Dr. Fabian Zurnieden wins OGI Science Prize for inclusive dentistry!

Dr. Fabian Zurnieden wins OGI Science Prize for inclusive dentistry!

On May 13, 2025, the OGI Science Prize was awarded by the Society for the Promotion of Oral Health for People with Disabilities, Rare Diseases and Malformations. V. (OralGesundheit Inclusive – OGI) to Dr. Awarded to Fabian Zurnieden. Dr. Zurnieden is a research associate in the Department of Dentistry for the Disabled at the University of Witten/Herdecke (UW/H). His outstanding research into dental care for people with disabilities in assisted living was recognized with this prestigious award.

The OGI Science Prize, which comes with prize money of 5,000 euros, aims to support remarkable scientific work that improves the oral health of people with disabilities, rare diseases or malformations. Prof. Dr. Andreas Schulte, chairman of the society, highlighted the important role that research plays in taking into account the needs of people in need of support in dentistry.

Research and engagement

OralGesundheit Inclusive has been committed to improving oral health care for people with disabilities for many years. This is done through various projects, innovative research and political engagement. The importance of this work is underlined by the fact that the UW/H has treated around 1,800 patients every year since 1987, mostly with severe multiple disabilities.

Training in disability-oriented dentistry is an integral part of studying at the UW/H. The Chair of Dentistry for the Disabled makes a significant contribution to clinical research and provides more effective care for this vulnerable group. The UW/H outpatient clinic also operates a branch at the Volmarstein Foundation in Wetter to make it easier for patients to travel to the dental clinic.

Submission of work

The OGI Science Prize is available until the end of 2024 and is aimed at scientific work that supports people with intellectual disabilities. These include topics such as basic research, prevention and treatment of malignant tumors in the mouth and jaw area, as well as dental care for spastically paralyzed and/or mentally disabled people. Anesthesiological concerns are also relevant.

All dentists, doctors and scientists working in Germany are eligible to participate. Work can be submitted digitally as a PDF file, either on CD or by email. The deadline for applications is December 31, 2024, and submissions should be sent to the OralGesundheit office.

The work is assessed by the society's scientific advisory board, and the board decides by majority on the award of the prize, whereby legal recourse is excluded.

In summary, it can be said that this award not only goes to Dr. Zurnieden's personal achievement, but also signals a significant step towards improving dental care for people with disabilities in Germany. This initiative could play a crucial role in promoting the oral health of these people in the future. More details about the price can be found in the reports from University of Witten/Herdecke, and provides specific information regarding submission requirements ZM Online.