Dental News - AO event to focus on ‘Real Problems, Real Solutions’

Dental Tribune USA

Wed. 12 February 2014

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It has been decades since root-form titanium implants were first introduced, and specialists and generalists now find themselves faced with unique problems in caring for patients who have had implants for 20 to 30 years. Because any problems are rare, most of the science and literature available today doesn’t effectively address how to diagnose, treat and prevent these issues.

The theme of the Academy of Osseointegration (AO) 29th Annual Meeting, “Real Problems, Real Solutions,” grew from that challenge, said Stephen L. Wheeler, DDS, president of the AO. The meeting, which takes place March 6-8, in Seattle, will focus on evaluating those concerns while also providing timely information on the most important research and innovations in the field.

“The Scientific Program Planning Committee has assembled another impressive lineup of speakers to share their experience and expertise in the diagnosis, treatment and use of the latest techniques and technologies to correct these problems and prevent future complications,” Wheeler said.

Implants that last a lifetime

The AO — which has more than 6,000 members from 70 countries — is a nexus where specialists and generalists come together to advance the vision of implant dentistry by sharing best practices and coordinating optimal patient care. The meeting’s programming reflects that guiding principle.

“The AO provides the valuable tools and qualifications needed to succeed with implant dentistry,” Wheeler said. “The ‘Real Problems, Real Solutions’ theme of this year’s meeting is critically important to all dental implant practitioners — whether a specialist or general dentist, and whether they are actively placing and/or restoring dental implants or just getting started.”

As implant dentistry has become a standard of care today, he said, all professionals in the field will have to be able to competently address any issues that present to their practices, and treat or refer them as necessary.

This year’s Scientific Program Chair Lyndon F. Cooper, DDS, PhD, said: “We are putting the focus on how to make implants last a lifetime. Think of it like the maintenance you do to keep a car running well. Even the most expensive car needs an oil change, a tune-up and new tires.”

Something for every attendee

Each year, the AO Annual Meeting continues the tradition of promoting professional excellence and fellowship, with AO members and nonmembers coming together to take part in educational symposia, networking and social events. This meeting offers something for every attendee interested in gaining cutting-edge, evidence-based insights and continuing education from the world’s most noted researchers and clinicians in the field.

In addition, the exhibit hall — which is open all three days of the meeting — features one of the largest collections of leading manufacturers and suppliers of dental products in the field.

On March 6, immediately following the opening symposium, a welcome reception will take place in the exhibit hall; and on March 7, a special new product showcase will feature the latest innovations and technologies.

Meeting highlights include:

Thursday, March 6

Corporate forum: This always popular session highlights the latest innovations from a collection of the industry’s leading corporations.
Opening symposium: This symposium on “Strategies to Address Implant Retreatment — Dealing With the 25-Year-Old Implant” will include presentations that address the unique circumstances surrounding retreating implants several years after initial placement. Topics will include crestal bone loss around titanium implants, peri-implantitis, the nature of complications and failures pertaining specifically to mature implants, and other high-interest talks by thought leaders in the field.
Poster session

Friday, March 7

Scientific/educational sessions: Friday’s program includes concurrent surgical and restorative tracks, limited attendance lectures (be sure to register early!), sessions on innovative treatment approaches and clinical innovations, and oral abstract research presentations and a poster session.
International symposium: For the first time this year, the AO will host an international symposium dedicated to a single country. Highly regarded dental implant thought leaders from Japan will address a wide variety of topics, with simultaneous Japanese to English translation.
President’s Reception: All attendees are invited to the President’s Reception at Seattle’s Museum of Flight on Friday evening.

Saturday, March 8

Problem solvers and innovators: These sessions take a close look at common practice challenges and innovative solutions.
Allied staff and laboratory technician programs: These all-day programs address clinical and practice management advancements and concerns of the implant coordinating teams and laboratory technicians. Support teams also have access to the exhibit hall.
Lunch and learn sessions: These sessions offer an opportunity to interact in small groups with leading experts in the field.
Closing symposium: In this symposium focusing on “Our Better Future,” experts will present current and advancing technology in managing teeth and implants, including advances in biotechnology, digital dentistry and materials selection and prosthetic design.

Once again this year, attendees will be able to download a free mobile app from the AO website at www.osseo.org that will include a complete listing of events and speakers and will allow them to organize a custom meeting itinerary and access related social media.

Wheeler is looking forward to the momentum that will be created by the annual meeting. He said: “This dynamic community will continue to work together to discover advancements that will carry us forward into the future, giving us the ability to provide more successful dental implant treatment and improve patient care.”

(Source: Academy of Osseointegration)

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