University of British Columbia’s Mario Brondani Receives 2026 IADR Distinguished Scientist Award for Global Leadership in Geriatric Oral Health

UBC Professor Mario Brondani is honored by the IADR for his distinguished research on the oral health-related quality of life for seniors and frail elders.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 1, 2026, 4:27 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research

A Career-Defining Honor in Gerodontology

The International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (IADR) has officially recognized Mario Brondani for his extensive and sustained contributions to the field of geriatric dentistry. As an Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Brondani has spent his career advocating for the specialized dental needs of an aging global population. The award, presented during the high-profile Opening Ceremonies in San Diego, represents one of the 17 highest honors bestowed by the IADR. It acknowledges a career that began in Brazil in 1994 and has since evolved into a worldwide mission to improve the quality of life for vulnerable and elderly patients through evidence-based oral care.

Academic Specialization and Psychometric Research

Brondani’s academic foundation is deeply rooted in the study of dental geriatrics, with both his Master’s and Doctoral degrees focusing on this specialized demographic. His early research pioneered the use of psychometric estimates to measure "oral health-related quality of life," a metric that considers the psychological and social impacts of dental health alongside physical clinical data. By quantifying how oral health influences a senior’s ability to eat, speak, and socialize without pain or embarrassment, Brondani helped shift the focus of geriatric dentistry toward a more holistic, patient-centered approach.

Leading Innovations in Dental Education and Media Advocacy

Beyond his clinical research, Brondani has been a vocal proponent for the formal inclusion of "gerodontology"—the study of dental problems associated with aging—within university dental curricula. His efforts have ensured that the next generation of dental professionals is equipped to manage the complex systemic and prosthetic needs of older adults. At UBC, he has supervised numerous international graduates and utilized media-centered symposia in both Canada and Brazil to raise public awareness. His commitment to teaching was notably recognized with the UBC Faculty Teaching Award for the 2020-21 academic year, highlighting his ability to translate complex research into effective educational strategies.