The School of Dentistry held its first Craniofacial Biology Research Symposium, May 25 to 26.
The School of Dentistry officially opened and celebrated its new Biomedical Oral and Craniofacial Research Centre and kicked-off its inaugural Geoffrey H. Sperber Lecture during the Craniofacial Biology Research Symposium held May 25 to 26.
With just over 135 researchers, professors, dentists and students in attendance, the symposium brought together international researchers interested in the development and function of the craniofacial complex tissues.
And thanks to this symposium, the School was able to showcase its research to an international audience. Keynote speaker Ophir Klein, a specialist in pediatric medical genetics, kicked-off the event, May 25. The symposium's poster session featured 26 posters from researchers across the globe.
"Leaders in the field of oral health from North America and Europe provided outstanding keynote addresses on their latest advancements in the fields of tissue regeneration, tooth development, craniofacial development and shape, and the relationship of periodontitis to rheumatoid arthritis," says Patrick Flood, professor and researcher at the School of Dentistry. "The venue was excellent and we had a large receptive audience for the entire program. It was an excellent opportunity for networking for everyone."
Following the keynote speakers - Drs. Ophir Klein, Joy Richman, Benedict Hallgrimsson, Ralph Marcucio and Yan Chai - shorter presentations covered a host of topics showing advancement in the use of 3-D technology in tissue engineering, the causes of sleep apnea, and specific mediators which control the growth of the orofacial structures.
"This is an honour for the School to host such an outstanding event. It affirms the continuing excellence of the School in research, education and patient care," says Flood.
In recognition of the School's centennial, Dr. Yang Chai, an award-winning scientist from the University of California, delivered the inaugural Geoffrey H. Sperber lecture.
"It was an incredible celebration of 100 years of the School of Dentistry," says Sperber. "The symposium was a highlight. The international representation of the craniofacial biologists brought the most current research to the audience's attention. I was honoured with the inaugural lecture given by Dr. Chai."