Northern region industrial & dental network program

BERTAM, 12TH AUGUST 2020: Advanced Medical & Dental Institute (AMDI), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has hosted an industry and dental network programme between USM and the dental supplier in the northern region. In conjunction with COVID-19 safety measures, this programme was held in a closed ceremony at the Advanced Research Centre, AMDI. This event was the first dental-industry collaboration programme, jointly organized by Division of Industry & Community Network (BJIM USM), AMDI Craniofacial & Biomaterial Sciences Cluster, and AMDI FBS and SR, AMDI. The director of AMDI, Prof. Dr Syed Azhar Syed Sulaiman, did the honour to officiate the event. It was also attended by the director of BJIM USM, Assoc. Prof. Dr Yeoh Fei Yee, Mr Hong Jia Hurh (School of Materials & Minerals, USM) and representatives from the industry, Mr Keyur Patel and Mr Timothy Thum of Bio3D Asia company, as well as dental officers from around the state.

The first communication session was commenced with a briefing on Public-Private Research Network funding, which was delivered by Assoc. Prof. Dr Yeoh Fei Yee. The session was continued with talks in three respective fields in Dentistry, featuring three lecturers from Craniofacial & Biomaterial Sciences Cluster. The Head of Cluster, Assoc. Prof. Dr Siti Noor Fazliah Mohd Noor highlighted her research discovery on the application of dental pulp stem cells and Bioglass material in dentistry. This material has the potential for bone substitution and anti-inflammatory property. Dr Fatanah Mohd Suhaimi delivered a detailed explanation on the application of different types of laser in dentistry. Eventually, Dr Anis Farhan Kamaruddin spoke about the current trend and future development of reinforcing the properties of orthodontic archwires.

The next communication session was carried on with the briefing from the industry counterpart. Mr Hong Jia Hurh supplied the audience with the information on the 3D application in dentistry. Bio3d Asia representative, Mr Keyur Patel, has further explained the concept of applying digital dentistry in diagnostics, planning treatment, to the printing of devices. The program ended with an exciting live demonstration on the use of intraoral scanner by Mr Timothy Thum. Participants were given opportunities to experience the use of the intraoral scanner. The use of this scanner is not only restricted to producing digital images which could save materials and storage, but the wow factor is its caries detection programme. This unique programme eliminates the need for dental radiographs in detecting caries and subsequently the radiation exposure to the dental staff and patients. The event was concluded at around noon.