SmileCon's emerging science panel to explore advances that could shape future of dental care

The impact of scientific discovery on clinical practice will be the topic of discussion at a SmileCon panel hosted by the editors of The Journal of the American Dental Association and JADA Foundational Science and featuring winners of the ADA's Norton M. Ross Award for Excellence in Clinical Research.

Emerging Science in Oral Health — From the Research Labs to the Clinic (2160) will take place from 11 a.m.-noon Oct. 12 in the Mandalay Bay South Convention Center, Jasmine A.

Moderated by Michelle Hoffman, vice president of publishing for the ADA, the panel will include Tim Wright, D.D.S., editor-in-chief of JADA and Bawden Distinguished Professor in the Division of Pediatric Dentistry and Public Health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry; Jack L. Ferracane, Ph.D., editor-in-chief of JADA Foundational Science and professor and chair of the Department of Restorative Dentistry and director of the Division of Biomaterials and Biomechanics at Oregon Health & Science University School of Dentistry in Portland, Oregon; Hatice Hasturk, D.D.S., Ph.D., winner of the 2021 Ross Award and director of the Center for Clinical and Translational Research at the Forsyth Institute; and Laurie K. McCauley, D.D.S., Ph.D., winner of the 2020 Ross Award and dean of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry.

"We are very fortunate to have eminent researchers Drs. McCauley and Hasturk share their thoughts on the scientific findings that they think could change clinical practice in the future. And who better to guide that discussion than Drs. Wright and Ferracane?" Ms. Hoffman said. "The ideas presented at this panel offer just a preview of the innovations and clinical advances the editors expect to present in JADA and JADA Foundational Science."

Dr. Wright

The session will cover technologies that are under investigation today in research labs across the country and may someday change the way dentists diagnose and treat disease. Drs. Wright and Ferracane will lead the panelists in a discussion of some of the most exciting and promising advances derived from the research efforts of the journal's editors and contributors, providing a taste of the topics readers can expect to find in the ADA journals.

"It is exciting to have such a great lineup for the emerging science panel to discuss new directions in oral health care and the science that is and will continue to transform dentistry," Dr. Wright said. "I hope attendees will join this session and take advantage of this unique opportunity to engage the panel as they explore discoveries that are helping shape and change oral health care."

Topics the panel will address include augmented intelligence, tissue regeneration, biosensors and more.

Dr. Ferracane

"The pace of scientific discovery in oral and craniofacial health care is rapid in this era where high technology enables simultaneous discoveries at the biochemical, molecular and cellular levels, and on a variety of size scales spanning from the nano to the macro," Dr. Ferracane said. "The development of exciting new imaging and diagnostic modalities, coupled with state-of-the-art big data processing tools like augmented intelligence, will lead to enhanced patient care options at every provider's fingertips. This panel session will present a great opportunity for our members to engage with experts in clinical and translational science as we project the future of health care in dentistry."

The panel is worth one hour of continuing education credit. It is included in SmileCon's Platinum Smile Pass, SmilePass and Dental Central Pass.

To learn more about SmileCon or to register, visit SmileCon.org.