Align Technology has established a university-centric research award program to further the development of clear aligners for the treatment of malocclusion, or misalignment of teeth.
The new Clear Aligner Research Award Program is designed to promote both clinical and scientific research in clear aligner therapy, the company said in a press release.
Eligible applicants include full-time university faculty involved in orthodontic scientific research and non-orthodontic scientists whose work may contribute towards the improvement of clear aligner therapy.
"Breakthroughs in orthodontic treatment with clear aligners over the past decade have enabled aligners to be used for a wider range of patients, including younger patients and those with more severe malocclusion," said Eric Kuo, D.D.S., M.S., Align's vice president of clinical technology, in the release. "Through this program, we hope to facilitate greater understanding and advancement of the scientific processes behind clear aligner therapy."
As part of its commitment to continued innovation and the advancement of clear aligner orthodontic therapy, under the program, Align will invest up to $100,000 per year for scientific research, with two funding options available to qualified orthodontic faculty:
-- One-year funding option: up to $25,000 per year
-- Two-year funding option: up to $50,000 (maximum of $25,000 per year)
Applications for funding can be downloaded from http://www.aligntechinstitute.com/ResearchAwards. Completed applications must be e-mailed to [email protected] by 5:00 p.m. PST on March 15, 2010. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions by April 30, 2010. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
