The ADA partnered with the Forsyth Institute to create the ADA Forsyth Institute to further the reach and scope of oral health research.

The American Dental Association (ADA) and the Forsyth Institute today announced the formation of the ADA Forsyth Institute, which brings together talent, research opportunities, and dynamic innovation prospects, dedicated to advancing oral health through scientific innovation and research.

“The new ADA Forsyth Institute will continue to advance oral and overall health through ground-breaking research and innovation,” said Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey. “The Forsyth Institute has been, and will continue to be, an integral part of the Massachusetts bio-innovation and research community. This new venture will build on more than a century of excellent work right here in Massachusetts, including the discovery of how fluoride prevents cavities.”

ADA chief executive officer Raymond Cohlmia, DDS, and Forsyth Institute chair of the board Elyse Cherry announced the Forsyth Institute’s formation at Forsyth’s annual innovation conference, Forsyth dentech, in Somerville, Mass.

“The new Institute will be a world-class leader in dentistry, defining the future of oral health through biological research, local and global public health outreach, and technological innovation,” said Wenyuan Shi, PhD, president and CEO of the Forsyth Institute. “The positive impact will be felt globally.”

The work of the ADA Forsyth Institute begins immediately with Shi leading the efforts from Boston.

“This is a historic and exciting day for champions of oral health,” said Cherry. “We believe the ADA Forsyth Institute will accelerate the pace of scientific discovery and innovation for generations to come.”

“The ADA Forsyth Institute combines the ADA Science and Research Institute and the Forsyth Institute. It will immediately change the landscape for oral health research and innovation,” said Cohlmia. “Oral health is integral to overall health, and this combination of mindshare will bring technology and healthcare advances to patients at a global scale. Together, we will improve lives through transformative research that starts in the lab and ends with improving patient care in the dental chair.”

The ADA Forsyth Institute will be at the forefront of research while continuing the important work ADASRI led to date, such as the first complete map of every cell in the oral cavity, the development of Food and Drug Administration-recognized standards for nearly every tool of dentistry, the creation of evidence-based guidance to inform treatment of patients and the ADA Seal of Acceptance program, maintaining the rigorous product evaluation criteria trusted by dental professionals and consumers alike.

“This is an incredible opportunity to advance the aligned missions of the ADA and Forsyth,” said Linda Edgar, DDS, president of the ADA. “The Forsyth Institute has a long and storied history of scientific leadership and a dedication to making people healthier. Looking toward the future, we’re excited to see the many ways the ADA Forsyth Institute will carry on that legacy.”