The International Association for Dental Research was set to celebrate its 100th anniversary at its general meeting, set for March 18-21 in Washington, D.C. Like most large gatherings, the event was canceled because of the coronavirus outbreak, then spiraling toward pandemic status. However, that has not stopped IADR and its domestic counterpart, the American Association for Dental Research (AADR), from bestowing awards planned for the centennial event.
One of AADR’s most prestigious awards, the Jack Hein Public Service Award, went to professor emeritus Ernest Newbrun, PhD, DMD. A longtime member of the Department of Orofacial Sciences faculty, Dr. Newbrun was honored for having given exemplary service in the area of public affairs by consistently promoting the interests and activities of oral health research to a wide constituency. This is Dr. Newbrun’s second IADR/AADR award in recent years; in 2018 he received the IADR Distinguished Scientist H. Trendley Dean Memorial Award for his oral health research.
Another top honor went to Sally Marshall, PhD, who has received the AADR Distinguished Scientist Award. Presented every two years, this award recognizes and honors outstanding research of particular significance in any of the fields related to oral science. Dr. Marshall is a professor of biomaterials and bioengineering in the Department of Preventive and Restorative Dental Sciences.
Allan Radaic, PhD, is the recipient of the Academy of Osseointegration Innovation in Implant Sciences Award. Dr. Radaic, a postdoctoral fellow in the lab of Dr. Yvonne Kapila (Department of Orofacial Sciences), will receive an unrestricted research grant intended to help investigators pursue innovative and novel research in oral care that involves, but is not limited to, dental implant therapy.
IADR embarks upon its next 100 years with Dentistry’s Pamela Den Besten, DDS, as president. Referencing restrictions in place due to COVID-19, she observed, “In these times, we have the opportunity to use technology to increase connection and communications among our members, scientific groups, regions, divisions and sections. However, with these opportunities for an ever more rapid flow of information and connectivity, the personal interactions that occur in attending IADR meetings are important.” Looking forward, Dr. Den Besten added, “We are challenged to continue to evolve our meetings so that we can continue to experience all the benefits that direct communication and shared experiences bring.”