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Walia recognized for advancing endodontic techniques

by Cindy Abole
Public Relations
Sixteen years after announcing a significant breakthrough in dental biomaterials research, dentistry professor and endodontist Harmeet D. Walia, DDS, will be recognized for developing a tool that improves endodontic treatment and instrumentation.

Dr. Harmeet Walia

Walia will receive the 2005 Ralph F. Sommer Award for developing a state-of-the-art metallurgy file, a tool used in root canal treatments. Sponsored by the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), the award honors the author of a publication of special significance to the science and art of endodontology.

It recognizes Walia’s early contributions in the 1980s as a biomaterial science resident working under the guidance of Marquette University material science engineer William Brantley, Ph.D.

“It is a great honor for me to be recognized by AAE,” said Walia, who joined MUSC’s College of Dental Medicine in 2003. 

As an endodontist, Walia diagnoses and treats pathosis within the root canal system of teeth. He is currently developing the next generation of root canal instruments, for which he holds a patent.

Early in his career, Walia searched for ways to combine his love for dentistry with materials engineering. He also wanted to introduce new technology to specialized dentistry, particularly in clinical tools and instruments. Working with advanced metal composites, Walia discovered a way to replace the standard stainless steel files used by specialists. The lightweight, pliable nickel-titanium files are used to shape a tooth’s root canal. 

“Incorporating this high quality composite tool serves a dual purpose,” Walia said. “Being flexible, it can bend easily around the natural curve of a root canal. A second benefit is the tremendous decrease in procedural errors that used to occur previously with the stiffer stainless steel instruments.”

The change eventually improved endodontic practices and made significant clinical implications for practitioners and their patients throughout the world, Walia said. Currently, more general dentists worldwide perform root canal treatments than ever before since the introduction of nickel titanium instruments freeing specialists to handle more difficult procedures.

Walia published his research in 1988. He said the paper became the most cited paper in the endodontic field and is the gold standard of care, affecting the development of improved dental instrumentation worldwide. 

The AAE is an international, non-profit organization of endodontists and professionals committed to professional advancement, education and training in endodontic dentistry while providing the best patient care. 

Friday, Sept. 3, 2004
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