Inaugural ACPEF/UNC Prosthodontic Research Symposium

Every prosthodontist must become familiar with the new issues and concepts that are woven into the intellectual fabric of other medical specialties in major medical centers today. This was one of the chief points of discussion during the ACPEF/UNC Scope of Prosthodontic Research Symposium on Jan. 11-12.

University of North Carolina ’s Dean John Williams and the ACPEF’s Vice Chair Dr. Leonard Kobren encouraged and welcomed participants to the symposium, which featured 15 presentations by deans, chairs, and academic, military and corporate investigators from all parts of the United States and Canada.


“The 65 participants have indicated their desire to build our research infrastructure and to reinforce prosthodontics’ place in the biomedical academic environment through research activity,” said Dr. Lyndon Cooper, UNC’s director of graduate prosthodontics and the symposium organizer. “We can do this without sacrificing our commitment to clinical excellence. Every prosthodontist’s contribution to the ACPEF is necessary to achieve the excellence in research necessary to restate the significance of our clinical specialty.”

These presentations illustrated strong programmatic concepts and individual activities that are currently succeeding in diverse institutions and at undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate levels. Prosthodontic research seems to flourish when talented investigators are sought and integrated into well organized departments and are encouraged by the provisions of infrastructure, collaboration, research funding and time.

“This was a first-ever event, in terms of this type of summit on the future of prosthodontic research, and our School of Dentistry was honored to host this important event,” Williams said. “The discussions were substantive and demonstrated just how powerful collaboration will be in advancing prosthodontic research. What was discussed will become a crucial building block in the advancement of research most responsive to patient needs.”

It was suggested that all prosthodontists cannot and should not become research scientists, but every prosthodontist must have a greater awareness of medical news and issues that impact the prosthodontic specialty. Where this has occurred prosthodontic research is strong.

The success of the symposium was evident. In the closing hours, all participants contributed to summarizing what support is needed to assure a strong and significant next step for enhancing prosthodontic research on a national level. These suggested goals and strategies will be discussed in detail among the ACPEF Board and the ACP Board of Directors at their February meetings. Look forward to exciting research initiatives from the ACP and ACPEF.