s technique articles on Removable and Implant prosthodontics have been published in numerous professional journals from 2004-2019. Currently, in 2020, Robert is working on a COMPLETE DENTURE book with co-author Dr. Stephen Wagner for Quintessence International Publishing.

“Robert is a hands-on technician and leader, committed and thoroughly engaged in the dental prosthetics world, and the industry has gained numerous improvements because of his keen insight and ability to challenge the standards,” says Laura Kelly, CEO of MicroDental and Modern North America, Accredited Member and Past President of AACD. “He has the expertise and commitment to our profession, and together we will continue that momentum so that doctors can confidently prescribe more predictable, esthetic, and long-lasting solutions for their edentulous and partially edentulous patients. We welcome Robert to our MicroDental team and look forward to expanding our products and services under his leadership.”

About MicroDental Laboratories

MicroDental Laboratories is a network of dental laboratories servicing dental practices in the United States, Canada, and other parts of the world. Using FDA compliant materials, MicroDental provides an industry-leading, full-service catalog that includes fixed, removable, and implant restorations as well as sleep apnea treatment devices. Though renowned for our advanced technical expertise, world-class aesthetics, and commitment to service; what makes MicroDental different is our unique collaborative approach to smile design, and a passion for helping dentists create an exceptional treatment experience for their patients.

Announcing an Immediate Way for Surgeons to Deliver More Accurate and Less Invasive Dental Implant Surgery to More Patients

X-Nav Technologies, LLC announced that it has received 510(k) Clearance from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration for X-Mark™, a new virtual patient registration technology that advances navigated dental implant surgery. X-Mark enhances the company’s industry-leading X-Guide® Dynamic 3D Navigation system to give dentists the ability to deliver more accurate dental implant procedures to more patients seeking new teeth.

X-Mark features breakthrough technology to facilitate virtual-based registration of the patient’s anatomy to a digital treatment plan. Developed to be fast and easy, the dentist will prepare for surgery by marking three virtual anatomy points on the patient’s 3D scan and then mark the same three live points on the patient at the time of surgery. The X-Guide system will use the X-Mark technology to quickly match the points together to enable live navigated surgery – with accuracy and ease.

X-Mark allows the dentist to provide all the benefits of less-invasive navigated surgery in more case presentations – from single tooth replacement to full mouth edentulous reconstruction.

The X-Guide system fits seamlessly into the dental office and works with all cone beam 3D scanners, including small field of view. It utilizes the surgeon’s digital plan to provide turn-by-turn guidance during surgery. X-Guide allows the surgeon to visualize precise 3D movements of the handpiece during osteotomy and implant delivery for more exact placement – like GPS for the dental drill. This delivers better functional and aesthetic results. With X-Guide navigation in the dental practice, more patients can benefit from same-day implant surgery, which is especially helpful as more patients want fast and smooth dental surgery.

Dentists can provide more immediate, more accurate, and less invasive dental implant options with X-Guide navigation.

“Over the past few years, the global dental industry has rapidly embraced the X-Guide dynamic 3D navigation technology because of its ability to deliver more accurate dental implant outcomes”, says Edward Marandola, President of X-Nav Technologies. “X-Mark virtual registration continues to advance and streamline the way surgeons place dental implants – while improving accuracy and facilitating better immediate restorative results. I am excited to launch X-Mark to expand the capabilities of the X- Guide system so our customers can more easily offer navigation surgery to more patients.”

X-Mark for X-Guide is the industry’s first virtual patient registration process for dynamic dental navigation to receive 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. X-Mark has also received CE Mark approval from the European Community, and Health Canada Medical Device License approval. The X-Guide Dynamic 3D Navigation system is used by dentists in over 35 countries and 20 languages – and still growing.

For more information about X-Guide Clinical Applications and Patient Information, please visit www.X-NavTech.com.

Watch the X-Mark Introduction Video here: https://youtu.be/tcHEepTEhe0

About X-Nav Technologies, LLC

X-Nav Technologies is a medical device company that develops surgical products for the dental market that advance patient care while improving doctor productivity.

Studying bacteria in a petri dish or test tube has yielded insights into how they function and, in some cases, contribute to disease. But this approach leaves out crucial details about how bacteria act in the real world.

Taking a translational approach, researchers at Penn Dental Medicine and the Georgia Institute of Technology imaged the bacteria that cause tooth decay in humans in three dimensions. The work, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that Streptococcus mutans, a bacterial species associated with tooth decay, is encased in a protective multilayered community of other bacteria and polymers forming a unique spatial organization associated with the location of the disease onset.

"We started with these clinical samples, extracted teeth from children with severe tooth decay," says Dr. Michel Koo of Penn Dental Medicine, a co-senior author on the work. "The question that popped in our minds was, how these bacteria are organized and whether their specific architecture can tell us about the disease they cause?"

To address this question, the researchers, including lead author Dongyeop Kim of Penn Dental Medicine, used a combination of confocal and scanning electron microscopy with computational analysis to dissect the arrangement of S. mutans and other microbes of the intact biofilm on the teeth.

The researchers discovered that S. mutans in dental plaque most often appeared in a particular fashion: arranged in a mound against the tooth's surface. But it wasn't alone. Other commensal bacteria, such as S. oralis, formed additional outer layers precisely arranged in a crown-like structure. Supporting and separating these layers was an extracellular scaffold made of sugars produced by S. mutans, effectively encasing and protecting the disease-causing bacteria.

"What was exciting for us is that the rotund areas perfectly matched with the demineralized and high acid levels on the enamel surface," says Koo. "This mirrors what clinicians see when they find dental caries: punctuated areas of decalcification known as 'white spots.' The crown-like structure could explain how cavities get their start."

The study's findings may help researchers more effectively target the pathogenic core of dental biofilms but also have implications for other fields.

"It demonstrates that the spatial structure of the microbiome may mediate function and the disease outcome, which could be applicable to other medical fields dealing with polymicrobial infections," says Koo. 

New Kit Allows Users to Mill Custom Titanium Abutments In-House Quickly, Easily and Cost-Effectively

Roland DGA’s DGSHAPE Americas dental business group has announced the availability of the new AK-1 Titanium Abutment Kit for use with the advanced yet simple-to-use DWX-42W wet dental mill. Designed to provide added value and opportunity for clinicians and dental laboratories of all sizes, the DGSHAPE AK-1 Titanium Abutment Kit enables DWX-42W users to offer full-service, high-quality implant restorations in-house with precision and ease.

The new AK-1 allows clinicians and lab owners to expand the capabilities of their DWX-42W to allow for milling of both the custom abutment and implant-supported restoration in-house. Equipped with a DGSHAPE DWX-42W and AK-1, the clinician or lab can maintain greater control over the design process and materials, significantly reducing both the turnaround time and costs.

Three material attachments are currently available for the DGSHAPE AK-1 Abutment Kit, each featuring a manufacturer specific attachment to the standard DWX-42W material holder. This allows for the milling of pre-milled titanium blanks from a variety of popular manufacturers, including GeoMedi^®, MEDENTiKA^® and NT-Trading^®. The AK-1 kit includes a set of titanium dedicated milling tools, a special purpose filter tray, a torque screwdriver, a hexagonal wrench, a receptacle tray, replacement filters, and a user’s manual.

“Custom abutments are quickly becoming the standard of care for implants, as they offer the flexibility for a passive fit and the prosthetic correction of implant angulation,” said DGSHAPE Americas Product Manager, Lisa Aguirre. “That translates into greater overall esthetics, fewer chairside visits for adjustments, better overall support of implant structure, and improved implant-supported crown retention. The new DGSHAPE AK-1 makes it easy and cost-effective for DWX-42W users to produce quality custom titanium abutments in-house and offer all of these advantages to the patient.”

To learn more about the AK-1 Abutment Kit, visit www.rolanddga.com/ak-1. For more information on Roland DGA’s complete line of DGSHAPE dental products, visit www.rolanddga.com/dental.

About Roland DGA Corporation and DGSHAPE Americas

Roland DGA Corporation serves North and South America as the marketing, sales, distribution and service arm for Roland DG Corporation and its subsidiary, DGSHAPE. Founded in 1981 and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Roland DG of Hamamatsu, Japan is a worldwide leader in wide-format inkjet printers, engravers, photo impact printers and CNC milling machines. DGSHAPE Americas is the Roland DGA dental business group dedicated to the DGSHAPE line of products, most notable as a market leader in dental milling machines. To learn more about Roland DGA Corporation and DGSHAPE Americas, visit https://www.rolanddga.com/dental.

About DGSHAPE Corporation

DGSHAPE Corporation designs and manufactures hardware and software solutions for entrepreneurs who want to fulfill their dreams of creating something new to “Shape the Future.” We cater to multiple industries, including medical, manufacturing and retail. We help innovators unlock their dreams by removing barriers to creation through intuitive technology that simplifies the user experience, including interface, software and maintenance, multi-axis rotary milling technologies, and Internet of Things (IoT) analytical platforms. Everything we do is motivated by creating tools to “Make Innovation and Make Life Better.” To learn more about DGSHAPE Corporation, visit https://www.dgshape.com.

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), a leader in clinical education for cosmetic dentists, has seen a growing need for digital dentistry resources for dental professionals. To continue doing their part in adding value to the AACD membership, AACD has partnered with DSDApp by Coachman as a Preferred Pricing Partner to bring awareness to an innovative smile designing tool helping dentists increase case acceptance rates.

“The AACD is focused on continuing to provide additional value to AACD members through new and cutting-edge member benefits. Our Preferred Pricing Partner program provides deep savings for members. Our new relationship with DSDApp by Coachman provides members with the new standard in smile design technology,” said AACD Director of Membership, Dana J. Murn.

DSDApp by Coachman has over 36,000 users worldwide and has found that more and more dentists have reaped the benefits of using their technology in their practice because it helps them with treatment plan preparation and has become an effective visual communication tool to get patients to accept treatment. Now they are bringing their technology to the iPhone. DSDApp's Artificial Intelligence (AI) innovation is bringing an extraordinary smile design experience to dental professionals, combining digital smile design principles and facial-flow concepts to transform patients' smiles. Join a live demo to get a first-hand look at how you can use visualization to help improve communication and show patients the expected treatment outcome.

Learn more about the AACD's new Preferred Pricing Partner at www.aacd.com/preferredpricing and visit DSDApp by Coachman to learn more about this smile design technology.

Dentsply Sirona and the American Association for Dental Research (AADR) congratulate the winners of the 2020 Student Competition for Advancing Dental Research and its Application Awards (SCADA) program. Due to the global outbreak of COVID-19, the traditional competition and awards ceremony at this year’s IADR/AADR/CADR General Session & Exhibition had to be suspended, and students participated in a virtual research competition.

The 61st annual SCADA program was held under special circumstances. Despite COVID-19 restricting public events, US dental students were invited to participate in the research competition virtually.

All US dental schools were invited to nominate a student to participate in the research competition in one of two categories—Clinical Science and Public Health Research and Basic and Translational Science. The participants submitted a complete portfolio for review to an international panel of judges, including an electronic copy of his/her research poster, a slide presentation, and a video of their oral presentation. Research projects were submitted by 51 student clinicians and seven outstanding award winners were selected.

A program dedicated to research and international networking

SCADA was initiated in 1959, and Dentsply Sirona and the American Dental Association have continued this tradition as co-sponsors of this leading dental student research competition. The SCADA program includes a Global and a US Student Clinician Research competition and an annual Awards Program. The competition and award program have gained widespread recognition, and it has engaged more than 8,500 young dental professionals from 28 countries since its inception.

SCADA is dedicated to two main goals. First, the program aims to strengthen the field of dental research by supporting young professionals in their research careers. Moreover, it offers a unique opportunity for students to network with clinicians and scientists from all over the world as they look to develop their skills and advance their careers. While the networking opportunity was curtailed, students interacted virtually and had the opportunity to showcase their work and gain valuable skills as they developed and virtually presented their research.

SCADA advances science and improves global oral health

“Dentsply Sirona is proud to support the talented next generation of dental leaders at the beginning of their careers. The competition entries are so impressive with their high level of research and the students’ professionalism. SCADA is dedicated to advancing science and enriching the professional development of dental students. This mirrors Dentsply Sirona’s purpose to empower dental professional and improve oral health worldwide. We are thrilled to support these future dental leaders in collaboration with the AADR, and we look forward to partnering with these dentists throughout their professional lives,” says Dr. Teresa A. Dolan, Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer with Dentsply Sirona. “Congratulations to all participants in this year’s SCADA program who made a significant commitment to developing and presenting their research projects virtually. They quickly adapted to challenging circumstances and did an amazing job preparing their virtual research presentations!”

In Category 1 – Clinical Science and Public Health Research – first place was awarded to Patrick E. Donnelly, University of Pittsburgh, for his research on Acellular Hydrogel Regenerates Vascularized Tissue in Root Canal Therapy. Second place was awarded to Kathryn Teruya, University of Missouri – Kansas City, for her research on Changes in Dental Student Empathy During Training. Third place was awarded to Taylor Robertson, University of Detroit Mercy, for research on Spectral analysis of one-shade nanofilled resin composites under different lights.

In Category 2 – Basic and Translational Science – first place was awarded to Tanner Godfrey, University of Alabama at Birmingham, for his research on BAF45A Mediated Chromatin Landscaping Controls Bone Formation. Tied in the second place, Blake LaTendresse, Creighton University, was awarded for his research on Testing Immunogenic Peptides Against Candida Albicans, together with Eric Mullins, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, for his research on Comparative Expression Of Exosome-Derived Dental Pulp Stem Cell (DPSC) MicroRNAs. Third place was awarded to Madison Aungst, University of Colorado, for her research on A Flow Cytometer Protocol for Quantifying Microbes in Dental Waterlines.

The student participants were grateful for the opportunity to continue with the competition, despite the need to cancel the annual in-person research meeting. “Thank you for moving forward with the virtual competition. It would have been nice to all be together, but I think the virtual presentation was a lot of fun!” said Patrick Donnelly. Student Clinician Eric Mullins shared a similar sentiment, “Thank you so much for this opportunity. I was disappointed when it was announced that the [AADR] conference in DC was cancelled, so it was good news to hear the SCADA competition would continue online. This was a great event, and I'm glad I was able to participate.”

Four additional awards beyond the SCADA competition

The SCADA Board of Directors also presented five awards recognizing leaders in dental research and academics. SCADA provides fellowship funding to promote continued scholarship and help support graduate education. Two post-doctoral students were awarded Henry M. Thornton SCADA Fellowships: Dr. Nisarg Patel, University of California, San Francisco and Dr. Lauren Katz, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In collaboration with the American Dental Association, SCADA also awarded the ADA Foundation/Dentsply Sirona Research Award for Dual Degree Candidates to Dr. Joy Kirkpatrick, DMD/PhD candidate at the Medical University of South Carolina.

The SCADA Board of Directors also supports and acknowledges leaders for their commitment to the advancement of dentistry with two additional awards. Dr. Pandu Gangula from Meharry Medical College received the Burton C. Borgelt / SCADA Faculty Advisor Award. Dr. Rada Sumareva, a private practice periodontist and long-serving SCADA judge, was honored with the Alan J. Davis / SCADA Achievement Award. Dr. Yoko Ishida-Okumura from the Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences in Japan was recognized for her service on the SCADA Board of Directors.

More information about SCADA and other awards granted: https://www.scadaresearch.org