Dr. Albert Guckes, associate professor in the UNC School of Dentistry's
department of prosthodontics, received the National Foundation for
Ectodermal Dysplasias' John E. Gilster, DDS, Outstanding Service Through
Dentistry Award at its recent 25th anniversary gala.
Also assistant dean for admissions and predoctoral education at the
school, Guckes was honored for his commitment to the oral health of
individuals affected by ectodermal dysplasia syndromes and for his
outstanding contributions to the foundation. Ectodermal dysplasia
syndromes constitute a group of about 150 heritable disorders that
affect the ectoderm, which is the outer layer of tissue in a developing
baby.
Guckes conducted the first prospective clinical trial of dental implants
in individuals with ectodermal dysplasia while at the National Institute
of Dental and Craniofacial Research, a component of the National
Institutes of Health. He continued his interest in managing the
prosthodontic treatment of people with ectodermal dysplasia after coming
to the UNC School of Dentistry in 1994.
A member of the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias'
Scientific Board from 1993 to 2002, Guckes currently is a consultant to
that organization. His major clinical and research interests include:
implants to replace congenitally missing teeth, the effectiveness of
prosthodontic treatment and computer applications in dental education.
The foundation was founded in 1981 as a support group for families
affected by one of the ectodermal dysplasia syndromes. The foundation
provides information to affected families, financial support for dental
treatment and grants for research projects related to ectodermal
dysplasia syndromes.
