Letter to the AO members from the officers of the ADEA Implant Dentistry Section
By Rafael Delgado Ruiz, DDS
Dear AO members,
The officers of the ADEA Implant Dentistry Section would like to share a brief overview of our section, highlight some of the exciting initiatives planned for the year, and warmly invite you to join our community of colleagues dedicated to advancing implant education.
What is an ADEA section:
A Section is a group of ADEA members who share similar professional interests and come together to exchange ideas and stay informed about developments in specific areas of dental education. The Implant Dentistry Section includes members from various specialties, including periodontics, prosthodontics, oral surgery and general dentistry. Our members also represent a wide range of academic roles (program directors, department chairs, faculty, residents and dental students) as well as corporate partners with an interest in implant education.
Activities of the Implant Dentistry Section Planned for the Year:
The activities of the Section are planned by its officers in coordination with members and provide an indication of their diverse interests and needs. For this year our section launched the first issue of the newsletter “Engage,” a communication channel where the members can participate and contribute with opinion articles, discussions, short articles on Implant Dentistry topics and new technological advancements. Also, we provide recommendations of new and relevant implant literature, educational opportunities and techniques offered to our dental students, and announcements of implant education related events. We also installed a bimonthly event called “Journal Club” where we discuss case scenarios related to teaching implant dentistry and evidence-based implant dentistry education.
Within our goals for this year, we are building a resource sharing platform oriented to these members with didactic and clinical teaching of Implant Dentistry to promote the advance of educational initiatives. One important goal for this and upcoming years is to strengthen our relations and collaboration with academic and professional organizations like the Academy of Osseointegration, American Academy of Periodontology and the American College of Prosthodontics. We believe that these connections are essential to move united and grow stronger.
Benefits of joining the ADEA Implant Dentistry section:
By participating in the ADEA Implant Dentistry Section, you’ll enhance your academic and professional development through active involvement with a community of dental educators, program directors, researchers and clinicians focused on implant dentistry. Membership offers an excellent opportunity to stay informed about the latest teaching methods, curriculum innovations and evolving standards in implant education. Professional networking is one of the most valuable benefits. Through section activities, you can connect with colleagues nationwide. These connections often lead to collaborative research, educational projects, speaking invitations, publications and academic opportunities. Whether you’re early in your career or a senior faculty member, these relationships provide lasting professional benefits.
The section also supports curriculum development and innovation. Members can contribute to discussions and working groups focused on advancing implant education at both predoctoral and postgraduate levels. The section helps members stay informed about educational trends, including simulation technologies and digital workflows. Our member community stays connected through ADEA Connect, where both group and individual messaging support customized communication and collaboration. To support continued learning and professional growth, members benefit from implant-focused programming at the ADEA Annual Session. This also includes collaborations with other ADEA sections and special interest groups and participation in poster presentations covering current clinical practices and educational strategies.
The section also provides opportunities for leadership and recognition. Members can serve in roles such as Secretary, Chair-Elect or Councilor. We actively promote collaboration with other professional organizations (such as the Academy of Osseointegration) as well as with corporate partners. Members are also encouraged to contribute to the Journal of Dental Education, section newsletters, journal clubs and topical discussion groups, further enhancing their academic visibility and impact.
Mentorship and faculty development are essential aspects of the section’s mission. Members receive support from experienced educators and are encouraged to mentor junior faculty, residents and students. The section fosters faculty calibration and collaboration across institutions to enhance the quality and consistency of implant education.
What can I do to participate in the Implant Dentistry section?
Become ADEA member https://www.adea.org/for-members/ join-renew and register in the Implant Dentistry section https://www.adea.org/for-members/member-communities/ADEA-Council-of-Sections/adea-sections
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Rafael Delgado Ruiz Secretary of ADEA Implant Dentistry section at rafael.delgado-ruiz@stonybrookmedicine.edu.
