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Annual Conference
Since 1998, The Friends of NIDCR has hosted its Annual Conference & Awards in Washington DC for its members and friends from the US, Canada and abroad. Awards are presented to honor significant accomplishments in oral health, including education media, advocacy, lifetime achievement and public service.
Friends of NIDCR 2011 Annual Conference & Awards:
A Day of Learning & Fulfillment
National attention on the important work of the National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) came to the forefront on December 6th as The Friends of NIDCR hosted its 2011 Annual Conference & Awards at the historic National Press Club in Washington, DC.
 Continuing a tradition of promoting the work of the NIDCR, this year's conference attracted an audience of researchers, dental school deans, professors and researchers, clinicians, local area practitioners, and corporate and association executives, matching the previous conference attendance levels.
 "From the afternoon research discussion, to the camaraderie at the networking reception, to the stirring remarks by Congressman Cummings, to the uplifting keynote address by Dr. Ken Salyer, followed by the recognition of outstanding achievements of this year's awardees, a day of learning and high spirit for NIDCR was had by all," said Leo Rouse, Dean, Howard University College of Dentistry and Conference Chair.
 Afternoon Kicks off with NIDCR Director Address
In her luncheon keynote address "Enhancing Oral Health Care Through Research and Innovation," NIDCR Director Martha Somerman provided many examples of innovative research that is being supported and conducted by NIDCR and the great implications for clinical practice and future dental education.
AFTERNOON SESSIONS
Spotlight on Sessions, Topics & Presenters
The afternoon conference, "Oral Heath: Research Advancements & Technology Innovations," included presentations on exciting NIDCR-funded research from around the United States.
Friends of NIDCR President Christian Stohler said "We take particular pride in the presentations we heard because they reflect how research conducted at NIDCR innovates, drives our nation's economy, and provides life-saving treatments and cures to the benefit of all Americans."
1. Treatment of Medically Complex Patients
 "Oral Cancel: Delivery of Head and Neck Radiation Therapy"
Pamela Gardner, BSc, DMD, Cert Oral Medicine
Senior Staff Clinician, Clinical Research Program, NIDCR- "The Prosthodontist's Emergent Role in Treating the Dento-facio-Syndrome Patient:
Defining our Specialty by the Diseases we Treat,"
Lyndon F. Cooper, DDS, PhD, Chair, Department of Prosthodontics
University of North Carolina
2. The Relevance of Genetics to Dentistry
 "Microbial Genetics: The Impact on the Human Microbiome Project in Periodontics"
Niki Moutopoulos, DDS, PhD, Assistant Clinical Investigator, NIDCR- "Genome-wide Association Study for Dental Caries: Finding Genes for Cavities,"
John R. Shaffer, PhD, Research Assistant Professor, Department of Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh
3. Point-of-Care Technology: Moving from Research to Manufacturing to Practice
 "Saliva-based Point-of-Care Technology for Early Detection of Oral and Systemic Disease,"
David T. Wong, DMD, DMSc, Associate Dean of Research
UCLA School of Dentistry- "Current Developments in Salivary Diagnostics Technologies,"
by Spencer W. Redding, DDS, MEd, Chair, Department of Dental Diagnostic Science
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
4. Research & Partnerships to Eliminate "Barriers to Care" — Lessons from the Field
This panel discussion was moderated by
Leo Rouse, DDS, Dean, Howard University College of Dentistry, featuring:
 "Contribution of Oral Health Literacy to Disparities and its Impact on Oral Health Behaviors,"
Jessica Y. Lee, DDS, MPH, PhD (left), Associate Professor, Department of Pediatric Dentistry
University of North Carolina School of Dentistry- "Preventing Dental Caries in Public Housing Communities,"
Michelle Henshaw, DDS, MPH (middle), Assistant Dean for Community Partnerships and Extramural Affairs
Boston University
DINNER & AWARDS
Stirring Opening Remarks at Dinner Given by
U.S. Representative Elijah Cummings
 In his remarks to the Friends, Congressman Elijah Cummings, co-chair, Congressional Oral Health Caucus, stated that it was an honor to be present as the accomplishments of many oral health providers, educators, and craniofacial researchers were being celebrated.
The congressman's message to the audience was a simple, yet personal one, "You are very important in the lives of the people of your communities." He conveyed his understanding of how painful and distracting untreated dental problems can be from his own personal experiences growing up, and he expressed his genuine appreciation for the work performed, especially for children, by those in attendance.
Congressman Cummings highlighted the merits of the CHIP Reauthorization Act and Affordable Care Act to the country's oral health and well-being. With regard to research investment, he stated "We need more funding for the National Institutes of Health and specifically for the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, not less." The congressman concluded by passionately emphasizing that everyone must ensure that our legislators, in Washington and at home, understand the vital importance of oral health.
 Dinner Keynote Address Challenges Us to Service and Self-fulfillment
In his dinner keynote address, "A Life That Matters," world-renowned craniofacial surgeon and founder of the World Craniofacial Foundation, Dr. Kenneth E. Salyer shared his lifelong commitment of helping the globe's most disfigured children transform their challenges into triumphs through the benefit of life-changing reconstructive surgery. He and his team have successfully conducted over 5000 surgeries. Dr. Salyer encouraged audience members to help others achieve the best in their own lives and in the process, attain a life shaped by service and self-fulfillment.
National Recognition of Outstanding Achievements
 The day culminated with an awards ceremony to celebrate outstanding achievements in oral health research and acknowledge the contributions of individuals and organizations that have — and are — making a difference in how oral health research conducted at NIDCR translates into a better quality of life for citizens across all social-economic conditions.
 FNIDCR President Christian Stohler, Dean of the University of Maryland Dental School, commented on the field of 2011 awardees, "The Conference & Awards Committee took into consideration the breadth of accomplishments of those nominated. Almost immediately, the contributions made by these individuals and organizations catapulted their names to the forefront of any honors list one might compile. We're extremely proud to acknowledge their tremendous efforts."
And the Awards Go to:
 Harold Slavkin Oral Health Science Education Award
Carmen Diaz, (left), Promotora for Community Outreach Programs at the School of Dentistry, UCLA, for her efforts as a change agent and exemplar for oral healthcare literacy in under-served communities throughout Los Angeles. The award was presented by Lois Slavkin. Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award
Kenneth E. Salyer, MD (right), to honor and recognize his long-standing dedication to fostering health through oral and craniofacial research. Virginia Barnes, DDS, MS, (left), Associate Director of Clinical Research, Colgate-Palmolive presented the award. Excellence in Leadership Award
D. Walter Cohen, DDS, (right), Chancellor Emeritus, Drexel University College of Medicine, and founder of The Friends of NIDCR, was presented with this newly created FNIDCR award in recognition for his vision, energy and leadership to champion the growth and continued success of The Friends. Hal Slavkin, Professor of Dentistry, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry at the University of Southern California, made the presentation. Outstanding Public Advocacy Award
Terrie Cowley, (left), President and Co-founder, The TMJ Association, Ltd., received the award in tribute for helping to foster improved healthcare for patients and other health consumers through advocacy efforts for specific patient groups and public education activities. Mary Kaye Richter, (right), Past Executive Director, National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias presented the award. Award for Distinction in Public Service
Kathleen O'Loughlin, DMD, MPH, Chief Operating Officer of the American Dental Association was acknowledged for an ongoing career commitment to excellence and outstanding leadership in the oral health public service arena. The award was accepted by Judy Sherman of the ADA, as presented by J. Leslie Winston, DDS, PhD, Director of Global Oral Care Professional & Science Relations, Proctor & Gamble. Media Award of Excellence
Oral Health Kansas, Inc. was the proud recipient of this year's award that is a platform to acknowledge a company and/or journalist demonstrating distinction in reporting on craniofacial, oral and dental health research and/or disseminating oral health information. Kathy Hammitt (right), Vice President of Research, Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation presented the award to Tanya Dorf Brunner, Executive Director of Oral Health Kansas and her staff. Outstanding NIDCR Career Research Award
Bruce Baum, DMD, PhD, Chief Clinical Gene Transfer Section, NIDCR, was honored for his commitment to excellence and outstanding leadership in oral health public service. Dr. Baum sent a video acceptance. Dr. Louis Terracio, Vice Dean for Research, NYU College of Dentistry was the presenter.
A Great Forum to See Colleagues!
Thank You to the Conference & Awards Committee
The Conference & Awards Committee was comprised of:
Conference Chair
Leo Rouse, DDS, Dean of Howard University College of Dentistry
Honorary Co-chair
U.S. Representative Mike Simpson (D-ID) and Co-chair of the Oral Health Caucus in Congress
Awards Dinner Chair
Mary Kaye Richter, Founder & Past Executive Director of the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias
Committee Members:
Yolanda Bonta, DMD, MS, Executive Director of the Hispanic Dental Association
Kathy Hammitt, MA, Vice President of Research, Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation
Gary Price, President & CEO of Dental Trade Alliance
Christian Stohler, DDS, DrMedDent, Dean of the University of Maryland Dental School
Thank you friends and sponsors for your support!
Thank You to our Sponsors
Platinum
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Bronze
| • | American Dental Education Association |
| • | Dental Trade Alliance |
| • | Harvard School of Dental Medicine |
| • | Howard University College of Dentistry |
| • | Loma Linda University, School of Dentistry |
| • | Sunstar Americas, Inc. |
| • | Texas A&M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry |
| • | Tufts University of Dental Medicine |
| • | UCLA School of Dentistry |
| • | Univ. of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine |
| • | University of Iowa College of Dentistry |
| • | University of Nebraska Medical Center |
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Gold
| • | USC Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry
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Silver
| • | DC Dental Society |
| • | Henry Schein, Inc. |
| • | National Dental Association |
| • | Procter & Gamble Co. |
| • | University of Michigan School of Dentistry |
| • | University of Minnesota School of Dentistry |
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For More Information
Contact: Peter Anas, FNIDCR Executive Director, 202-223-0667, peter@FNIDCR.org
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