Help the IADR Celebrate A Milestone

The IADR’s 2020 Centennial Celebration honors the historic advancements and scientific discoveries over the past century that provide the foundation for tomorrow’s science.

Throughout the Centennial, we will be highlighting the accomplishments of the greatest contributors to craniofacial, oral and dental research worldwide, and we want to hear from you too!

Tell us your story of dedication and discovery – in the form of email, video, blog post, social media post, and/or photographs – to help your peers learn firsthand about your achievements and breakthroughs in dental research.

Your personal stories may be featured here on the IADR Centennial website, on our social media, in the Global Research Update and in press releases for the event. They may also be recognized on-site at the IADR General Session in 2020 and at the Centennial Gala.

Visit www.iadr.org/shareyourstory to learn more about how to send us your submission, and check out the stories below for inspiration!

If you would like to include music, audio, photos/images or video in your Share Your Story submission, please make sure you have the proper rights to use the media you supply.

  • “I've been an IADR member since 2004, when I was a second-year dental student. My very first IADR experience was in Hawaii, where I got to present my research at a meeting – and it was a really great experience!”

    Donald Chi
  • “My first presentation was at the IADR Japanese Division meeting in 1964. At that time, it was very difficult to be a member of IADR. We needed at least two papers written in English and recommendations from two IADR members. When I worked as a research associate at the Center for Human Growth and Development at the University Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA, I became a member of IADR and presented a paper at the meeting in New York, USA in 1970.

    There are two big events that are great IADR memories for me. One memory was when I participated as the Local Organizing Committee Chair for the 2001 IADR General Session in Makuhari, Chiba, Japan. Another memory was when I was an IADR Board Member from 2005-08 and we had the 2007 IADR General Session in Brisbane, Australia under my presidency. Let’s encourage young scientists to be IADR members and present their research at the IADR General Session!”

    Takayuki Kuroda
    Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
  • “I've been a member of the IADR for over 50 years… [their meetings] were an important motivating factor in my going into research.”

    Robert Genco
    (1938–2019)
  • “I attended my first IADR as a graduate student and was amazed to meet in person the people whose literature I was reading and citing, and to find out that they were real genuine people, and that they would actually talk to you and provide guidance. This organization has always been about the people and it is the main reason so many of us keep coming back, year after year.”

    Jack L. Ferracane
  • “Throughout my professional life the IADR played a major role in networking, meeting colleagues (of whom many have become good friends to me), and above all, providing the most important forum for presenting my results. This remains the case even today. [The] dental research community is after all a fairly small group of dedicated people, which makes the IADR feel like home to me.”

  • “I had the opportunity to participate in the 90th General Session of the IADR, where I presented a poster in 2012. In this institution I found a source of inspiration and knowledge that promotes research to improve oral health throughout the world; which motivated me to make new studies and publications with different teams to spread knowledge in our country and create smiles based on quality science.”

    Katty Rios Villasis, Peruvian Division

    “Sam Yankell, Bom Emling, and Steve Siegel at an IADR session in San Antonio, TX”

    Steve Siegel
  • “Since [the founding of IADR], dental, oral and craniofacial research has been carried out and considered as a leading source of scientific information in an integral part of health science. IADR members should be proud of these accomplishments.”

    “The 1970s saw the emergence and blossoming of the field of neuroscience and its applicability to understanding the neural and related processes that underlie numerous functions in humans and animals. Dental neuroscientists Ronald Dubner (then at the US National Institute of Dental Research) and Barry Sessle (University of Toronto) considered it would be important to have such a focus in IADR, so in the mid-1970s they approached the then Secretary-Treasurer of IADR (Dr. A.R. Frechette) for advice on establishing an IADR Neuroscience Group.”

  • “My IADR membership is invaluable, and I love to engage with passionate researchers at affiliated events.”

  • “[While at] the National Institute on Aging, and through interaction with IADR colleagues with similar interests in aging, I helped form the new IADR Geriatric Oral Research Group. I also became more involved in the IADR Governance Committees, which gave me a greater connection to the greater IADR research community. It also underscored the importance of the IADR as the preeminent dental and oral health research organization.”

    Marc Heft
    Professor & CROHA Director
    University of Florida College of Dentistry

    “It is a great pleasure to contribute the IADR Centennial. Let's celebrate our past together and launch our future!”

    Neshka Manchorova
  • “In 1992 I was [elected to the position of] vice-president of IADR. Although it would take too long to list them all here, every member of the joint Board during my eight years provided conscientious service to the well-being of the organization. I always learned from them during our meetings and other functions, and greatly valued their friendship as well as their expertise.”

    “IADR was integral to my future career in academic dentistry and dental research. My first IADR meeting was in Atlantic City in 1957, where I presented a paper on the research for my master thesis....”

  • “Recently, I was very saddened by the news of Bob Genco's death. Bob and I first became acquainted in the 1980s when he received an initial grant to study periodontal disease in Pima and Papago Indians, and I was head of the Indian Health Service dental program. At the time, I didn’t realize what a respected researcher he was, but I immediately warmed to him as someone who was passionate about research and discovery yet very unpretentious. Our paths crossed many times over the ensuing years as his research progressed and the experience gave me an inside peek at the power of dental research - and the value of organizations like the IADR and AADR which I not only joined but was privileged to serve for 11 years.”

    Robert J. Collins, DMD, MPH
    Clinical Professor, University of Pennsylvania
    Member and past Deputy Executive Director, IADR/AADR
  • “This photo is very important in my life because it was taken at the IADR in Toronto, together with my good friend Jo Frencken and a colleague, Dr Ilze Maldupa from Latvia, who came to ask to my poster. Then we stayed in touch and eventually fell in love, got married and now we have two beautiful daughters. We are still dedicated to research.”

    “Some of the special characteristics of IADR that make it such a successful Association include: It is very focused on its missions; its organizational structure is simple and effective with a strong volunteer ethos and strong bonds existing within and between the various scientific groups and divisions. To many of us, who have been involved in IADR over the years it has become part of our lives.”

  • “In my opinion, IADR has the best congresses as organization, participation and topics.
    I have learned a lot, I have met people who I would like to thank for their expertise and support in my research and teaching activity and I have interacted with many colleagues who have become my friends.”

    Maria Greabu, IADR member since 2009
  • “My experience of IADR, over at least 40 years, has been both from a scientific research and educational research standpoint. That's what has been the defining point, the variety of opportunities and experiences and friendships. It has been enjoyable and inspiring to be part of the global IADR family.

    In my early days, I was involved in pioneering the development and application of novel quantitative techniques to the early cytopathological diagnosis of oral malignancy. In particular, the application of these techniques to cytological smears collected from normal, pre-malignant and malignant oral mucosa. This journey extended over 20 years and presenting at IADR and networking with colleagues from across the globe was rewarding and exciting.

    Over the last 15 years, my research has evolved into the field of education, in its broadest context. In particular, I have investigated the continuing education of clinicians and researchers not only in dentistry but across other healthcare sectors, globally. IADR has facilitated not only my oral and poster presentations but also my symposia, lunch and learn and workshops promoting life long learning and support for trainees as they progress through their undergraduate and postgraduate clinical and research training opportunities.

    I've worked with dedicated colleagues and I have met and networked with many others because of my membership of IADR.”

    Johnathan Cowpe

    “As a graduate student at the University of Rochester in 1961, I attended my first IADR meeting in Chicago in 1961 where I was able to meet my first contact with the University of Alberta, Canada’s Dean of Dentistry that was to lead to my academic career for the next 58 years.

    My career in teaching and research was initiated with Michael Buonocore (Eastman Dental Center) who invented the acid etch technique of adhering filling materials to prepared tooth cavities that revolutionized restorative dentistry. This led to the publication of the initial research in this field: “Effect of different acids on the character of demineralization of enamel surfaces” (JDR 42:707-723; 1963).

    My subsequent career in the field of craniofacial development led to the publication of several editions of “Craniofacial Embryology” (Dental Practitioner Handbook, John Wright & Sons) 1973, 1976, 1981, 1989, with Japanese (1976), Indonesian (1991) and German (1992) editions. Subsequent editions were published with an expanded title: “Craniofacial Embryogenetics and Development” in 2008, 2010 and 2018 with Steven Sperber as co-author.

    As the Secretary/Treasurer of the Craniofacial Section of the IADR from 1990-1997, I subsequently served as Secretary/Treasurer of the Society of Craniofacial Genetics and Developmental Biology (2004-2011), who conferred a “Distinguished Service Award” in 2019.

    I have been honored with a Dr. Med Dent (honoris causa) degree by the University of Witten-Herdecke, Germany (2002) and appointed to a Fellowship in the International College of Dentists (1992 )and Fellowship in the Royal Society of South Africa (1987).

    An annual “Geoffrey Sperber Lectureship” has been established by the School of Dentistry, University of Alberta (2017).”

    G.H. Sperber, BSc(Hons),BDS, MSc, PhD, FICD, FRSSAf
  • “[The IADR General Session] 2018 in England was a great experience to learn about the latest advances in scientific research today, exchanging knowledge and friendship with researchers around the world, expanding my research perspectives in all areas, especially in dental education, and allowing me to improve my activity as a teacher and researcher. Happy 100 years IADR! And may many more come. Success!”

    L. Dahiana Alfaro C., IADR Peruvian División

    “IADR is an important part in the history of my career as an Associate Professor of Periodontology at Bauru School of Dentistry –University of Sao Paulo - Brazil. My first IADR meeting was in 1997 as an attendee and undergraduate student. I became anxious to present my work in the next meetings. Then, it became a neverending journey. My Scientific initiation researches were presented in Vancouver - 1999, Washington - 2000, San Diego - 2002. I presented my master thesis in Honolulu - 2004, and my Doctorate thesis in Toronto -2008. This year I proudly presented my thesis, from the exam to become an associate professor, in Vancouver - 2019. It was a history of learning, new experiences, extension of networking. Now this history is being transferred to my students. I am so grateful to IADR and it’s important role to my scientific life!”

    Carla Andreotti Damante
  • “My first experience in IADR was in San Diego in 2011, as a graduate student. Since 2011, I have participated in all IADR meetings (except 2014, when I left Brazil, moved to Canada to spend one year at University of Alberta as a PhD visitor and was unable to go to South Africa). IADR has provided me the chance to share my research and to learn from other researchers. I have contributed to IADR as a chair in poster sessions and as a member of the Regional Development Program Committee.”

    Lucas Guimarães Abreu, DDS, MSc, PhD

    “My first IADR meeting was 1966 in my hometown of Miami Beach, with my first oral presentation the next year in San Francisco. I sized up the collegial field of dental materials and saw many vacuums. My career explored these vacuums with contributions in areas which made me a better teacher of dental students. The Dental Materials Group used to be the most rigorous because it required a written manuscript for our microfilms/microfiches. IADR is my most important membership, now pushing 54 years, attending all domestic and many foreign meetings.”

    Lawrence Gettleman
  • “My first steps working as a researcher were inspired by the Journal of Dental Research. I always thought if one day I could reach that level of thinking. After meeting Dr. Marc Heft and Ann, his adorable wife, in 2012 IADR event, my life changed. I realized that discipline, hard work, critical thinking and social skills are the routes to climb the peak.”

    Ana Mafla, Colombian division, member since 2006

    “The first IADR that I attended was in San Diego 2011, during which I presented my very first systematic review as a poster presentation. At the time, I was a post-doctoral associate at UFMG in Brazil. Since this time, my research has been incorporating Evidence Based Dentistry and systematic reviews. During the academic year of 2017-18, I completed a second post doctoral study at McMaster University in Canada, where I developed a network meta-analysis of desensitizing toothpastes for patients with dentin hypersensitivity. Since my first IADR, I have since attended meetings as a presenter and as a chair of the poster session. During my attendance this year (2019), I was fortunate to have received the prize of the IADR University of Manchester Evidence-Based Dentistry Award for my research on toothpaste network meta-analysis. Being part of IADR has given me a chance to disseminate my research, increase my professional network, engage in new collaborations, and learn from other researchers. I’m glad to attend IADR and look forward to future meetings. Happy 100th Birthday!”

    Carolina Castro Martins
    PhD & Professor, Dental School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil
  • “I'd like to join other scientific groups in celebrating the IADR and their centennial of the IADR. We are very excited about the future of dental research and especially orthodontics research. We are very hopeful that we can bring science to advance patient care. I'd like to congratulate all on this achievement.”

    Mani Alikhani, DMD, MS, PhD, CTOR Academy & Harvard School of Dental Medicine
    Cristina Teixeira, New York University College of Dentistry

    “It was 1982 and I was listening to Marie Nylen during the IADR opening ceremony. Her thoughtful comments, passion and dignified view of dental research really touched me. I knew then that I wanted to be totally immersed in dental research, the IADR and someday become its President. I was fortunate to realize that last dream in 2007.”

    Stephen C. Bayne, B.A., M.S., PH.D.
    83rd President of the IADR
  • “I am a member of the IADR since I was a dental student. I find the IADR as a professional family that provides members great opportunities to learn, collaborate, network and work together to promote oral health worldwide. Through the networking and various activities of the IADR I have gained many research collaborations, working relations and deep friendships around the globe.”

    Liran Levin, DMD, FRCD(C), FIADT, FICD

    “I have been associated with this prestigious organization since 2006. In 2010, we took this initiative to bring IADR to Pakistan, for which we got approval in March 2011. Being founding member of IADR Pakistan Section, I took the responsibility of promoting the cause of IADR in Pakistan. Since then we have been regularly organizing annual conferences and research seminars from the platform of IADR. Although financial restraints and logistic deficiencies continually hampers our progress but we are determined to overcome these issues. We have been taking full advantage efficiently from this organization and will play our role to expand the benefits of IADR to countries like Pakistan.”

    Abdul Samad Khan
  • “When I joined IADR, the thing that stood out about IADR is the amazing opportunities for young investigators. There are numerous opportunities for recognition for excellent science from oral presentations, competitions, awards and fellowships. The NSRG provides leadership opportunities where I was able to serve as an officer. IADR is such a friendly and collaborative environment where you make career-long relationships and can continue to be involved. I always come away with new directions for my research and new friends to collaborate with.”

    Hope M Amm
  • “I attended my first IADR British Division meeting in Edinburgh in 1964 and while a graduate student I made my first oral presentation, on histochemical changes in irradiated rat salivary glands, material that became part of my PhD thesis. I was persuaded to attend, then to join by my wonderful mentor at the Royal Dental, Harry Blackwood. So I have been an Association Member for well over 50 years. At that small meeting I was able to mingle and meet with most of the main players in UK dental science, many of whom became lifelong colleagues and friends. I attended those sessions yearly and went to my first AADR/IADR session in Washington DC in 1973 during my year as a visitor at UCSF, presenting on the Sjogren’s work I was doing with Troy Daniels and Norman Talal. When Deborah and I and our two children moved permanently to San Francisco and UCSF in 1976, I was soon sucked into AADR activities by Erni Newbrun and Gunnar Ryge – local Section membership and leadership, AADR Councilor and doing orals and symposia.. At about that time Roy Page urged me and Ralph Mackenzie to start the Experiment Pathology Group, in about 1983, later renamed the Oral Medicine and Pathology Group and I was elected founding President. From AADR Council I was elected to the AADR Board and learned the leadership processes of AADR/IADR. Bill McHugh nominated me for AAADR VP and I did my AADR President-Elect talk in Montreal in 1988, partly in French, with a lot of help! After AADR President I was allowed a break, during which time Deborah served as AADR Treasurer, then I was elected to the IADR Officer sequence, serving as President in 1996-97. As our interests broadened into Global Oral Health from about 2004, I joined David Williams’ efforts in that area and was elected founding President of the Global Oral Health Inequalities Research Network. It would be hard to exaggerate the influence that IADR has exerted on me, impossible really, because of just how ubiquitous it has been throughout my career -- mentorship, role models, chances to disseminate our work (for example the AIDS work starting in about 1983) and to learn about that of colleagues from all over the world, recruiting talent to our group and School, exposure to science from fields beyond ours are just some examples. And then of course the friendship. Friendships that have stretched decades; friendships that have given us so much; friendships that bring tears to the eyes as I remember the now many beloved colleagues who have passed on.”

    John Greenspan

    “I have been an IADR member since 2013. My first presentation was during the 2nd annual meeting of Tunisia IADR section. It was my first presentation in a scientific congress. I was supervised by Dr. Latifa Berrezouga and I had a good experience. In 2017 I won the local Hatton Competition Award were I presented my study about oral candida carriage in PLWHA.

    I’m the treasurer of the Tunisian section. I’m also a winner of the Emerging Leaders Award. It is a great honor for me to be elected for this title. I am proud of this achievement and I’m grateful for IADR who encourage people working in the dental and craniofacial field around the world. My mission is to contribute to the improvement of dental research in my country.

    I’m engaged to encourage students and colleagues to join IADR by exchanging my experience. I will also work on the involvement of our section in the IADR group networks, social exchanges, innovation and dental research programs.

    HAPPY HUNDRED YEARS IADR 😊.”

    Dr Amira Besbes
    IADR member