Dental News - Inventor of composites and RMGI technology honored

3M ESPE

Tue. 21 September 2010

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WASHINGTON, DC/ NEW YORK, NY, USA: The American Chemical Society (ACS) recognized 3M ESPE corporate scientist Sumita Mitra, Ph.D., among its ‘Heroes of Chemistry.’ Mitra was recognized with 14 fellow scientists, each of whom has conducted research that has led to the successful development and commercial sale of a technological product.

The award honors ‘chemical innovators in industry whose work has led to the welfare and progress of humanity in a significant way.’

Mitra’s accomplishments during her 31-year career with 3M ESPE include the development of a number of breakthrough dental technologies, including composite resins, nanocomposites and resin-modified glass ionomers (RMGIs).

She holds more than 63 patents, and 3M ESPE products that have resulted from her innovations include Vitremer Glass Ionomer Core Buildup/Restorative, Vitrebond Plus Light Cure Glass Ionomer Liner/Base and Filtek Supreme Universal Restorative, the No. 1-selling composite in the United States.

These technologies have been widely embraced by the dental industry for their ability to effectively address some of the biggest problems facing dentists and patients. Secondary decay, for instance, is estimated to cost patients and insurers almost US$5 billion annually in the United States alone but can be prevented with products developed from Dr Mitra’s RMGI technology.

“Dr Mitra’s extraordinary inventions have changed the field of dentistry for dentists and patients around the world,” said Fred J. Palensky, Ph.D., executive vice president, research and development, and chief technology officer at 3M. “Her discoveries will influence and benefit society for decades. The financial impact of her work is enormous and far-reaching. To date, her research has resulted in commercialized products that have contributed nearly US$2 billion to 3M’s revenue.”

“I am truly honored to be included among such a prestigious group of thought-leaders in the scientific community,” Mitra said. “I’m proud to know that my work aligns with the ACS’s goal of furthering innovation and excellence in science and technology, and our team at 3M ESPE looks forward to introducing more firsts to the dental industry.”

The award was presented at the ACS’ 238th National Meeting, held in Washington, D.C.

(Edited by Fred Michmershuizen, DTA)

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