Author: Rekow ED, Fox CH, Watson T, Petersen PE.
Source: Adv Dent Res.
Year: 2013
Comment:
Knowing the the Minamata Convention on Mercury from the United Nations phased-down dental mercury use, this article explores how that can be done. The authors note, "We have the unique opportunity to capitalize on our research, academic, industry, and policy-making partnerships, unleashing our expertise and advocacy prowess to develop innovative new materials, introduce them into the educational system and practice community, and drive changes in programs and policies in health care and insurance systems to incorporate new materials."
Abstract / Excerpt:
“This background catalyzed a December 2012 workshop organized by the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) and King’s College London (KCL), co-sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), and the FDI World Dental Federation. The objectives of the workshop were to identify knowledge gaps in our current choices of dental restorative materials, identify promising areas of materials research that could be applied to restorative dentistry, and develop a prioritized research and advocacy agenda and action plan to address individual and population-level needs for restorative materials with environmental compatibility and economic feasibility. Expert information and insight were provided by researchers and innovators, including materials scientists from within the dental community and from outside dentistry, policy-makers, and clinicians, along with representatives from industry, funding agencies, regulatory bodies, and professional organizations.”
Citation:
Rekow ED, Fox CH, Watson T, Petersen PE. Future innovation and research in dental restorative materials. Adv Dent Res. 2013; 25(1):2-7.