Kristie CerutiAccording to ADA.org’s Michelle Manchir, the ADA is hosting a first-of-its-kind meeting in October about current issues involved in genetic testing and the expectations for genetics in dentistry.
Academicians, dental practitioners, regulatory bodies and leaders of professional dental organizations are encouraged to attend the conference scheduled for Oct. 28-29 at the Association Headquarters in Chicago.
The purpose of the conference is to develop guidance for interested parties that can be used to inform and assess the design and analysis of genomic studies of oral diseases, according to conference co-chairs, Dr. Daniel Meyer, ADA Chief Science Officer, and Dr. Michael Glick, editor of The Journal of the American Dental Association and professor of oral medicine and dean of the School of Dental Medicine at the University at Buffalo.
Dr. Thomas Hart, program coordinator for the conference and chair of the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs, said the conference is important because it will be the first time renowned genomic experts have come together to discuss pressing issues related to genetic testing in the context of dentistry. Dr. Hart is also the director of the ADA Foundation Dr. Anthony Volpe Research Center.
“They will discuss significant changes in our understanding of genomics and how genes contribute to disease,” Dr. Hart said. “Additionally, they will discuss the issues that the dental community needs to understand to develop and implement safe and effective genetic tests to improve clinical care.”
Dr. Hart added that many challenges dentists face in incorporating genomics into clinical practice are shared by clinicians in other areas in medicine.
At the conference, “we will see that we are not alone in facing these challenges, and that by working together and sharing experiences we will succeed,” Dr. Hart said.
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