In a significant development for the world of oral health research and innovation, the ADA Forsyth Institute (AFI), an amalgamation of historic and contemporary scientific prowess, is set to substantially expand its operations by relocating to a new facility in Somerville, MA, come January 2025. The institute, borne from the union of the venerable Forsyth Institute and the American Dental Association Science and Research Institute (ADASRI), heralds a new age in dental science, emphasizing the crucial role of oral health in public welfare and scientific advancement.

Having operated in the renowned Kendall Square, Cambridge, for 15 years, the institute’s move to the 76,000 square-foot, LEED Platinum-certified Life Sciences building at 100 Chestnut St. in Somerville represents more than a mere change of address. It signifies AFI’s ambitious goal to double its research capacity within the next five years. This strategic relocation is designed to coalesce AFI’s disparate research facilities into a singular, centralized hub. This consolidation is poised to enhance efficiency, foster collaboration, and extend AFI’s global leadership in oral health research and innovation.

Speaking on the impending move, AFI’s CEO, Wenyuan Shi, PhD, highlighted the critical importance of a facility that aligns with the institute’s forward-looking mission. The new building, with its state-of-the-art labs designed by the globally recognized architecture firm Gensler, is seen as a catalyst for sustainable growth and breakthrough discovery in dental science.

The relocation and expansion efforts reflect a pivotal moment for the dental community and public health sectors alike. Raymond Cohlmia, DDS, Chair of the AFI Board of Directors and Executive Director of ADA, articulated the broader implications of this move, envisioning an era marked by groundbreaking discoveries that will empower dental professionals and enhance public health outcomes.

Adding to the strategic importance of the new location, the move is also seen as a boon for the local economy and the life and data science fields in Massachusetts. The facility, situated in one of the state’s 138 Opportunity Zones, is envisaged not only as a beacon of scientific discovery but also as a significant contributor to local community development and job creation in cutting-edge research fields.

The AFI’s relocation has received enthusiastic backing from local and state officials, recognizing its potential to catalyze innovation and community development. Somerville Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and acting CEO of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, Jeanne LeClair, underscored the institute’s role in maintaining Massachusetts’ status as a global leader in the life sciences.

The announcement comes at a time when the link between oral health and overall wellbeing is gaining increased recognition within the medical community and among the public. Founded in 1910 as a dental care facility for disadvantaged children, the ADA Forsyth Institute has evolved into a bastion of oral health research, committed to disease prevention and the development of innovative clinical technologies. This enduring mission, combined with a strategic vision for the future, sets the stage for the ADA Forsyth Institute to continue shaping the future of dentistry and public health on a global scale.

As AFI looks forward to a new chapter in Somerville, the implications of this move are vast, spanning the realms of scientific discovery, public health, and economic development. The institute’s history of innovation and its bold plans for the future offer promising prospects for advancements in oral health care, echoing its founding mission to serve the underserved while pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge.