AO reveals recipients of OF Research Grants

1st Place Basic Science

• “An Adhesive and Osteoconductive Hydrogel for Bone Tissue Regeneration in Peri-implant Bone Loss”
• Alireza Moshaverinia, DDS, MS, PhD
• UCLA School of Dentistry

“As a junior faculty member, and a member of AO, it’s so encouraging to see how heavily the Osseointegration Foundation invests in research, and it’s an absolute honor to be selected for the prestigious research grant,” said Dr. Moshaverinia, a tenure-track assistant professor in the division of advanced prosthodontics at UCLA School of Dentistry and a diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics. “This award will enable me to continue important research in the area of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) mediated tissue engineering and regenerative medicine related to implant and reconstructive dentistry.”

1st Place Applied Science

• “The Influence of Mucosa Tissue Thickness on Marginal Bone Loss of Implants with Smooth Collars: A Prospective Controlled Trial”
• Hom-Lay Wang, DDS, MSD, PhD
• University of Michigan School of Dentistry

“Our research team is humbled and honored to receive the AO and OF research grant. It clearly shows that the AO and its foundation are committed to supporting innovative research ideas especially in the field of implantology,” said Dr. Wang, collegiate professor of periodontics, and professor and director of graduate periodontics, in the department of periodontics and oral medicine at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology.

“The grant will be used to help support our team’s research to understand if soft-tissue biotype plays a role in influencing implant marginal bone loss. The grant will also help us to further support the AO’s mission: dedication to the highest standards in patient care, research and education.”

The 2015-2016 OF Research Grant recipients presented their findings at AO’s 2016 Annual Meeting and are expected to submit manuscripts to the International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Implants (JOMI) later this year.

A call for applications for the 2017-2018 OF Research Grants will be announced this fall. Follow AO on Facebook and Twitter to stay informed.

With 6,000 members in 70 countries around the world, the AO is recognized as a premier international association for professionals interested in implant dentistry.

(Source: Academy of Osseointegration)