The American Dental Association has opened registration for Navigating the Sea of Genomic Data, scheduled for Oct. 28-29 at the organization’s headquarters in Chicago. Admission is $295, and attendees can earn 10.25 continuing education credits.
The conference’s goal is to develop a framework for guidance that can be used to inform and assess the design and analysis of genomic studies of oral diseases. It will mark the first time that renowned genomic experts from a variety of medical and dental organizations will come together to discuss pressing research, academic, and clinical issues related to genetic testing in the context of oral health care, organizers said.
“The conference is open to all professional communities of interest, including clinicians, scientists, expert opinion leaders, regulators and industry stakeholders,” said Dr. Daniel Meyer, ADA Chief Science Officer and conference co-chair. “The program is designed to collect, share disseminate the most up-to-date information to help address current research questions, clinical challenges and patient care issues.”
Dr. John Ioannidis, a professor at Stanford University and a leader in genomic and genetic research, will provide the keynote. Other speakers include will Dr. John Barnard, PhD, head of biostatistics at the Cleveland Clinic; Dr. Teri Manolio, MD, PhD, director of the Division of Genomic Medicine at the National Human Genome Research Institute; Dr. Robert Wildin, MD, chief of the Genomic Healthcare Branch at the National Human Genome Research Institute; Dr. Cecile Janssens, PhD, professor of Epidemiology at Emory University; and Dr. Debra Regier, MD, PhD, and incoming director of genetic and genomic education, Children’s National Health System.
“They will discuss significant changes in our understanding of genomics and how genes contribute to disease,” said Dr. Thomas Hart, program coordinator for the conference and chair of the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs. “Additionally, they will discuss the issues that the dental community needs to understand to develop and implement safe and effective genetic tests to improve clinical care.”
Five travel grants for post-graduate dental students also are available. The application form is available on the Task Force on Design and Analysis in Oral Health Research’s website, taskforceondesign.org, by clicking on “News Items” or “Education Programs.”
