PHILADELPHIA — For their outstanding research achievements, Denis Kinane and George Hajishengallis of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine have received 2012 International Association for Dental Research Distinguished Scientist Awards.

Kinane, the Morton Amsterdam Dean of Penn Dental and professor of pathology and periodontics, is the recipient of the 2012 IADR Basic Research in Periodontal Disease Award. Supported by the Colgate-Palmolive Company, it recognizes outstanding contributions to basic research in periodontal disease.

Kinane’s research explores the causes, development, and susceptibility markers of periodontal disease, as well as the relationship between oral diseases and systemic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Hajishengallis, professor in the Department of Microbiology, is the recipient of the 2012 IADR Research in Oral Biology Award. Sponsored by Church & Dwight Company, it recognizes outstanding research in the field of oral biology.

Hajishengallis studies the immune system’s complement system and pattern-recognition receptors. He has also focused on how Porphyromonas gingivalis, a bacterium linked to periodontal disease, causes inflammation and damage.

These awards, presented yesterday at the 90th General Session & Exhibition of the IADR in Iguacu Falls, Brazil, are among the highest honors bestowed by the association.