Fogorvosi szemle, 2005 (98. évfolyam, 1-6. szám)

2005-09-01 / Supplementum

FOGORVOSI SZEMLE ■ 98. évf. Supplementum, 2005. 13-14.

Dental School, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland

Role of IADR in Promoting Research

Relevance to Central Europe/Hungary

DR. CLARKSON, JOHN J. PAST-PRESIDENT OF IADR

This paper considers the role of IADR in promoting research as well as the relevance of this for Central Europe and Hungary. A brief outline of the need for oral health research is presented. The role of IADR in promoting research is addressed by looking at the three missions of the Association. Specific programmes aimed at supporting research in developing countries through a Regional Development Programme are outlined. Collaboration and partnerships with FDI, WHO and industry are considered, as is the need to develop a global research agenda. The structure and membership of IADR serve as a sound foundation for research development. Communication of research through lADR’s scientific meetings and publications is an important component of research development and promotion.

The 200 existing members of IADR in Central Europe form a strong base for increasing membership, promoting young researchers, hosting scientific meetings and for collaboration with other Divisions and colleagues in Europe.

Key words: IADR, promoting research, oral health

Introduction

On behalf of the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) I wish to congratulate the Faculty of Dentistry, Semmelweis University, on its 50th anniversary. The Faculty has a strong reputation for teaching, service and research and it is an honour to be part of this special occasion.

Background

The subject of my presentation is the Role of IADR in Promoting Research and its Relevance to Eastern Europe and Hungary. In order to cover this topic I am going to look at the following: the need for oral health research; the missions of IADR and how these relate to research promotion and finally I will discuss a potential role for Eastern Europe and Hungary in promoting research.

Need for Oral Health Research

In a recent report by WHO and in a subsequent publication, Dr. Poul Erik Petersen [2] outlined the challenges and research needs for oral health for the 21st century. Dental caries is still a major public health problem with 60-90% of children and the majority of adults affected in developed countries. It is expected that the incidence of dental caries will increase in African countries, especially as sugar consumption also increases.

Severe periodontitis, which may result in tooth loss, is found in 5-15% of most populations. Tobacco use is a major risk factor for this disease. Recent studies linking periodontal disease with general systemic conditions continue to be investigated. The fact that periodontal disease has implications for oral health and also for general health makes it important that research and health promotion is applied to control this condition.

Oral cancer is also related to the use of tobacco and also to excessive consumption of alcohol. Its prevalence is high among men and is now the eighth most common cancer, and is therefore a very serious health issue. There are many other conditions and also many areas of biomedical research where oral health research can contribute to the knowledge base. Oral diseases remain among the most prevalent conditions affecting humans and many subgroups of populations are disproportionally affected. So there is a strong case for the promotion of oral, dental and craniofacial research

Role of IADR

The three primary missions of IADR [1] are:

1. To advance research and increase knowledge for the improvement of oral health worldwide;

2. To support and represent the oral health research community;

3. To facilitate the communication and application of research findings.