Zurich, Switzerland – Nobel Biocare has announced the first recipients of its newly established Medal of Excellence in Implant Dentistry, an award celebrating individuals who have significantly advanced scientific innovation and humanitarian care in the field.
Featuring two award categories, the winners are Dr. Holger Zipprich (Germany) for Contemporary Innovation and Discovery, and Dr. Rubén Rosenberg (Chile) for Humanitarian Service.
The winners were each presented with a medal 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: Dr. Rubén Rosenberg brings over 300 smiles to Rapa Nui
Winner of the humanitarian award, Rubén Rosenberg has carried out charitable service in several countries in Latin America, his most notable project being on Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island. One of the world’s most isolated inhabited territories, many members of its community are faced with limited access to dental care and severe financial restrictions.
Leading a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, prosthodontists, dental technicians, and volunteers, Dr. Rosenberg has provided free implant treatment to 337 patients in need, nearly half receiving immediate full-arch restorations on the day of surgery. To date, close to one thousand implants have been placed by Dr. Rosenberg and his team, transforming lives in one of the world’s most remote communities.
The Rapa Nui project first began in 2018 in partnership with Dr. Kenji Higuchi, an award-winning oral maxillofacial surgeon from Washington, US, who has since retired from practice.
Rubén Rosenberg was among the earliest practitioners to introduce osseointegrated implants to Latin America, helping establish the foundation of modern implant treatment to the region. He was trained under Prof. Per-Ingvar Brånemark, with whom he co-authored two books.
More information and videos on his Rapa Nui project, including personal patient stories, is available at
- https://www.for.org/en/learn/videos/humanitarian-project-rapa-nui-restoring-smiles-part-iii
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQvLtgJHLBY
Dr. Holger Zipprich awarded for Contemporary Innovation and Discovery
Dr. Holger Zipprich is a leading researcher in implant interface mechanics and materials science, who first gained recognition at Goethe University Frankfurt for pioneering imaging of micromovements within implant–abutment interfaces, setting new standards for implant stability and connection design.
Building upon his academic success, he went on to translate scientific discovery into real-world clinical innovations and is now listed as inventor of a remarkable 240 published patents and patent applications. His notable contributions include:
• The trioval geometry of the Nobel Biocare N1™ implant system, which reduces stress on cortical bone and promotes osseointegration. The trioval conical connection allows abutments to slide into place with a strong and tight connection for excellent strength.
• An electrochemical method for in vivo decontamination of dental implants, facilitating the management of peri implantitis.
• Blasted acid-etched implant surface technology for ceramic implants.
The award honors Dr. Zipprich’s achievements in elevating scientific discovery into today’s clinical practice, helping to continue advancements in implant dentistry.
A shared commitment to advancing implant dentistry
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 can be submitted online, and the shortlist is assessed by an independent panel of recognized world experts in implant dentistry. Members of the committee are Prof. Tomas Albrektsson (Chair), Dr. James Chow, Dr. Lesley David, Dr. Giacomo Fabbri, Prof. Joseph Kan, Dr. Glen Liddelow, and Dr. Chandur Wadhwani.
Learn more at www.nobelbiocare.com/medal-of-excellence
ABOUT NOBEL BIOCARE
Nobel Biocare is a world leader in the field of innovative implant-based dental restorations. The company's portfolio offers solutions from single tooth to fully edentulous indications with dental implant systems (including Nobel Biocare N1™, NobelActive®, NobelParallel™, and the All-on-4® treatment concept), a comprehensive range of high-precision individualized prosthetics and CAD/CAM systems (Procera™), prefabricated prosthetics, and a wide variety of regenerative solutions (creos™). Products are supported by a single digital platform for imaging, diagnostics, and treatment planning (DTX Studio™ suite), and guided and navigated surgery (NobelGuide® and X-Guide®). Nobel Biocare supports its customers through all phases of professional development, offering world-class training and education along with practice support and patient information materials. The company is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, and production takes place at sites located in the United States and Sweden. Products and services are available in over 50 countries through subsidiaries and distributors. Nobel Biocare is part the Envista family, one of the largest global dental products companies with more than 30 trusted dental brands.
For more information, please visit www.nobelbiocare.com.
ABOUT ENVISTA HOLDINGS CORPORATION
Envista is a global leader in the dental industry, uniting more than 30 trusted brands—including DEXIS, Kerr, Nobel Biocare, and Ormco—under one mission: partnering with dental professionals to improve patients’ lives. With a heritage of category-defining innovation, our brands have shaped modern dentistry: Nobel Biocare was founded by the inventor of titanium implants, Ormco is a pioneer in both traditional and digital orthodontics, DEXIS has long been at the forefront of 2D, 3D and intraoral imaging, and Kerr has supported clinicians for over 135 years. Our high-performing culture is underpinned by our CIRCLe Values and the Envista Business System. Guided by these, we deliver a comprehensive portfolio of technologies, consumables, and services that empower clinicians to provide confident, efficient care—today and for the future.
Learn more at http://envistaco.com.
