Implant Dentistry Practitioners Keep Things 'Real' at the Academy of Osseointegration's 2014 Annual Meeting

- Specialists and generalists practicing implant dentistry came together from 45 countries to share best practices, coordinate optimal patient care

CHICAGO, March 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 2,000 clinicians attended the 29^th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Osseointegration (AO), which took place from March 6-8 in Seattle. With the theme of "Real Problems, Real Solutions", the event featured presentations from internationally renowned speakers offering their experience and expertise in the diagnosis, treatment and use of the latest techniques and technologies to correct dental implant problems and prevent future complications.

To learn more about implant dentistry - or how a dental professional can become a member - visit www.osseo.org.

The conference, which recorded the fourth largest attendance in its history, included 624 international attendees representing 45 countries and more than 1,100 exhibitors who showcased products and services to support implant dentistry.

"As a GP who only places about 75 implants a year, it is invaluable for me to get to be a part of AO where I can get the best level of education possible," said Dr. Dean Daniele, General Practitioner, Kamloops, Canada. "We are so lucky that no matter how many implants we perform, we get to come together and learn."

Annual Meeting kicks off with implant retreatment symposium

Thought leaders in the field of implant dentistry kicked off the AO Annual Meeting on Thursday with its Opening Symposium. Past, present and future clinical challenges—especially as related to patients presenting with issues related to implants that are at least 25 years old—was the focus of the sessions.

Educational events on Thursday also included the Corporate Forums, which were 36 industry-hosted presentations highlighting recent innovations from a collection of the industry's leading companies.

Approximately 75 new AO members—who reflected the increased professional diversity experienced by AO in recent years—were introduced to the organization at a special New Member Breakfast meeting on the Annual Meeting's opening day.

More than 120 clinicians gathered at The Pike Brewing Company Thursday evening for AO's first-ever Young Clinicians' Reception.

Day Two features International Symposium and high-flying fun

This year's Annual Meeting featured an exciting innovation: AO's first-ever International Symposium dedicated to one country... Japan. The Symposium, which took place the second day of the conference on Friday, was met with enthusiastic feedback from both international and U.S. attendees.

"I was very happy to present at the first-ever International Symposium dedicated to one country—and I was also very happy that AO selected Japan," said presenter Dr. Tomohiro Ishikawa. "We are very honored. I hope this opportunity will be impactful to further build the relationship between AO and Japan, and our countries."

Also taking place on Friday were targeted sessions focused on surgery, restoration and clinical innovations.

Day Two ended with the AO President's Reception held at Seattle's Museum of Flight—attended by more than 1,300 meeting attendees, leaders, exhibitors and guests.

"It was an absolutely amazing evening that truly celebrated all that AO has accomplished together over the past year," said Dr. Stephen Wheeler, 2013-14 AO President, whose term concluded at the Annual Meeting. "I was honored to see so many new faces from around the world, as well as to spend time with long-time friends and colleagues who work so hard to make this event a success and to help AO achieve the premier status we enjoy today."

Annual Meeting concludes with optimism and energy

The Closing Symposium, which took place on its final day, Saturday, was well attended and forward-looking with its topic, "Our Better Future."

Presenters addressed advances such as digital dentistry, implant prosthodontics, as well as biotechnology and the future.

Also on Saturday was a program for the allied staff, "Real Problems, Real Solutions in the Business of Implant Dentistry," which was attended by representatives from practices specializing in periodontics, oral surgery, prosthodontics and general dentistry.

Highlights of AO's Annual Business Meeting

AO presented seven awards for best abstract presentations of original research and clinical cases of interest in the field of implant dentistry at its Annual Business Meeting held Saturday. Each recipient was presented a plaque and a cash award ranging from $250 to $1,000. 

Tomas Albrektsson, MD, PhD, ODhc, Gothenburg, Sweden, a close co-worker with Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark in the development of osseointegrated dental implant treatment in the 1980s, was presented the Nobel Biocare Branemark Osseointegration Award. The award is given annually by the Osseointegration Foundation to honor an individual whose impact on implant dentistry is exemplary in any or all of the Foundation's mission categories: research, education, and charitable causes.

Dr. Joseph Gian-Grasso, a periodontist from Philadelphia, Pa., was elected to serve as president of the Academy of Osseointegration. Dr. Gian-Grasso will serve with the 2014-2015 AO Board of Directors, also named during the meeting.

"I am honored to continue AO's commitment to establishing a nexus where specialists and generalists from around the world can come together to learn and stay up-to-date on the rapidly advancing clinical research and innovations in the dental implant and tissue engineering industries," said Dr. Gian-Grasso. "Having been with AO for nearly 30 years, I have grown to truly appreciate its unique role, the commitment of its board of directors, and the enthusiasm of its members to provide the best patient care possible."

About the Academy of Osseointegration

With more than 6,000 members in 70 countries around the world, the Academy of Osseointegration (AO) is recognized as the premier international association for professionals interested in implant dentistry. AO serves as a nexus where specialists and generalists can come together to share best practices and coordinate optimal patient care. AO evaluates emerging research, technology and techniques to ensure its members have the most important and timely evidence-based information and tools they need to succeed. Follow AO on Facebook and Twitter.