The Eastman celebrates 60 years of excellence in treatment, training and research

Working alongside its partner, The Eastman Dental Hospital, the Institute has gone from strength to strength since it was established in 1948 to provide dental treatment for London's poor.

Today, as well as providing specialist clinical care for patients, researchers at the Eastman undertake cutting-edge research - looking at ways to repair and regenerate damaged or diseased human tissue, and developing innovative new ways to combat infection.

Their research achievements include developing light-activated agents that target and kill organisms such as MRSA, as well as soluble glass fibres that can be used during surgery to help regenerate muscles and ligaments.

They are also developing agents derived from common foods and beverages that can reduce the build-up of bacteria on teeth, reducing the risk of dental care and disease. In addition, their work has shown that oral health can play a significant part in other diseases, such as heart attack and stroke - some of the UK's biggest killers.

Alongside conducting internationally renowned research, the Institute is the largest postgraduate dental academic centre in Europe, currently involved in the education and training of some 13,000 dentists and dental care professionals from all over the world. Many postgraduates have gone on to specialist positions around the globe, and have retained strong collaborative links with the Institute.

Professor Nikolaos Donos, Head & Chair of Periodontology and Head of the Division of Clinical Research at the UCL Eastman Dental Institute, said: "The Institute and the Hospital work flexibly as a team, with a common goal: to improve treatment for patients through high level research and education."

Senior members of both organisations - past and present - will be outlining their ground breaking research and treatments at a two day professional congress that marks the 60^th anniversary, held on 3-4 April 2008.

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Notes for Editors

1. Journalists seeking more information, or interviews with the researchers quoted, can contact Ruth Metcalfe in the UCL Media Relations Office on tel: +44 (0)20 7679 9739, mobile: +44 (0)7990 675 947, out of hours: +44 (0)7917 271 364, e-mail: r.metcalfe@ucl.ac.uk

2. More information about the Eastman's anniversary can be found at: http://www.eastman.ucl.ac.uk/eastman60/index.html

3. High resolution images of the Eastman from throughout its 60 year history are available from UCL Media Relations.