Composite dental materials that stimulateregenerative repair of defective teeth havebeen developed. These composites, made ofamorphous calcium phosphate embedded inpolymers, can efficiently promote the regrowthof tooth structures. In the presence of salivathe composite materialreleases calcium andphosphate ions, forming acrystalline calciumphosphate similar to themineral found naturallyin teeth and bone. This isthe first calciumphosphate remineralizingtechnology to bemarketed for dentalprevention andrestoration.The transfer andcommercialization of thistechnology were accomplished through aunique collaboration involving the NationalInstitute of Standards and Technology (NIST),the National Institutes of Health (NIH), theAmerican Dental Association Foundation(ADAF), and the H.J. Bosworth Company.Building on previous research by the ADAF,Dr. Joseph M. Antonucci of NIST, and Drs.Edward Eanes and Drago Skrtic of theNational Institute of Dental and Cranial Facial Research (NIDCR) of the NIH, developed thepolymeric amorphous calcium phosphatetechnology patented by NIST.To enhance the commercialization potential,NIST first consolidated rights to the patent inNIST through an Interagency Agreement withthe Office of TechnologyTransfer, NIH, and then issued anexclusive license to ADAF.ADAF then entered into acommercialization sublicense withthe H.J. Bosworth Company ofSkokie, Illinois in 2003. The firstproduct, “Aegis Pit and FissureSealant,” was launched in thespring of 2004, with twoadditional products, “AegisOrthodontic Adhesive” and“Aegis Crown and BridgeCement,” launched in the fall of2004. Both NIST and ADAF scientists assistedBosworth with the formulation, testing, andquality control of these products. Aconsiderable amount of media interestfollowed the launch of these unique products.