Straumann-botiss YoungProAward goes to Andreas Pabst

The first Straumann-botiss YoungProAward in Regenerative Dentistry was presented on 4 December to Andreas Pabst, at the botiss bone & tissue days event in Salzburg, Austria. The award was presented by Dr Drazen Tadic, Managing Partner of botiss biomaterials and Dr Dirk Probst, Head of Biomaterials Product Management at Straumann.

The Award is a bi-annual prize worth €10 000 and was created by Straumann and botiss to foster and encourage the development of young dental professionals in the field of regenerative dentistry. It is open to all dental professionals under the age of 35, including practitioners, hygienists, students, and researchers. Applicants are invited to submit original work that contributes to the advancement of oral tissue treatment/care and can feature basic, clinical and applied studies, practical work experience, techniques, case studies etc. The submissions are judged by a team of internationally recognized experts, academics and clinicians in the field.

The winner

Andreas Pabst, DMD, is a resident in Oral- and Maxillofacial surgery at the Federal Armed Forces hospital in Koblenz, Germany. He holds a degree in dentistry and one in medicine from the University Medical Center Mainz, where he is currently a researcher and doctoral student.

The winning entry and its clinical relevance

Entitled 'In-vitro and in-vivo characterization of biocompatibility and biomechanical properties of a new acellular collagen matrix (mucoderm®)', Dr Pabst's winning entry concerns research into the use of tissue-graft products for regenerating gum tissues.

Soft tissue augmentation is still one of the main challenges in implant and periodontal therapy. While autografts (i.e. grafts from the patient's own tissue) are used successfully, the procedure causes significant discomfort and inconvenience for the patient including pain and swelling. It may fail because of inflammation or other complications and is not always possible. A promising alternative is offered by mucoderm, which is a purified natural collagen-elastin matrix, suitable for a diverse range of soft-tissue grafting indications.

Dr Pabst's work included a series of tests that demonstrated biocompatibility of the graft material and revascularization of the tissue, with no cytotoxic or inflammatory reactions. He also examined the biomechanics and re-hydration of mucoderm, which is supplied in a dry state. His work and results give clear insights into the clinical application of the material and were commended by the jury for their clinical implications and relevance.

About Straumann

Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, the Straumann Group (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 tissue regeneration products for use in tooth replacement and restoration solutions or to prevent tooth loss. Including its Neodent business, the Group currently employs approximately 3400 people worldwide and its products and services are available in more than 70 countries through its broad network of distribution subsidiaries and partners.

About botiss biomaterials

Based in Berlin, botiss biomaterials is Europe's second largest supplier of oral tissue regeneration products. Its full range of clinically proven, high quality solutions includes membranes for guided tissue and bone regeneration, a full range of bovine, allogenic and synthetic bone-graft materials, as well as soft-tissue-graft products. botiss biomaterials is a fast-growing entrepreneurial company, whose products are used in leading clinics across Europe and are backed by many years of clinical experience. The company prides itself in innovations, such as its maxgraft® bonering for simultaneous implant placement and bone augmentation, as well as the maxgraft® bonebuilder, a bone block customized for individual patients.

botiss bone & tissue days

Several botiss bone & tissue days events are held each year in Europe and Asia 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.