Nobel Biocare enters strategic academic partnership with College of Dentistry of King Saud University
Nobel Biocare and the College of Dentistry of King Saud University announced an agreement for developing a predoctoral curriculum that includes implant CAD/CAM based dentistry.
The partnership agreement marks the twentieth academic institution that has joined the Nobel Biocare supported University Partner Program. This peer-to-peer program provides: latest scientific treatments expertise, clinical competency development, high-tech educational tools, and support academic institutions that aim to develop or introduce into their undergraduate curricula implant restorations and CAD/CAM dentistry concepts.
“Nobel Biocare’s efforts in collaborating with the world of academia are unparalleled. We are looking forward to a mutually beneficial relationship that will bear fruit in the shape of a graduating dentist equipped with an even higher level of expertise in dental care,” remarks Prof. Abdullah S. Al Yahya, Dean of the College of Dentistry.
King Saud University, College of Dentistry is currently in the process of upgrading its undergraduate dental curriculum, so “the timing of this partnership could not be more ideal,” remarks University Program Director for the College of Dentistry, Dr. Esam A. Tashkandi. “With this program, we plan on strengthening the standard of dental care for the entire Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
Since its inception in 2005, the University Partner Program has supported the development of predoctoral curricula in leading academic institutions around the world – these include 20 of the largest dental schools in Europe, the United States, China, and Australia.
“Nobel Biocare looks forward to this important partnership and is pleased to support the first, largest and leading dental college in the Arab Gulf region, King Saud University College of Dentistry,” says Dr. Robert Gottlander, Nobel Biocare Executive Vice-President. “Their goal of introducing implant restorations and CAD/CAM at the undergraduate level demonstrates the commitment to stay at the forefront of latest scientific treatment possibilities.”
College of Dentistry of King Saud University
The College of Dentistry in King Saud University was founded in 1975 and was the first dental school established in the Arab Gulf region. For 33 years, it has been the pioneering source of highly competent oral health professionals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The College has produced 1500 graduates of which the majority has obtained postgraduates from renowned universities all over the world. King Saud Postgraduate Program so far has produced 120 graduates.
The College’s faculty consists of 147 full-time (47 hold PhD) and 20 part-time members, and 27 clinicians. Teaching encompasses both conventional and modern dentistry techniques. With the Partnership Program, dental implant education, traditionally taught at the postgraduate level, will soon be included in the seven-year undergraduate curriculum, also including a one-year internship program
NOBEL BIOCARE HOLDING AG
Nobel Biocare is a medical devices group and the world leader in innovative esthetic dental solutions with its brands Brånemark System®, NobelReplace™, NobelSpeedy™, NobelPerfect®, NobelDirect®, Replace Select, (dental implants), Procera® (individualized dental prosthetics), NobelGuide™ (complete patient rehabilitation program) and NobelSmile™ (patient education and awareness program). Nobel Biocare is a one-stop shop for restorative esthetic dentistry, offering a wide range of innovative Crown & Bridge & Implant products, as well as training and education, patient information and clinically documented treatment concepts. Nobel Biocare has over 2,100 employees and recorded revenue of EUR 601 million in 2006. The Company is domiciled in Zurich, Switzerland with headquarters in Zurich and in Gothenburg, Sweden. Production takes place at five production sites located in Sweden, USA, and Japan. Nobel Biocare has direct sales organizations in 34 countries. The shares of the parent company Nobel Biocare Holding AG are listed on the SWX Swiss Exchange and on the Stockholm Stock Exchange, Sweden.