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TM7x, a strain of Saccharibacteria, is an ultra-small bacterium that lives in the human mouth. As an episymbiont, it depends on its host microbe, Schaalia odontolytica, for essential nutrients, making it highly specialized and seemingly incapable of surviving on its own.  Scientists at the ADA Forsyth Institute first cultured this ultra-small, episymbiotic bacterial type Saccharibacteria about a decade ago. Despite its discovery, the mechanisms that allow it to…

Clinical trial conducted at The ADA Forsyth Institute showed proof-of-concept for IR Scientific’s Sensi-IP technology  Somerville, Mass., 02/02/2025 – A clinical trial conducted by the ADA Forsyth Institute, a global leader in oral health research, demonstrated significant reduction in dentin hypersensitivity (DH) from a novel bioactive glass incorporated in a toothpaste. The first-in-human trial established the safety and efficacy of Sensi-IP, a bioactive glass technology developed by IR Scientific. Researchers…

After five consecutive years of convening the oral health ecosystem in the Boston area, the ADA Forsyth Institute sets its sights on Asia.  Dentech-Asia, taking place May 11-12, 2026, in Seoul, South Korea, will convene Asia-based innovators, investors, and industry and academic figures in oral health. The conference will be presented in collaboration with Seoul National University, following in the footsteps of dentech 2025 and a successful ongoing collaboration between the…

Root canal treatments presently offer the most effective treatment for dental infection. However, for decades, endodontists and researchers have recognized the limitations of conventional therapy and searched for novel, biologically based approaches rooted in regenerative medicine.  Researchers at the ADA Forsyth Institute have identified, for the first time, a population of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) that originate at the bottom tip of the tooth, known as…

For 27 years at the ADA Forsyth Institute, Tsute “George” Chen, Ph.D., has supported scientists throughout the world with DNA sequencing and data analysis. He’s spent his entire career at ADA Forsyth, rising through the ranks from Assistant Investigator to Research Professor.   “I look forward to exploring more data analysis approaches for oral microbiome studies…

Under the mentorship of Drs. Jessica Mark Welch and Gary Borisy, ADA Forsyth postdoctoral fellow Faranak Zolfagharlookoohi describes how CLASI-FISH imaging reveals a reproducible “hedgehog” structure within healthy human dental plaque. At the surface of these hedgehogs, Streptococcus species surround filaments of Corynebacterium matruchotii and form elegant corncob microhabitats. Because these corncobs are located at…

The oral health innovation world convened online and in person at ADA Forsyth’s new headquarters in Somerville, Massachusetts at dentech 2025 on Oct. 9 and 10. Welcoming investors, startup companies, clinicians, and other industry leaders, the conference centered on innovation in dentistry and opportunities to revolutionize patient care. This year’s summit featured a select group…

Forsyth Student Scholars prepares students for STEM careers, providing an immersive experience alongside professional researchers. For six weeks, students immersed themselves in science and technology at ADA Forsyth’s headquarters in Somerville, Massachusetts. This summer, a group of high school students entered ADA Forsyth labs to gain hands-on science experience, mentorship from leading researchers in their fields,…

Robert Coughlin has overseen some of the world’s most groundbreaking advancements in life sciences.  As President & CEO of MassBio for 13 years, Coughlin helped Cambridge’s Kendall Square become synonymous with innovation in biotechnology and biomedical research. Today, more than 120 biotech companies, large and small, dot the map of Kendall Square.  Most importantly, all…

Dr. Brett Kessler, 2024-25 President of the American Dental Association (ADA), has formed a strong partnership over the past year with President-Elect and incoming leader Dr. Rich Rosato. Together, they work to define the future of dentistry, advocating for the benefits to physical, mental, and social wellbeing that result when oral health is treated in…

New teledentistry partnership provides efficient screenings, connects children in need with dental care Somerville, Mass., 09/24/2025 – ForsythKids, a dental care outreach program supporting the mission of global oral health research and innovation leader the ADA Forsyth Institute, visits schools throughout Massachusetts, providing preventive care, oral health education, and connections to dentists. Most children need…

Dentech 2025, the premier oral health investment and innovation summit, will welcome the top decision-makers in oral health on Oct. 9-10 in Somerville, Massachusetts.  CareCapital Managing Director Dai Feng is one of those decision-makers. An influential leader in global oral health investment, he is ahead of the curve in identifying and funding technologies that will…

Beyond a first name, Michael Greeley and Michael Cima, Ph.D., share a 30-year friendship marked by innovative ideas and transformative products. During those three decades, they have collaborated in creating four biotechnology companies — T2 Biosystems, Springleaf Therapeutics, MicroCHIPS, and Taris Biomedical. The duo will headline a special panel at ADA Forsyth Institute’s dentech 2025,…

ADA Forsyth dentech™ 2025‘s signature event, the Technology Showcase & Innovation Expo, features companies that bring cutting-edge technology to the forefront. These companies produce innovations with the potential to transform oral health. In the Pitch Competition, eight finalists will present their innovations at dentech™ 2025. Presentations will be evaluated by a panel of judges comprising…

Steven DePaola could consider himself an early adopter of fluoride treatment.  Since before he was old enough to remember, his father would mix fluoride at home and paint it by hand on the teeth of his children. “Rocks,” Steven said, pointing to his teeth. “I didn’t have a cavity until I was 50 years old.”…