Nobel Biocare has announced the first recipients of its newly established Medal of Excellence in Implant Dentistry, an initiative recognizing contributions to scientific advancement and humanitarian service within the field.
The award comprises two categories: Contemporary Innovation and Discovery, and Humanitarian Service. The inaugural honorees are Dr. Holger Zipprich (Germany) and Dr. Rubén Rosenberg (Chile), respectively. The medals were presented at Nobel Biocare’s Annual Key Expert Meeting in Zurich, Switzerland, by company president Stefan Nilsson and Chair of the Judging Committee, Prof. Tomas Albrektsson.
Humanitarian Service: Expanding Access to Implant Care on Rapa Nui
Dr. Rubén Rosenberg was recognized for his longstanding humanitarian efforts in Latin America, most notably on Rapa Nui (Easter Island), one of the world’s most geographically isolated inhabited territories. Limited access to dental services and financial constraints have posed significant challenges for many members of the local community.
Since 2018, Dr. Rosenberg has led a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, prosthodontists, dental technicians, and volunteers to provide implant therapy at no cost to patients in need. To date, 337 patients have received treatment, with nearly half undergoing immediate full-arch restorations on the day of surgery. The initiative has involved placement of close to one thousand implants.
The Rapa Nui project began in collaboration with Dr. Kenji Higuchi, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon from Washington, US, who has since retired from practice.
Dr. Rosenberg was among the early adopters of osseointegrated implant therapy in Latin America and trained under Prof. Per-Ingvar Brånemark. He co-authored two books with Prof. Brånemark, contributing to the dissemination of implant science in the region.
Additional information and video documentation of the Rapa Nui project, including patient perspectives, are available through the Foundation for Oral Rehabilitation and related online platforms.
Contemporary Innovation and Discovery: Advancements in Implant Interface Science
Dr. Holger Zipprich was recognized for his work in implant interface mechanics and materials science. At Goethe University Frankfurt, he conducted pioneering research visualizing micromovements within implant–abutment interfaces, contributing to improved understanding of implant stability and connection design.
He has since been associated with the development and translation of multiple technological concepts into clinical application and is listed as inventor on approximately 240 published patents and patent applications.
Among his contributions are:
- The trioval geometry incorporated into the Nobel Biocare N1™ implant system, designed to reduce cortical bone stress and support osseointegration. The trioval conical connection enables abutments to seat with a stable mechanical fit.
- An electrochemical method intended for in vivo decontamination of dental implants in the management of peri-implantitis.
- Blasted acid-etched surface technology for ceramic implants.
The award acknowledges the integration of basic research and applied clinical development within implant dentistry.
Selection Process and Committee
Stefan Nilsson, President of Nobel Biocare said: “The Medal of Excellence was created to celebrate those who make outstanding contributions to implant dentistry and inspire others to shape its future. We are proud to honor Dr. Zipprich and Dr. Rosenberg, whose achievements exemplify the highest ideals of our field – pioneering innovation and compassionate care that change lives. Their work sets a powerful example for the next generation.”
Prof. Tomas Albrektsson, Chair of the Judging Committee said, “We chose individuals who set enduring standards of excellence and inspire future progress in implant dentistry. Dr. Zipprich shows how scientific discovery can become clinical reality, and Dr. Rosenberg reminds us that innovation ultimately serves humanity. They both reflect P-I Brånemark’s vision of putting science into practice for the benefit of patients worldwide.”
Nominations for the Medal of Excellence are submitted online and reviewed by an independent panel of internationally recognized experts in implant dentistry. The committee members are Prof. Tomas Albrektsson (Chair), Dr. James Chow, Dr. Lesley David, Dr. Giacomo Fabbri, Prof. Joseph Kan, Dr. Glen Liddelow, and Dr. Chandur Wadhwani.
Further information about the award and nomination process is available at www.nobelbiocare.com/medal-of-excellence.
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Nobel Biocare Establishes Medal of Excellence in Implant Dentistry
