NRI Sumita Mitra named among Heroes of Chemistry for 2009

• technological product embraced for their ability to effectively
  address some of the problems facing dentists and patients
• the prevention of secondary decay can be helped.

ST. PAUL, Minnesota
August 19, 2009
3M ESPE

The American Chemical Society recently recognized 3M ESPE corporate scientist Sumita Mitra, PhD, among its "Heroes of Chemistry" for 2009.

The award, which honors "chemical innovators in industry whose work has led to the welfare and progress of humanity in a significant way," was presented Aug. 16, 2009, at the ACS' 238th national meeting in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Mitra was recognized with 14 fellow scientists, each of whom has conducted research that has led to the successful development and commercial sale of a technological product.

Dr. Mitra's accomplishments during her 31-year career with 3M ESPE include the development of a number of breakthrough dental technologies, including composite resins, nanocomposites, and resin-modified glass ionomers.
Dr. Mitra holds more than 63 patents and 3M ESPE products that have resulted from her innovations. Some of them include Vitremer Glass Ionomer Core Buildup/Restorative, Vitrebond Plus Light Cure Glass Ionomer Liner/Base, and Filtek Supreme Universal Restorative.

These technologies have been embraced for their ability to effectively address some of the problems facing dentists and patients. Secondary decay, for instance, is estimated to cost patients and insurers almost $5 billion annually in the U.S. alone. But with products developed from Dr. Mitra's RMGI technology the prevention of secondary decay can be helped.
"Dr. Mitra's extraordinary inventions have changed the field of dentistry for dentists and patients around the world," said Fred J. Palensky, PhD, executive vice president, research and development, and chief technology officer at 3M.
"Her discoveries will influence and benefit society for decades. The financial impact of her work is enormous and far-reaching. To date, her research has resulted in commercialized products that have contributed nearly $2 billion to 3M's revenue."

"I am truly honored to be included amongst such a prestigious group of thought-leaders in the scientific community," said Dr. Mitra. "I'm proud to know that my work aligns with the ACS's goal of furthering innovation and excellence in science and technology, and our team at 3M ESPE looks forward to introducing more firsts to the dental industry."

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Sumita Mitra

• Her research has resulted in commercialized products that have contributed nearly $2 billion to 3M's revenue."