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The ADA Forsyth Institute

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The ADA Forsyth Institute

Welcome to The ADA Forsyth Institute, the only independent research institute in the country specializing

Founded in 1910 as a dental infirmary for disadvantaged children, the Forsyth Institute has a proud history of not just meeting the oral health needs of kids – but exceeding the traditional limits of oral medicine. In the mid-1900s, researchers at Boston-based Forsyth revolutionized the oral health profession when they discovered the connections between dental decay and bacteria. Building on these revelations, the Institute has become an independent research organization dedicated to advancing human health and well being through scientific discovery and education. Although our hallmark is the study of oral health, our focus has widened over time to include the investigation of such diverse areas as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and regenerative medicine. We have adopted this multidisciplinary research approach in order to analyze and prevent the severe systemic ramifications of oral infections. The world's most trusted authority in our field, we have a reputation for redefining convention – and we've made a century-long commitment to the community. Our work has inspired our profession to re-examine the scientific basis for oral disease. Today, the gifted scholars from around the globe who join our quest are dedicated to achieving a new generation of breakthroughs in oral health and disease prevention. Forsyth, an independent non-profit organization, is affiliated with Harvard School of Dental Medicine and Harvard Medical School and has collaborations with university and research organizations around the world.

01/06/2026

We recently spoke with Holger Willems of Relu about the continued digitization of dentistry and how digital workflows, data, and imaging can enable more personalized, consistent, and scientifically validated care at a greater scale. Holger offers a perspective shaped by how these technologies come together to expand access, consistency, and impact across oral health care.

At ADA Forsyth, we value perspectives that connect technology, research, and access to care, helping us think more holistically about the exciting ways that oral health can evolve in the years ahead.

12/23/2025

A new ADA Forsyth microbiology study presents a novel approach to microbial imaging, introducing a sectioning-based fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technique that enables spatial visualization of microbial communities in greater detail.

While preserving biofilm architecture, the new approach allows visualization of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in a single biofilm by physically sectioning embedded biofilms.

The study from Professor Jessica Mark Welch and Research Professor Gary Borisy’s lab enables researchers to observe how the oral microbiome organizes itself in states of health or disease. ADA Forsyth researchers Jennifer Gundrum and Tabita Ramirez-Puebla conducted the study, which is published in Microbiology Spectrum.

Read the full article here: https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/spectrum.02001-25

12/05/2025

A newly identified population of dental pulp stem cells may lead to advances in regenerative endodontic treatment.

Presently, root canals offer the most effective treatment for tooth infection. However, for decades, endodontists and researchers have recognized the need for biologically based treatments rooted in regenerative medicine.

The study – led by ADA Forsyth scientists including Prof. Wei Hsu, Ph.D., Prof. Takamitsu Maruyama, Ph.D., and lead author Shinichiro Yoshida, Ph.D. – shows that stems cells originating at the bottom tip, or apex, of a tooth rapidly multiply and rise to the site of tooth injury.

“The more we uncover about how these cells act and what controls them, the closer we get to creating regenerative treatments that can truly maintain live human tooth,” said Dr. Maruyama.

Other collaborators includ Eri Maruyama, Ph.D., and George Huang, Ph.D., of University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

Learn more: https://forsyth.org/newly-identified-dental-pulp-stem-cell-population-holds-potential-for-regenerative-endodontic-alternative-to-root-canals/

12/04/2025

Congratulations to Dr. Richard Rosato on beginning his term as President of the American Dental Association! We caught up with Dr. Rosato during dentech 2025 to talk about how technology and AI are reshaping every part of dental practice, from patient engagement to diagnostics and treatment.

At ADA Forsyth, we’re inspired by leaders like Dr. Rosato who are driving innovation and ensuring technology enhances both the patient experience and clinical excellence.

Learn more about how you can partner with us and our technology development services here: https://forsyth.org/technology-development-services/

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving from ADA Forsyth! 🦃

Today, we’re especially grateful for a year of meaningful opportunities to work together toward a healthier future. This year we’ve settled into our new building and continued making progress by convening the oral health ecosystem through one-of-a-kind events and community outreach. All of this has been powered by cutting-edge science, despite a uniquely challenging research funding landscape.

Most of all, we are deeply thankful for our sponsors and supporters. Your commitment supports our mission to advance global health, accelerate oral health innovation, and support the dental profession through basic research, translational science, clinical innovation, education, and global public health outreach.

Wishing you a joyful and restful holiday!

11/19/2025

Oral health is evolving fast — we’re proud to pioneer what’s next. We’re inspired by leaders and companies around the world who share our commitment to advancing the science of dentistry.

At dentech 2025, we sat down with Dai Feng, Managing Director of CareCapital, a global investment group driving innovation across dental technologies, clinical services, and consumer health. We discussed where innovation is headed, from regeneration and periodontal science to the technologies shaping the next era of oral health.

11/18/2025

It’s official, ADA Forsyth dentech is expanding to Asia, with our next destination set for Seoul, South Korea 🇰🇷

Dentech has always been global in reach, but this marks an exciting new chapter as we bring the full dentech experience – programming, connections, and innovation – to an international stage.

Stay tuned — more details coming soon. We couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead!

11/17/2025

ADA Forsyth scientists joined colleagues from Seoul National University earlier this month for the third annual SNU-AFI Joint Symposium in South Korea. The symposium provided a platform for researchers from diverse fields to connect, share insights, and foster collaboration.

AFI scientists presented and participated in sessions spanning across five themes: Oral-Brain Axis, Nutrition and Immunology, Materials and Bioengineering, Disruptive Technologies, Shaping Future Dentistry, and a Startup Pitch segment.

A huge thank you to SNU for hosting our researchers!

11/11/2025

Why do some kids get cavities while others don’t — despite the same diet, environment, and hygiene? 🦷

Postdoctoral fellow Dr. Amisha Parekh in Dr. Felicitas Bidlack’s lab at the ADA Forsyth Institute uncovers how genetics and the oral environment shape the strength and resilience of tooth enamel, revealing why some teeth stay protected while others break down.

Learn more about the Bidlack Lab’s work: https://forsyth.org/bidlack-lab/

11/04/2025

Oral health is entering an exciting new era. At ADA Forsyth, we’re helping lead that transformation—working alongside innovators and partners who share our passion for advancing dental science and care.

At dentech 2025, we spoke with David Kochman, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Henry Schein, Inc., a global leader in healthcare solutions for dental and medical professionals. He shared insights on how oral health is becoming central to overall health, and how the hygiene visit has the potential to transform into a true gateway to whole-body wellness.

10/30/2025

We’re excited to bring you a new episode of Ambush Science, our ongoing ADA Forsyth series where we surprise scientists with a quick Q&A to give you an exclusive look at their research.

Today we visited Dr. Jirun Sun, an AFI researcher leading efforts to design the next generation of dental materials. Dr. Sun and his team are developing tougher, longer-lasting dental resins by combining innovative research with the power of artificial intelligence. By rapidly analyzing large datasets, AI and machine learning not only speed up testing and development but also predict how new materials will perform—helping researchers move from concept to clinical application much faster. This approach even opens the door to tailoring material properties to meet the specific needs of individual patients.

This groundbreaking work may lead to not only more durable restorations but also smarter, patient-specific treatments in dentistry.

Visit our website to learn more about ADA Forsyth’s innovative oral health research, and stay tuned for more episodes of Ambush Science!

10/29/2025

Discovering the hidden architecture of dental plaque! 🦷

Under the mentorship of Drs. Jessica Mark Welch and Gary Borisy, ADA Forsyth Postdoctoral Fellow Faranak Zolfagharlookoohi, DDS, 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 surface of the hedgehog structure, they may represent the first layer of dental plaque where oral pathogens can gain a foothold. Mapping these communities could help us model the full architecture of healthy dental plaque biofilms and develop strategies to maintain the plaque in a healthy state and prevent disease.

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245 1st Street
Cambridge, MA
02142

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 6pm
Thursday	9am - 6pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

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https://forsyth.org/join-our-mailing-list/, https://www.forsyth.org/

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