Dr Fabian Zurnieden receives OGI Science Award
The UW/H academic staff member was honoured for his research into the dental care of people with disabilities in assisted living facilities.
The Society for the Promotion of Oral Health of People with Disabilities, Rare Diseases and Malformations e. V. (OralGesundheit Inklusiv - OGI) of the Westphalia-Lippe Dental Association has awarded the OGI Science Prize to Dr Fabian Zurnieden. The academic staff member from the Department of Disability-Oriented Dentistry at Witten/Herdecke University (UW/H) was honoured for his research on the topic of "Assessment of dental care for people with disabilities in assisted living facilities by carers".
With the Science Award, the OGI recognises outstanding scientific work that aims to improve the oral health of people with disabilities, rare diseases or malformations. The award is intended to promote research in this often neglected area of dentistry and support innovative approaches to inclusive dental care. It is endowed with €5,000.
"The needs of people with special support needs in dentistry are often not the focus of research. With the OGI Science Award, we are sending out a signal that participation and health also begin in the mouth," emphasises Prof. Dr Andreas Schulte, Chairman of the association.
Commitment to inclusive dentistry
The OralGesundheit Inklusiv association has been committed for many years to improving oral healthcare for people who experience particular challenges due to disabilities, rare diseases or deformities. Through projects, research and political commitment, the OGI is committed to barrier-free, competent and inclusive dentistry.
The UW/H also recognised the dental care of people with disabilities as an important social responsibility early on. Since 1987, it has treated around 1,800 patients with mostly severe multiple disabilities every year. Training in disability-orientated dentistry is an integral and compulsory part of the degree programme. The Chair of Special Care Dentistry not only sets the tone in clinical research for people with disabilities, but also makes a significant contribution to their care. For several years now, the outpatient clinic has maintained a branch at the Volmarstein Foundation in Wetter, saving patients living there the often arduous journey to the dental clinic.
