Saudi dentists given medals for innovative technique

RIYADH: The Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions presented a gold medal to Abdullah Bugshan Chair’s research team who was studying the catalytic factors of bone building, receiving an honorary certificate from the judging committee that is awarded only to a very few exceptions whose innovations are of a high degree of excellence and interest. This is the highest honorary degree granted on such an occasion.
This award was given due to the positive results of research initiated by the chair since 2003. At one stage, researchers discovered that they could use a new catalyst for the rehabilitation of nerves of the teeth without the need for the usual work of treating nerves, especially for young people, in addition to materials covering the nerve as well as measuring the amount of protection formed above the nerve. This is the first medical discovery in this field on a global level.
The supervisor and head of the research team was Dr. Khalid Al-Huzaimi, assistant professor at the Department of Preventive Dental Medicine. He is also consultant in the treatment of roots and nerves, dental gum surgery and dental implants at the Faculty of Dentistry at King Saud University and visiting professor at the University of Southern California.
The other members were Dr. Khalid Al-Fawzan, a health consultant for the treatment of roots and nerves of the teeth at the National Guard and Military Hospital; and Dr. Mansour Al-Askar, a master's degree student at Tufts University near Boston.
The team members won several international awards and earned advanced positions in several exhibitions and conferences with their research, including at the Malaysian Exhibition of Innovation 2012, where they received the gold medal for team research. Al-Huzaimi pointed out that this wide interest from research and scientific centers is evidence of their scientific achievements and the future that awaits this innovation once applied to patients. This usage is the first of its kind in the treatment of roots and teeth nerves that may allow for retaining the nerves of the teeth instead of removing them.
Al-Huzaimi also said that the importance of this accomplishment lay in the new therapeutic method that was given to the patients and proven clinically effective and largely successful. He added that the research and efforts spanned more than eight years beginning in 2003, and all phases of research were done within the Kingdom, such as in the labs and clinics of King Saud University and the National Guard Hospital.
He emphasized that this accomplishment was also due to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah who led a scientific renaissance in the country and supporting scientific research and as well as university cities across the Kingdom. He also thanked Crown Prince Naif, deputy premier and minister of interior.
Coauthor Al-Fawzan said this scientific discovery was the first in this area and is the fruit of close and strong cooperation between King Saud University and the chair of Abdullah Bugshan.
“I would like to take this opportunity to extend thanks and appreciation to King Saud University for its support of clinical research that has helped to make this scientific discovery known to the world,” he said, adding that King Saud University attached great interest to health and considered it an investment for future generations.
Al-Fawzan also said the research team had brought this accomplishment and presented it to King Abdullah for his support and sponsorship of scientific research.