A look at successful first year, future of ADA Forsyth Institute
Since the Forsyth Institute integrated with the ADA in October 2023, there has been groundbreaking research to report and an exciting future ahead.
In November 2024, researchers at AFI developed a novel imaging technique to help measure the adhesion strength between bacterial cells in the oral cavity, according to a news report from Incisal Edge. With the use of a gel as well as spatial and genomic data, the researchers were able to enhance the spaces between the bacterial cells to determine the bacterial interactions and isolate the harmful bacteria.
Additionally, AFI researchers discovered that a first-in-class, narrow-spectrum antibiotic called FP-100 can eradicate Fusobacterium nucleatum — a key pathogen that triggers the onset of periodontitis and has been linked to cancer, preterm birth and Alzheimer’s disease — without harming the oral or gut microbiomes. In a separate study, researchers pinpointed why Klebsiella is so hard to fight in hospital settings. They found that the bacteria thrived in the nutrient-deficient polymicrobial conditions common in sterile hospital environments by feeding on dead bacteria. The researchers hope to identify approaches to prevent and treat Klebsiella infections.
AFI received a $6M grant from the National Institutes of Health to design a next generation, smart filling material that will be antimicrobial and self-healing. It will offer a cost-effective, durable easy-to-use alternative to amalgam and other restorative materials.
AFI has also been developing a new certification program that will launch in fall 2025 that upholds the ADA’s high standards as it helps dentists and patients navigate the safety and efficacy of new professional products.
Researchers at the institute anticipate advances in bacteria research, salivary diagnostics and digital dentistry during the remainder of 2025.
Read more: Incisal Edge
The article presented here is intended to inform you about the broader media perspective on dentistry, regardless of its alignment with the ADA's stance. It is important to note that publication of an article does not imply the ADA's endorsement, agreement, or promotion of its content.