NIDCR slates 60th anniversary events at AADR meeting in Dallas

Dallas, Tex.鈥擳hey’re highlighting the future of dental research in a year long celebration of the 60th anniversary of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.

Three symposia and a presentation by the NIDCR director are among anniversary activities planned for the April 2-5 annual meeting of the American Association for Dental Research. The celebration also included presentations on practice-based research at the Chicago Mid-Winter Dental Meeting and in the March issue of The Journal of the American Dental Association (Preparing practicing dentists to engage in practice-based research). Other National Institutes of Health and American Dental Association events are in the planning stage.

Created in 1948 as the National Institute of Dental Research, one of the National Institutes of Health, the NIDCR today is the nation’s leading source of oral, dental and craniofacial research funds.

The AADR symposia:

• Looking toward the future, a recognition of the growing cadre of new scientists and professionals making an impact in oral health research;
• Dental practice-based research has great potential for answering questions practitioners face daily in routine patient care with a focus on general dental practice;
• Building on our strengths highlights individuals making high-impact contributions to oral health research.

Dr. Lawrence Tabak, NIDCR director, in a presentation entitled “Enhancing Peer Review at NIH,” will report on recommendations from a recently completed trans-NIH study.

“The AADR has always enjoyed a strong, mutually beneficial relationship with the NIDCR since its inception 60 years ago,” said AADR Executive Director Christopher H. Fox. “We are delighted that they have chosen our annual meeting as a natural place to celebrate their anniversary.”

AADR annual meeting attendees will have opportunity to provide initial input for the NIDCR’s next strategic plan, an AADR spokeswoman said.