DENTISTRY

Blending Dentistry, Business, Innovation, and Technology

Darlene Occimio (left) listens to a presentation by Jason Schrotenboer during the biodontics program. Next to him are Eric Skulsky and Christie Springstead.

Personal computers. The World Wide Web. The Internet.

When these words and phrases were spoken or appeared in print for the first time, most people scratched their heads wondering what PCs, the Web, and the 'Net were all about.

Is history repeating itself? Maybe.

Consider the early years of the Twenty-First Century.

Here's a word you probably haven't seen in print or heard about before Ð "biodontics."

What is "biodontics," you ask?

Basically, it's an emerging field of study that encompasses several disciplines Ð clinical dentistry, research, business, entrepreneurship, and technology. The goal of biodontics is to try to determine what innovations from a biological research laboratory may one day be combined with technology. The ultimate goal of biodontics is to commercialize products that dentists can use in their clinics and, in the process, improve the oral health of the population at large.

Earlier this year, a number of U-M School of Dentistry faculty, administrators, and Dental Scholars met to learn more about the emerging field and even come up with some new ideas of their own.

Biodontics is a relatively new field.

It was created only six years ago by Dr. Edward Rossomando, a professor at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He spoke during a spring weekend program at the Michigan Center for Oral Health Research.

During the program, the Dental Scholars and others worked in small groups to brainstorm and develop ideas that, someday, could become reality in the dental profession.

"The groups were pretty creative," said Dr. William Giannobile, professor of dentistry and MCOHR director.

Some of the ideas included using the Internet to deliver instant messages in the handle of a toothbrush to remind patients of dental appointments or give them important oral health information.

"It was an interesting program that was designed to spur creativity and a sense of business entrepreneurship in the students," said Dr. Russell Taichman, director of the Dental Scholars program.