Dental, craniofacial stem cells

NEW YORK, New York--The First International Conference on Dental and Craniofacial Stem Cells will take place April 27-29, 2011, at the New York Academy of Sciences in New York CIty.

The conference will be an assembly many of the world’s most prominent scientists in the field of dental and craniofacial stem cells, as well as the emerging field of regenerative dental medicine.

More than 300 participants from scientific research, industry, and government agencies such as NIH and FDA will assemble to encourage cross-disciplinary alliance and foster a collegial atmosphere to catalyze the advancement of dental and craniofacial stem cell research.

The conference will be led by Dr. Jeremy Mao of Columbia University, Dr. Darwin Prockop of Texas A&M Medical Center, and Drs. Pamela Robey and Nadya Lumelsky of the NIH.

“The teeth and the face harbor stem cells, just like virtually all other regions of the body; however, stem cells from the teeth and the face have special properties that make them unusual, if not unique, in some cases,” said Dr. Mao.

“Dentistry is undergoing a transformation from restorative, such as drilling and filling, to regenerative. This conference represents the first dedicated gathering of stake holders from the scientific community, industry, and government officials who fund and regulate regenerative technologies.”

Current studies show that dental stem cells are poised to significantly impact treatments that run the gamut from dental implants to reconstructive surgery since researchers have been able to regrow teeth and jawbone.

Moreover, dental stem cells demonstrate tremendous promise in advancing the field of regenerative medicine, which continues to make important strides in addressing degenerative conditions, disease, congenital anomalies, trauma, and organ repair and replacement.

To register for the conference, go to dental.columbia.edu/ICDCSC/ or send an e-mail to [email protected].

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