Researchers from the UConn School of Dental Medicine and the American Dental Association Forsyth Institute (AFI) recently joined together at the Innovation Partnership Building in Storrs for the inaugural Synergy Retreat.

The goal of the Synergy Retreat is to foster collaborations in research, education, and technology development between the two institutions, leveraging strengths, and recognizing their shared commitment to scientific innovation, translational research, and dental education.

“I hope that today is the first of many, many opportunities for our collective communities to interact, collaborate and work together to ensure that the future of science and the future of research in dental medicine is bright,” said Dr. Steven Lepowsky, dean of the School of Dental Medicine in his welcome remarks.

The ADA Forsyth Institute is a top-tier NIH-funded research institute that is focused on exploring the connections between oral health and overall well-being.

Dr. Wenyuan Shi, chief executive officer of ADA Forsyth, said “UConn and Forsyth have been the two true powerhouses when it comes to oral health, research and innovation in the past 50 years. I am confident that there are so many great things we can generate out of this retreat.”

The retreat included oral presentations from both ADA Forsyth and UConn faculty and a poster session at which trainees presented their work. The researchers also participated in breakout group discussions that focused on research collaborations in different areas and opportunities to jointly provide education and training for the next generation of researchers. The retreat concluded with a presentation of action items by each breakout group.

“As I look out at the room and I see the young faces, it gives me so much hope for the future of research and oral health,” said Dr. Jonathan Knapp, 1^st District Trustee of the ADA and UConn alumnus. “We need to stand firm on science as a basis for what we do, now more than ever.”

Ms. Kathlene Gerrity, executive director of the Connecticut State Dental Association, was also in attendance and expressed her support.

The Synergy Retreat was organized jointly by Dr. Rajesh Lalla, associate dean for research at the UConn School of Dental Medicine, and Dr. Felicitas Bidlack, senior director of research affairs at ADA Forsyth.

Support was provided by Ms. Laura Didden and Ms. Gina Saccone from the School of Dental Medicine Research Office and Mr. Michael Mazzaferro, director of external affairs and development at ADA Forsyth. The retreat was supported by a donation from CareCredit.