Jan Lindhe Research Award

Ann Arbor, MI — May 6, 2011 — Dr. William Giannobile, a professor of dentistry in the Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, is the first recipient of a newly-created award in periodontics that recognizes an individual for outstanding achievements in the field. 

Giannobile received the Jan Lindhe Research Award today in Gothenburg, Sweden during the third annual Jan Lindhe International Symposium on clinical periodontology and implant dentistry.  The two-day symposium, Teeth or Implants – Evidence-Based Strategies in Treatment Planning, featured invited internationally renowned speakers, each representing different fields of expertise.  Their lectures provided insights and analysis on decision making in treatment planning. 

“I am very honored to receive the award,” Giannobile said.  After receiving the award, he delivered a lecture, “Periodontal Bioengineering: Where Next?,” that highlighted some of the advances that have been made during the past two decades in oral and periodontal regenerative medicine.  In his presentation, Giannobile described some of the studies that have been conducted at the Michigan Center for Oral Health Research, where he is director of clinical research, to illustrate examples of the progress that has been made.

Dr. Laurie McCauley, chair of the Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, said, “Jan Lindhe is truly an icon in periodontology, and that Dr. Giannobile was selected as the inaugural recipient of this award is a testimony to Will’s outstanding accomplishments in our field.”

Lindhe was a professor and chair of periodontics at the University of Gothenburg from 1969 until 2001.  In 1977, faculty at the University’s dental school elected him dean.  In 1983, Lindhe became dean at the School of Dental medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.

Giannobile is the William K. and Mary Anne Najjar Professor of Dentistry.  In addition to his extensive classroom, clinical, and research activities at the School of Dentistry and memberships in professional organizations, he is also editor-in-chief of the Journal of Dental Research, a monthly scientific journal of the International Association for Dental Research.