News Release

2005 Geriatric Oral Research Award

Grant and Award Announcement

International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research

Baltimore, Maryland...The 2005 Geriatric Oral Research Award from the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) will be presented today to Professor Jukka H. Meurman, Chair of the Department of Oral Infectious Diseases in the School of Dentistry and Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Helsinki, Finland. He is also Head Physician in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases at Helsinki University Central Hospital.

Dr. Meurman has spent over 30 years investigating preventive dentistry, oral epidemiology, oral microbiology and pathology, with special emphasis on the role of oral infections in medically compromised patients. He has been at the forefront of identifying oral complications of systemic diseases, particularly head and neck cancers, cardiovascular diseases, chronic gastrointestinal diseases, diabetes, rheumatological and renal diseases. Since most of these conditions affect the elderly, Dr. Meurman's findings have had significant implications for the identification and treatment of oral-facial disorders in geriatric populations. His work in the development and application of molecular biological techniques for detecting oral pathogens from saliva and oral mucosal tissue samples has allowed scientists to simplify and enhance diagnosis of oral and systemic conditions. He is the recipient of numerous international awards for his clinical, teaching, and research contributions.

###

The award, funded by Sunstar Butler, was established to stimulate, encourage, and recognize outstanding research accomplishments in the field of geriatric oral research, especially research in the basic and clinical epidemiological sciences associated with geriatric oral research. It is one of 15 Distinguished Scientist Awards conferred annually, representing the highest honor the IADR can bestow.

The Award consists of a cash prize and plaque and was presented to Dr. Meurman during the Opening Ceremonies of the IADR's 83rd General Session, convening here at the Baltimore Convention Center.


Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.