Groundbreaking Dental Research Receives Major Funding from AAI Grant

University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine leads innovation in denture care

In a significant stride towards revolutionizing denture care, the Anschutz Acceleration Initiative (AAI) has awarded a portion of its $50 million commitment to nine distinguished projects, with Jeffrey Stansbury, PhD, and his multidisciplinary team at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (CU SDM) being among the top recipients.

Stansbury, the senior associate dean for research at CU SDM, expressed his excitement, stating, “This is the biggest grant that I’ve ever received, both in terms of the dollar amount and the complexity of the internal and external partnerships that will be necessary to make it a success.”

The team’s focus is on bridging the gap in denture care, particularly targeting adults in poverty. Their initiative, fueled by the AAI grant, aims to introduce novel technologies that promise affordable and high-quality dentures.

Revolutionary Technologies Transforming Denture Care

Stansbury’s team is integrating two groundbreaking dental technologies developed independently on the CU Anschutz Medical Campus.

1. 3D Inkjet Printing with Strong Photopolymers: The team has developed exceptionally strong, tough, and wear-resistant photopolymers suitable for 3D inkjet printing. This innovation allows the rapid production of high-performance dentures in a single-step process, enhancing stability, longevity, and customization for individual patient needs.
2. Antimicrobial Photocurable Polymers: The second technology involves photocurable polymers that selectively eliminate streptococcus mutans bacteria, addressing common issues like strep and biofilm formation in dentures. These materials possess wound-healing characteristics, potentially enhancing the healing process in the mouth.

A Path to Clinical Application

Stansbury emphasized the clear path to moving this research to clinical application. The team, having formed small companies from their individual research, is well on its way to engaging with clinical applications. The first-generation 3D inkjet-printed dentures are expected to be produced in early 2024.

The collaboration with Myerson dental manufacturing company has led to the development of a new 3D inkjet printer, to be launched at the Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting in February.

Transforming Dental Laboratories and Education

This breakthrough promises to significantly reduce the time required for dental laboratories to produce fixed or removable complete dentures. The CU SDM, being the first dental school to possess this capability, will dedicate an in-house inkjet printer exclusively for clinical use, benefiting CU Dental patients. Faculty, students, and residents will undergo training in the school’s digital dentistry program.

CU SDM Dean Denise Kassebaum expressed enthusiasm, stating, “This initiative exemplifies our commitment to advancing dental research and improving patient care.”

Towards Affordable and Accessible Denture Care

With a focus on affordability, clinical value, and cutting-edge technologies, Stansbury and his team are poised to reshape denture care. The AAI grant not only propels their research forward but also underscores the commitment to patient-centric dentistry and healthcare innovations at the CU School of Dental Medicine.

Author: Laura Ramsey
Source: CU Anschutz Today