Ann Arbor, MI — June 28, 2006 — Dr. Peter Polverini, dean of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, received a major award today from the International Association for Dental Research during its annual meeting.

Polverini was one of only 15 individuals to receive the Distinguished Scientist Award during the group's opening ceremonies at the 84^th general session in Brisbane, Australia.  The award recognizes his work in oral medicine and pathology.

Polverini came to Michigan as a professor of dentistry and chief of oral and maxillofacial pathology in 1992.  Four years later, he was named chair of the School's Department of Oral Medicine, Pathology, and Oncology.

Dean at the University of Michigan dental school since June 2003, Polverini has authored or co-authored more than 150 scientific articles, textbooks, and chapters; has made more than 70 presentations to groups in the U.S. and overseas; is an editorial consultant for more than 30 publications; and has five patents.

His active NIH-funded research program focuses on angiogenic signaling pathways, gene expression, and cell survival mechanisms that are pertinent to tumor development and angiogenesis-dependent diseases.

IADR president Dr. Stephen Bayne, who chairs the School's Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences, and Endodontics, said, "This award, and the others, represent the supreme acknowledgement of the great research contributions of Peter and our more than 11,000 members."

The University of Michigan School of Dentistry is one of the nation's leading dental schools engaged in oral health care education, research, patient care, and community service. General dental care clinics and specialty clinics providing advanced treatment enable the School to offer dental services and programs to patients throughout Michigan. Classroom and clinic instruction prepare future dentists, dental specialists, and dental hygienists for practice in private offices, hospitals, academia, and public agencies. Research seeks to discover and apply new knowledge that can help patients worldwide. For more information about the School of Dentistry, visit the Web at: www.dent.umich.edu.

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