During his visit, Professor Van Dyke delivered a guest lecture titled “Can Periodontal Diseases be Cured, or Just Managed?” to an audience of students, faculty, and professionals. His presentation focused on recent research into lipoxins and resolvins – endogenous molecules that play a key role in the resolution of inflammation. These findings offer promising perspectives for the treatment of periodontal disease, as well as systemic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The visit also marks the beginning of a collaborative research project between Professor Van Dyke and Associate Professor Maria Balta from the Department of Periodontology. The project will evaluate the effect of a new lipoxin-containing mouth rinse on inflammation around dental implants. Balta highlights the importance of referrals of suitable patients to support recruitment within in the faculty.
– It was a pleasure to host Professor Van Dyke in Oslo, and to have the opportunity to strengthen our collaboration. This project reflects our shared interest in the biology of inflammation resolution, says Balta, who also collaborates with Professor Trond Hansen at the School of Pharmacy in this research area.
– Hosting Professor Van Dyke is both an inspiration and a recognition of the academic level we have achieved. The EFP accreditation for our specialist program obtained in 2022, and this visit, reflect our growing engagement in the international periodontology community – and it’s particularly encouraging to see colleagues like Maria Balta taking an active role in building these important collaborations, says Odd Carsten Koldsland, Head of the Periodontology Program.