Scientific Universities Network (SUN)

The Scientific Universities Network (SUN) is a non-formal internet-based network of scientists from the Universities of the World created for collaboration for the development sciences relevant to oral and maxillofacial associated structures in health and disease.

The main goals of this network are:

a) to create possibilities for scientists from the Universities of the World to share the most progressive scientific research ideas and to initiate joint research projects;

b) to present selected research studies of the network members;

c) to invite authors with the similar interests to submit original and review papers within the framework of network.

All the scientists interested in cooperation of the scientific research projects, please contact Editor-in-Chief Prof. Gintaras Juodzbalys for further information via email gintaras@stilusoptimus.lt

ICDI 2021

Virtual International Conference on Dental Implants


June 30, 2021. Organized by Lithuanian University of Health Sciences


Leading researchers and clinicians from European and U.S.A. Universities introduced the most recent developments in the field of implant dentistry and bone regeneration. ICDI 2021 was a great platform for exchanging new ideas concerning dental implant research and excellent clinical treatment.


Conference Program

Running projects

Bibliometric analysis

Bibliometric Analysis of Scientific Output in Dentistry of Baltic States


Participating Universities: University of Granada (Spain), Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (Lithuania)


Professor Pablo Galindo-Moreno, Dr. María De la Flor-Martínez from University of Granada (Spain), Professor Gintaras Juodzbalys and Dr. Lukas Poskevicius from Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (Lithuania) are going to start a new project "Bibliometric Analysis of Scientific Output in Dentistry of Baltic states". This study will carry out a bibliometric analysis of scientific dental research output in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia for the period 1996 - 2017 in Thomson Reuters’ Web of Science and Elsevier’s Scopus databases. Total numbers of articles published by authors of Baltic countries every year will be recorded.


Most productive authors and institutions will be identified and qualitative scientific output analysis will be performed.

Novel Mandibular Third Molar Teeth Classification

Clinical Validation of a Novel Classification for Predicting Surgical Complexity of Impacted Mandibular Third Molar Extraction: an Observational Clinical Trial


Participating Universities: The University of Trieste (Italy), Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (Lithuania)


Professor Claudio Stacchi, Professor Roberto Di Lenarda, Dr. Federico Berton, Dr. Teresa Lombardi from University of Trieste (Italy) and Professor Gintaras Juodzbalys, Dr. Povilas Daugela, Dr. Lukas Poskevicius from Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (Lithuania) are working on multicenter project "Clinical Validation of a Novel Classification for Predicting Surgical Complexity of Impacted Mandibular Third Molar Extraction: an Observational Clinical Trial". This study evaluates and validates a new classification proposed by Juodzbalys and Daugela in 2013 predicting the complexity of impacted mandibular third molars surgical extraction.

Expected results are:

  1. to create useful preoperative classification tool for predicting surgical complexity in mandibular wisdom teeth surgery.


This study is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02519426

Maxillary Sinus and Surrounding Bone Anatomy Study Using CBCT in Implant Dentistry

Evaluation of Maxillary Sinus and Surrounding Bone Anatomy with Cone Beam Computed Tomography: a Retrospective Clinical Study


Participating Universities: College of Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago (USA), University of Michigan (USA), Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (Lithuania), Hacettepe University (Turkey), University of Granada (Spain), King Saud University (Saudi Arabia), Near East University (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus).


Associate Professor Tolga Fikret Tozum from College of Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago (USA), Professor Hom-Lay Wang and Drs. Rachel Sheridan, Shabnam Behdin and Abdullah Othman from University of Michigan (USA), Professor Gintaras Juodzbalys and Dr. Marius Kubilius from Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (Lithuania), Assistant Professor Erhan Dursun, and Assistant Professor H. Gencay Keceli from Hacettepe University (Turkey), Professor Palo Galindo-Moreno and Dr. Miguel Velasco from University of Granada (Spain), Assistant Professor Khalid Al-Hezaimi from King Saud University (Saudi Arabia), Associate Professor Guney Yilmaz from Near East University (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) are going to start a new clinical project about the maxillary sinus anatomy and possible variations because it is key for a successful sinus augmentation surgery. This multi-centre study aims to examine the residual alveolar bone anatomy and sinus mucosa pattern at the maxillary sinus regions in edentulous and dentate conditions, to investigate the prevalence, diameter and location of posterior superior alveolar artery and its relationship to the alveolar ridge, to study the prevalence of the sinus pathology, ostium pattern/locations and septum structures and to analyze the volumetric features of maxillary sinus cavity using panoramic, sagittal and coronal images.

Expected results are:

  1. Based on the limitations such as the clarification about maxillary sinus anatomy, variations and pathologies of the sinus cavity and surrounding bony area, and further evaluating the volumetric pattern of the maxillary sinus seem to be essential before sinus augmentation and/or implant surgery.

Immediate Implants in Esthetic Zone

Immediate Implant Placement after Tooth Extraction in the Esthetic Zone: Extraction Socket Morphology-Guided Treatment Modalities and Esthetic Outcome


Participating Universities: Hacettepe University (Turkey), Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (Lithuania), University of Granada (Spain), University of Michigan (USA).


Associate Professor Tolga F Tozum from Hacettepe University (Turkey), Professor Gintaras Juodzbalys, Dr Algirdas Puisys, Dr Povilas Daugela from Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (Lithuania), Associate Professor Pablo Galindo-Moreno from University of Granada (Spain) and Professor Hom-Lay Wang from University of Michigan (USA) are going to start new project "Immediate Implant Placement after Tooth Extraction in the Esthetic Zone: Extraction Socket Morphology-Guided Treatment Modalities and Esthetic Outcome". This study aims to examine dimensional alveolar ridge alterations and prevent buccal plate resorption and soft tissue recession following immediate implant placement in extraction sockets in the maxillary esthetic zone using different socket morphology-guided treatment modalities.

Expected results of the study are:

  1. To have found the optimal materials and GBR procedures modalities for buccal plate resorption degree reduction;
  2. Soft tissue recession and best esthetic result achievement.

There will be possibilities to study socket morphology influence on final esthetic result achievement.

This study is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01533571

Cellulose Scaffold for Bone Tissue Engineering

Development of a Novel Composite Scaffold of Nano-Hydroxyapatite/Cellulose for Bone Tissue Engineering


Participating Universities: Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (Lithuania), Kaunas University of Technology (Lithuania), University de Aveiro/CICECO (Portugal), University of Porto (Portugal).


Professor Gintaras Juodzbalys and Dr Povilas Daugela from Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (Lithuania), Professor Jolanta Liesiene, PhD student Odeta Petrauskaite from Kaunas University of Technology (Lithuania), Professor Maria Elisabete Jorge Vieira Costa and Professor Maria Margarida de Almeida from University de Aveiro/CICECO (Portugal), Professor Maria Helena Fernandes and Assistant  Professor Pedro de Sousa Gomes from University of Porto (Portugal) started new project "Preparation of a Novel Composite Scaffold of Nano-Hydroxyapatite/Cellulose for Bone Tissue Engineering". The main goal of the study is to develop a novel biodegradable composite scaffold for bone tissue engineering material according to the bionic principle. In vitro cytotoxicity and cell biocompatibility of the scaffold testing will be prepared. Following in vitro characterization, the biomaterial-mediated bone regeneration will be assessed in vivo, by experimental surgical techniques reaching hand of animal models of bone tissue regeneration.

Expected results of the study are:

  1. Novel biodegradable composite scaffold with a desirable physico-chemical and biological properties to meet the essential requirement for bone tissue engineer materials will be created.

Validation of the Jawbone Anatomy Classification in Endosseous Dental Implant Treatment

Validation of the Jawbone Anatomy Classification in Endosseous Dental Implant Treatment


Participating Universities: Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (Lithuania), University of Michigan (USA), Hacettepe University (Turkey), University of Granada (Spain), University of Messina (Italy).

Professor Gintaras Juodzbalys and Dr. Marius Kubilius from Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (Lithuania), Professor Hom-Lay Wang from University of Michigan (USA), Professor Tolga Fikret Tozum and Dr. Yagmur Deniz Ilarslan from Hacettepe University (Turkey), Professor Palo Galindo-Moreno and Dr. Inmaculada Ortega Oller from University of Granada (Spain), and Associate Professor Marco Cicciu from University of Messina (Italy) are going to start a new clinical project about evaluation validation and clinical assessment of the earlier proposed clinical and radiological classification of the jawbone anatomy in endosseous dental implant treatment [1].

Expected results are:

  1. High accuracy of proposed classification for proper implantation risk degree evaluation.
  2. The proposed classification system based on anatomical and radiological jawbone quantity and quality evaluation will be a helpful tool for planning of treatment strategy and collaboration among specialists.
  3. Good interobserver reliability of clinical and radiological edentulous jaw segment evaluation.
  4. Good reliability between radiological and intraoperative investigations and postoperative data.


This study is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02054676


1. Juodzbalys G, Kubilius M. Clinical and Radiological Classification of the Jawbone Anatomy in Endosseous Dental Implant Treatment.
J Oral Maxillofac Res 2013;4(2):e2
URL: http://www.ejomr.org/JOMR/archives/2013/2/e2/v4n2e2ht.htm
doi: 10.5037/jomr.2013.4202

Sublingual Artery Variations Study Using CT and CBCT in Implant Dentistry

Evaluation of Sublingual Artery Variations Related to Dental Implant Treatment with Computerized Tomography


Participating Universities: Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (Lithuania), Hacettepe University (Turkey), University of Granada (Spain), King Saud University (Saudi Arabia), Near East University (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus), University of Michigan (USA).

Professor Gintaras Juodzbalys and Dr. Marius Kubilius from Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (Lithuania), Associate Professor Tolga Fikret Tozum from Hacettepe University (Turkey), Associate Professor Palo Galindo-Moreno from University of Granada (Spain), Assistant Professor Khalid Al-Hezaimi from King Saud University (Saudi Arabia), Assistant Professor Guney Yilmaz from Near East University (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) and Professor Hom-Lay Wang from University of Michigan (USA) are going to start a new clinical project about the analysis of sublingual fossa in mandible anatomic formation, including sublingual artery. This multi-center study aims to analyze the characteristics of sublingual artery course in mandible on computerized tomography sections and to evaluate its relation to the surrounding bone with regard to endosseous implantation.

Expected results are:

  • To understand the formation and location of sublingual artery prior to dental implant insertion because this may result with mortality due to severe bleeding.
  • To elucidate its variations and incidence in different parts of the world.

New Periapical and Endodontic Status Scale (PESS) of Permanent Teeth

Periapical Pathology and Endodontic Status Investigation Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography Assessment


Participating Universities: Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (Lithuania), "Sapienza" University of Rome (Italy), Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), Netherlands.

Dr Tadas Venskutonis and Professor Gintaras Juodzbalys from Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (Lithuania), Professor Gianluca Plotino and Dr. Luigi Tocci from "Sapienza" University of Rome (Italy) and Dr Bassam A. Hassan from Department of Oral Radiology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), Netherlands started new project "Periapical Pathology and Endodontic Status Investigation Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography Assessment". The aim of this study is to develop and validate new periapical and endodontic status scale (PESS) of permanent teeth which consists of complex periapical index (COPI) designed for identification and classification of periapical bone lesions in case of apical periodontitis and endodontically treated tooth index (ETTI) by means of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) assessment.

Expected results of the study are:

  • CBCT has better diagnostic characteristics, consequently new periapical and endodontic status scale of permanent teeth will be more informative then using conventional radiographic systems.
  • Developed new patient periapical and endodontic status scale will be an effective and reproducible diagnostic tool for endodontic patient assessment and endodontic epidemiology.