A new use for an existing material

TAMBCD professor receives Academy of Osseointegration honors for clinical innovation

One of Dr. Amirali Zandinejad’s favorite aspects of dental education is the opportunity it gives him to think out of the box, especially when it comes to research.

It’s what led the director of the college’s Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency program to combine a time-tested restorative material — ceramics — with a growing technology, 3-D printing. While printing resin and metal with this technique, known as additive manufacturing, is common, printing ceramic is a novel concept. The method lends nicely to highly customizable restorations, many of which are used in tandem with dental implants.

Zandinejad started this research while a faculty member at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry, where, with team members, he had the concept and design patented. This work will continue through a pilot study that recently commenced at Texas A&M University Baylor College of Dentistry. TAMBCD faculty, including Dr. Amerian Sones, director of continuing education and assistant AEGD director, are collaborating on the project.

Zandinejad’s work to date, “Reducing Biomechanical Failures in Implant Dentistry with Innovative Design and Fabrication Technique,” garnered international attention on Feb. 20, when he was recognized with the Best Clinical Innovations award during the Academy of Osseointegration annual meeting in San Diego.