Engineer with long NIOM experience takes on quality leadership

Inger Sofie Dragland has been part of NIOM for more than 30 years. This year she became the institute’s new Quality Manager – a role that builds on decades of practical experience from testing, laboratory work and method development.

Her story mirrors how NIOM itself has changed. From a period dominated by product testing and official approval lists, NIOM has moved towards research, collaboration and the development of new methods to ensure safe dental materials.

From cell lab to materials testing

Dragland started at NIOM in 1993 as an engineer in the cell laboratory, where cytotoxicity testing of materials where in focus. And two of the tests are still in use, she recalls.

“But the equipment was simple. As an example, we had a microbiology laboratory with just an incubator and a microscope. As we gained more students and visiting researchers in microbiology, there was a need for more testing methods and thus an upgrade of the laboratory. And I’ve been part of building the laboratories we have now,” she says.

Her education in chemistry and biotechnology allowed her to work with both biology and materials science. At the same time, she also participated in mechanical testing – measuring strength, elasticity and stability.

Over the years, she has worked with both amalgam, metals, ceramics and polymers.

From product lists to research

When Dragland joined NIOM, the institute maintained the so‑called NIOM lists – an overview of dental products that had passed Nordic testing. These lists disappeared with the introduction of CE‑marking, and NIOM’s focus shifted. “When the lists ended, we had more time for research,” she says. “We went from testing every product to understanding why materials behave as they do.”

Dragland also emphasizes the collaboration with affiliated Nordic guest researchers and PhD students, who have always been an important part of NIOM.

“They bring new ideas and help us develop methods that are more relevant for dentists,” she adds.

Relevance and direction

Finding topics that matter remains a key challenge. “The hardest part is choosing something that’s relevant for dentists and manufacturers,” Dragland says. “We can’t just study what we find interesting – our work should make sense for those who use the materials.”

She also emphasizes that NIOM’s small size makes focus important.

“We pick projects we can carry out,” she says.

“Even small studies can give useful answers if they provide practical knowledge.”

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Navigating the jungle of materials

Today’s dental market is more complex than before.

“There’s a jungle of products out there. Manufacturers and dentists must deal with an increasing number of materials and technologies,” says Dragland.

NIOM’s accredited testing helps producers document that their materials meet official standards. At the same time, accreditation is valuable for research in that instruments and equipment are checked and calibrated.

“Producers often send us the same material several times,” she explains.

“They adjust the formula until it meets the requirements. The test results from us are used in their CE‑marking process.”

Taking responsibility for quality

As NIOM’s Quality Manager, Dragland ensures that testing and research follow documented procedures.

“It’s about keeping everything updated and in line with the standards. We check that methods, people and responsibilities are correct,” she explains and says that the job requires careful follow‑up.

“You can’t just tick a box. “Every change must be justified and recorded.”

She still spends time in the lab, running the sorption and solubility test that measures how much water materials absorb or release.

“It’s a test that’s often in demand,” she says.

Connecting testing and research

Dragland says that testing and research are closely linked.

“If a material behaves oddly, that can lead to a project,” Dragland explains and continues.

“Sometimes the tests raise new questions about how materials interact with cells or bacteria.”

She and her colleagues are currently examining a new ISO‑standard for antibacterial dental materials.

“We want to see if the test really measures what it’s meant to, and it’s about checking that our methods work.”

NIOM’s role

Dragland sees NIOM as a support system for both industry and education. She says:

“We help manufacturers document that their products are safe. And by hosting students and PhD candidates, we help train new researchers and dentists.”

Working with students remains one of the most rewarding parts of her job as they in her opinion always bring something new.

“By showing them how research works, we also pass on knowledge to the next generation.”

A workplace with purpose

After more than three decades, Dragland still finds her work meaningful.

“It’s a good place to work. The work is varied, and we collaborate closely across disciplines. You’re involved in planning and decisions.”

Her new role builds on that long experience.

“It’s about keeping the foundation in order,” she concludes. “That way, NIOM can continue to deliver results that others can trust.”