Sometimes a dental implant isn’t just a dental implant.
At Georgia Regents University, researchers are studying ways to improve oral health, function and quality of life for millions of patients who depend on implants to replace lost or damaged natural teeth.
We recognize that scientific and medical knowledge developed through animal-based research has alleviated suffering, improved human health, and saved countless lives. It’s the reason GRU and universities like it are committed to the study of new medical devices and procedures. We’ve seen firsthand that research improves lives.
A recent video released by the Humane Society of the United States showed one of the few times dogs are used in research at GRU. In the study, researchers were testing a new coating for dental implants that could help prevent dangerous infections in the gums and bones of the mouth in humans.
It’s natural to ask why this research must be conducted. We as a university ask ourselves that same question. In fact, it’s one of the roles of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, which is tasked with reviewing all animal research at GRU.
Faculty, administration and community members approved the research protocols for the study documented by the Humane Society. The protocols ensure that as few animals are used as possible in research, and that anesthetics and proper pain management are used whenever potentially uncomfortable procedures are involved. A veterinary staff member specializing in laboratory animal medicine ensures that humane use guidelines are followed, and that animals receive professional veterinary medical care.
At GRU, we believe we not only have a legal but an ethical responsibility toward the animals in our care.
Simply put, the Humane Society has alleged fault where there is none. The university’s facilities and animal research protocols are regularly reviewed by the USDA, which has found no incidents of non-compliance.
The Humane Society has presented an incomplete and inaccurate set of facts that misrepresent animal research. A significant portion of footage was filmed during an autopsy, in which portions of bone were removed for further study. It’s not possible to perform this sort of research on living patients, as the Humane Society suggests.
As a university, we place a high priority on the “Three Rs” – refinement, reduction and replacement. We’re committed to refining procedures to ensure care and comfort, and reducing the number of laboratory animals used.
The “Three Rs” have already led our researchers to develop fruit flies as a model to better understand cellular defects in cancer, to use state-of-the-art imaging to explore how cells repair damage from injury, and to employ computer science to screen genomic databases for predictive markers of diabetes in children.
Countless medical breakthroughs — from antibiotics to blood transfusions to vaccinations and chemotherapy — were developed with the help of lab animals. Our patients aren’t the only ones to benefit, however. Animal research has resulted in life-saving and life-extending treatments for cats, dogs and farm animals.
In this case, both the dogs and research were necessary. The FDA requires new and modified medical devices, including dental implants, to be tested for safety before being used in humans. Infections caused by failed implants have been the focus of research in recent years due to the ability of bacteria to get into the bloodstream and infect heart valves and other organs. This problem is not unique to dental implants; it also occurs with prostheses that are used to replace body parts lost to cancer and trauma.
Animal-based research is, for the foreseeable future, a crucial component of developing a safer dental implant and new cures. At GRU, we will continue to do everything possible to reduce the number of animals used in research and ensure the humane, ethical and responsible treatment of every animal in our care.
Dr. Mark W. Hamrick is senior vice president for research at Georgia Regents University in Augusta.
