The October 12, 2007 symposium sponsored by the School of Dentistry and Minnesota Dental Association was attended by over 100 dentists who heard a call for collaboration of practitioners, researchers, educators and dental payer plans to improve the research data base and refine the application of evidence-based dentistry to patient-centered dental care.

Senator Dave Durenberger provided a background on policy challenges facing health care, as well as his personal experience with dental care through his life. Dr. Sheila Riggs, Delta Dental of Minnesota; Dr. Fred Eichmiller, Delta Dental of Wisconsin; and Dr. Craig Amundson, HealthPartners Dental Group described ways that evidence-based dentistry is affecting their organizations. Dr. Gary Anderson, School of Dentistry faculty member, provided introductions and moderated the follow-up panel. The speakers’ PowerPoint presentations are provided below.

• Dr. Gary Anderson, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry
• Senator Dave Durenberger
• Dr. Sheila Riggs, Delta Dental of Minnesota
• Dr. Fred Eichmiller, Delta Dental of Wisconsin
• Dr. Craig Amundson, HealthPartners Dental Group