At the botiss bone & tissue World Congress in Berlin, the 2016 Straumann-botiss Young Pro Award in Regenerative Dentistry was presented to Vítor Marques Sapata, MSc. Currently a Research Scholar at the University of Zurich, Vítor Sapata is from Maringá, Brazil. He received the Award from Dr Drazen Tadic, Managing Partner of botiss biomaterials and Frank Hemm, Head Customer Solutions & Education at Straumann.
The Award is a bi-annual prize worth €10 000. Created by Straumann and botiss, its aim is to foster and encourage the development of young dental professionals in the field of regenerative dentistry and dental biomaterials research.
The winner of the competition
Vítor Marques Sapata, MSc., from Maringá, Brazil, is a Research Scholar at the University of Zurich Clinic for Fixed and Removable Prosthodontics and Dental Material Science in Switzerland. He holds a Master's degree in Dental Science from the State University of Maringá in Brazil and completed a Periodontology Residency at the same faculty. He is in private practice in his hometown and a PhD student at the University of São Paulo, Brazil. Vítor Sapata is also a member of the academic network of the International Team of Implantology (ITI).
The winning entry and its clinical relevance
The subject of his work was localized bone regeneration around dental implants using biological mediators. By testing the influence of biological mediators for bone regeneration around dental implants, the study sought to demonstrate if and how the use of biological mediators could improve predictability and reduce morbidity. The biological mediators (rhPDGF-BB or rhBMP-2) demonstrated better performance at the initial phase of bone regeneration. The study also revealed that following a full healing period, no differences in bone regeneration were found compared to the use of bone substitute material alone.
Prof. Michel Dard, Global Medical Director & Head of Medical Affairs at Straumann, commented: "Vítor Sapata conducted a systematic study addressing the critical topic of bone regeneration around dental implants, with the most recent investigative methods. Since there is neither reproducible nor reliable surgical procedure to fill up certain bone defects – particularly when voluminous and non-contained – he proposes supplementing bone substitutes with growth factors, i.e. tissue development-enhancing chemical substances in order to improve the efficiency of Guided Bone Regeneration. His contribution in an acute and controversial research domain offers arguments to an educated use of growth factors in clinical practice and contributes to a novel approach in the field of Guided Bone Regeneration."
The winning submission will be published on STARGET DIGITAL, where international clinical cases by experienced users and renowned clinicians, expert interviews, scientific reviews, information on products, events and education as well as multimedia content are available. The aim of STARGET DIGITAL is to keep its readers up-to-date in the fast-changing world of modern dentistry.
About Straumann
Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Straumann (SIX: STMN) is a global leader in implant, restorative and regenerative dentistry. In collaboration with leading clinics, research institutes and universities, Straumann researches, develops and manufactures dental implants, instruments, prosthetics and biomaterials for use in tooth replacement and restoration solutions or to prevent tooth loss. Straumann currently employs approximately 3600 people worldwide and its products and services are available in more than 100 countries through its broad network of distribution subsidiaries and partners.
About botiss biomaterials
botiss biomaterials is a leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of biomaterials for oral tissue regeneration. Its comprehensive range of high-quality, clinically proven solutions includes membranes for guided tissue and bone regeneration and soft tissue reconstruction, as well as a full range of bovine, allogeneic and synthetic bone substitute materials. The products are used world-wide in over 100 countries and are supported by both clinical studies and many years of clinical experience. botiss stands for constant innovations and an education/science-based cooperation with leading institutions and clinicians.
About the Straumann-botiss Young Pro Award
Dental practitioners, students, researchers, etc., under the age of 35 may compete for the prize by submitting original work that contributes to the advancement of treatment/care or research in regenerative dentistry. Submissions can feature basic, clinical and applied studies, practical work experience, techniques, case studies etc. A team of internationally recognized experts, academics and clinicians in the field have judged the submissions.
botiss bone & tissue days
The botiss bone & tissue days are a unique congress form, so far 22 regional BTDs and three World Congresses have successfully taken place in over 18 countries, attracting leading scientists and practitioners in the field of periodontology and implantology. The events are a popular educational platform for sharing and exploring the latest techniques in bone and tissue regeneration in interactive lectures and hands-on workshops.
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Wednesday, 21 January, 2026