Tag: Dental Innovation Excellence Award

Johanna Gaß | Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by WSA Awards

Dr. Johanna Gaß | Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Private Practice, Germany

Dr. Johanna Alexandra Gaß, M.Sc., is an emerging expert in periodontology, implant therapy, and aesthetic restorative dentistry, recognized for her evidence-based approach and scientific precision. She completed her Doctorate in Medicine (magna cum laude) at the University Hospital Heidelberg, where her research focused on the prognostic relevance of genetic signatures in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma—an interdisciplinary study bridging molecular oncology and clinical outcomes. Her academic foundation is strengthened by a Master of Science in “Parodontologie und Implantattherapie” from the Dresden International University (DIU), awarded with highest distinction. Professionally, Dr. Gaß has gained extensive clinical and research experience through her work in leading dental and periodontal practices in Frankfurt and Berlin, combining clinical excellence with innovative methodologies in advanced implantology and minimally invasive periodontal therapy. Dr. Gaß has contributed several peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals such as International Journal of Cancer and Clinical Advances in Periodontics, alongside conference presentations at prestigious national meetings including the DGParo Annual Congress. Her research on ceramic veneer restorations in periodontally compromised patients and cathepsin-related mechanisms in periodontal disease demonstrates her ability to integrate translational research with clinical applicability. With growing scholarly recognition, her academic output includes multiple collaborative works with leading clinicians and researchers across Germany, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary integration between basic science and clinical dentistry. Her research and clinical practice focus on digitalization in dental workflows, regenerative periodontal therapy, and personalized treatment planning—fields central to the modernization of oral healthcare. As a B. Braun Foundation Scholar and Young Speaker for the ARPA Foundation, she has demonstrated leadership and commitment to advancing professional education. Dr. Gaß’s contributions extend beyond the clinic, influencing dental science through research, teaching, and innovation, aimed at improving global oral health outcomes and promoting sustainable, patient-centered dentistry.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

  1. Bäumer, A. M., Riemer, C. T., Büsch, C., Körner, G. A., & Gaß, J. A. (2025). Patient satisfaction among periodontally stable patients with veneer restorations—A retrospective study. Clinical Advances in Periodontics.

  2. Gaß, J. A., Büsch, C., Körner, G. A., & Bäumer, A. M. (2023). Ceramic anterior veneer restorations in periodontally compromised patients: A retrospective study. Clinical Advances in Periodontics.

  3. Plath, M., Gaß, J., Hlevnjak, M., Li, Q., Feng, B., Pastor Hostench, X., Bieg, M., Schroeder, L., Holzinger, D., Zapatka, M., et al. (2021). Unraveling most abundant mutational signatures in head and neck cancer. International Journal of Cancer, 148(1).

Dr. Johanna Gaß’s work bridges scientific research and clinical innovation in periodontology and implant therapy, advancing evidence-based, minimally invasive treatments that enhance long-term oral health outcomes. Her integration of digital dentistry, regenerative approaches, and translational research fosters global progress toward personalized, sustainable, and patient-centered dental care.

Travis Nelson | Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by WSA Awards

Dr. Travis Nelson | Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

University of Washington, United States

Dr. Travis M. Nelson, DDS, MSD, MPH, is a distinguished pediatric dentist and academic leader with extensive expertise in clinical practice, research, and education. He earned his BA from Walla Walla College in 2003, DDS from Loma Linda University in 2007, and MSD/MPH from the University of Washington in 2010. Currently a tenured Associate Professor at the University of Washington, he has held multiple academic appointments, including Clinical and Tenure-Track Associate Professor, Chair of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Interim Predoctoral Director, Graduate Program Director, and Acting Chair, demonstrating strong leadership and commitment to advancing pediatric oral health education. Dr. Nelson’s professional experience is complemented by his service on the medical staff at Seattle Children’s Hospital and active involvement in professional organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Western Society of Pediatric Dentistry, and American Dental Education Association. His research interests focus on pediatric oral health, early childhood caries prevention, dental sedation and anesthesia, and improving access to dental care for children with special needs. He has authored 37 publications with 521 citations and an h-index of 12, reflecting significant contributions to the scientific literature. Dr. Nelson is highly skilled in clinical pediatric dentistry, procedural sedation, dental public health research, and interdisciplinary program development. His numerous awards and honors include the Law Lewis Endowed Chair, multiple UW Pediatric Dentistry Resident Teaching Awards, Jerome B. Miller “For the Kids” Award, recognition as a Top Dentist by Seattle Metropolitan Magazine, and multiple national and international research fellowships and scholarships. He has also mentored numerous graduate students and residents, guiding impactful research projects on pediatric sedation, dental behavior, and preventive care. Overall, Dr. Nelson’s career exemplifies a seamless integration of clinical excellence, innovative research, and educational leadership, positioning him as a leading figure in pediatric dentistry whose work continues to advance knowledge, improve clinical outcomes, and foster the development of future dental professionals.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

  1. Nelson, T. M., Berg, J. H., Bell, J. F., Leggott, P. J., & Seminario, A. L. (2011). Assessing the effectiveness of text messages as appointment reminders in a pediatric dental setting. Journal of the American Dental Association, 142(4), 397–405.

  2. Nelson, T. M. (2011). The key to caries prevention. Dimensions of Dental Hygiene, 9(7), 48–50, 52–53.

  3. Nelson, T. M. (2012). The consequences of convenience. Dimensions of Dental Hygiene, 10(2), 30–32, 34.

  4. Nelson, T. M. (2013). An improved interim therapeutic restoration (ITR) technique for management of anterior early childhood caries. Pediatric Dentistry, 35(4), 124–128.

  5. Nelson, T., & Nelson, G. (2013). The role of sedation in contemporary pediatric dentistry. Dental Clinics of North America, 57(1), 145–161.

Dr. Travis M. Nelson’s work advances pediatric oral health by improving early childhood caries prevention, optimizing sedation and anesthesia protocols, and expanding access to dental care for children with special needs. His research and educational initiatives bridge clinical practice and public health, fostering healthier communities and shaping the next generation of dental professionals globally.