Guckes is honored for outstanding contributions to national ectodermal dysplasia organization
Dr. Albert Guckes, associate professor in the department of prosthodontics at the UNC School of Dentistry, received the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias’ John E. Gilster, DDS, Outstanding Service Through Dentistry Award at its recent 25th anniversary gala.
Guckes, also assistant dean for admissions and predoctoral education at the school, was honored for his commitment to the oral health of individuals affected by ectodermal dysplasia syndromes and for his outstanding contributions to the foundation. Ectodermal dysplasia syndromes constitute a group of about 150 heritable disorders that affect the ectoderm, which is the outer layer of tissue in a developing baby.
Guckes conducted the first prospective clinical trial of dental implants in individuals with ectodermal dysplasia while at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, a component of the National Institutes of Health. He continued his interest in managing the prosthodontic treatment of people with ectodermal dysplasia after coming to the UNC School of Dentistry in 1994.
A member of the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias’ (NFED) Scientific Board from 1993 to 2002, Guckes currently is a consultant to that organization. His major clinical and research interests include: implants to replace congenitally missing teeth, the effectiveness of prosthodontic treatment and computer applications in dental education.
The NFED was founded in 1981 as a support group for families affected by one of the ectodermal dysplasia syndromes. The NFED provides information to affected families, financial support for dental treatment and grants for research projects related to ectodermal dysplasia syndromes.
