AAE Awards Largest-Ever Grants for Endodontic Research

CHICAGO — The AAE Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the American Association of Endodontists, recently awarded more than $500,000 in grants for the study of endodontics. Dr. Walter R. Bowles, an associate professor at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, was awarded the Foundation’s single largest grant to date of more than $292,000 for the study of factors affecting outcomes for single-tooth implants and endodontic restorations.

“It is such an honor to be awarded this grant,” said Dr. Bowles. “We are eager to begin our investigation in the spirit of contributing to the knowledge base and addressing the AAE’s interest in factors affecting long-term endodontic and implant outcomes.”

Dr. Bowles’ grant was the result of a call for clinical research proposals to produce high-level evidence relating to endodontic treatment announced in July 2006. The request represented collaboration between the AAE’s Research and Scientific Affairs Committee, Evidence-Based Endodontics Committee and the AAE Foundation to expand the specialty’s body of scientific information, and to promote the practice of evidence-based endodontics.

Another grant of $60,000 was approved for Dr. Jens Ove Andreasen of Copenhagen, Denmark. Dr. Andreasen is developing an interactive database for treatment planning and prognosis evaluation of traumatic dental injuries as well as serving as a reference library for clinicians. It currently includes a complete trauma record for 2,430 patients along with photographic and radiographic documentation illustrating the type and severity of the trauma.

The Foundation also awarded $152,365 to endodontic researchers across the country as part of its semi-annual grant review program.

“The art and science of endodontics must continue to grow,” said AAE Foundation President Dr. Denis E. Simon III. “Proving the importance and sustainability of endodontic treatment as the preferred choice for patients must be our top priority. The research these grants fund are stirring examples of how we can remain leaders in dentistry.”