Stiftung Innovative Zahnmedizin (SIZ – Foundation for Innovations in Dentistry) aims to improve dental health in Germany, in particular by promoting prevention and micro-invasive treatment of caries. The SIZ supports training and research in dentistry.

The SIZ holds an annual competition for the Dental Innovation Award (DIA), an award for case studies, ideas or concepts for innovative non-invasive or micro-invasive caries management in Germany.

Applications are accepted in the following categories:

1. Case presentation for minimally invasive dental preservation: Case studies of non- or micro-invasive dental treatment and individual caries risk assessment, including primary and secondary prevention.
2. Innovative ideas or products: Innovative ideas or new products which will have an effect on clinical practice in dentistry.
3. Innovations from practice: Innovative treatment concepts based on minimal intervention and scientific findings, as well as innovative concepts developed at a dental practice.

For Category 1 and 2, eligible are newly qualified and qualified doctors and dentists working at a dental practice, institution of higher education, or in the public health sector. For Category 3, eligible are qualified practitioners working at a dental practice.

The award value is €10,000. If two submissions are chosen as winners, the prize money may be shared.

(This Bulletin article was the subject of a ResearchConnect news alert.)