FINDOS Symposium 2019 - experts in cranial and maxillofacial surgery gathered in Turku
The 10th FINDOS Symposium, organised by the Finnish Doctoral Programme in Oral Sciences (FINDOS-Turku), was held at the Institute of Dentistry at the University of Turku on 9.–10.5.2019. Talks were given on craniofacial reparative surgery, and on how new biomaterials, use of 3D modelling techniques, and advancements in stem cell research enable increasingly better patient outcomes.
The FINDOS Symposium is an annual event with changing, current topics introduced by leading researchers and experts. This year, the focus was on research and future prospects in the field of cranial and maxillofacial reconstruction.
The event was opened by UTU Institute of Dentistry researcher, adjunct professor Niko Moritz, with a talk on challenges in the biomaterials research and development undertaken at the Institute. Adjunct professor, expert in traumatology and chiroplasty Nina Lindfors gave a talk on the history, research and clinical uses of bioglass, specifically in the field of orthopaedics. Adjunct professors, specialists in maxillary surgery Patricia Stoor and Johanna Snäll shed light on the principles of 3D modelling and its use in reparation of injuries and congenital deformities of the face.
Adjunct professor, specialist in maxillary and plastic surgery Junnu Leikola spoke, among other things, on the effects of delays in cranial surgeries on the brain development of children. Adjunct professor, specialist in maxillary surgery Riitta Seppänen-Kaijansinkko scoped research on the use of stem cells in maxillary reconstruction.
The main speakers on Friday, May 9, were professor and expert in oral and maxillofacial surgery Max Heiland (Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlind), and adjunct professor, specialist in plastic surgery Patrik Lassus (Helsinki University Hospital). Professor Max Heiland gave a thorough presentation on head and neck reconstructive surgery, with emphasis on the improvement in results effected by 3D modelling techniques and advances in biomaterials development. The first face transplant operation in Finland was completed by associate professor Patrik Lassus and his team in 2016, the second in 2018. Patrik Lassus spoke of the years of preparation and licensing processes preceding the operations, and gave emphasis to the multidisciplinary cooperation required for their completion.
The two days of the FINDOS Symposium saw undergraduate and graduate students, doctoral researches and clinical experts from all Universities in Finland gathered in Turku. The Symposium was supported by several actors in the field.