As we close out another year, I would like to take the opportunity to wish everyone a happy, healthy and fulfilling 2026.

Yes, the AO is one of the most respected implant academies on earth, characterized by an unsurpassed synthesis of scientific understanding and clinical acumen. Yes, the collegial atmosphere of the meeting ensures a welcoming, stimulating and enjoyable experience. But what makes the 2026 program so special?

Do you see this? Know what it is? It’s a “wooden” metaphor. Now that you know what it is, aren’t you curious to know how it works? It is the key to optimum patient care in the realm of implant dentistry.

One of the greatest aspects of selecting dentistry as a profession is the fact that your life truly will be a choose-your-own-adventure book. 

Did you know that organized crime once recognized dentistry as a lucrative business long begore the dental service organizations? DSOs are neither good nor bad. Rather, they offer an alternative to private practice and have become an increasingly necessary haven for young dentists. 

Dentistry is a beautiful profession. If offers us the privilege to heal, to restore confidence and to improve lives every single day. Yet, as fulfilling as it can be, it also has a harsh side – one that reveals itself when clinicians enter the real world without understanding how to navigate the financial and operational complexities of running a practice. 

The All-on-X concept has become one of the most widely adopted surgical and prosthetic approaches for the treatment of terminal dentition and complete edentulism. With an aging population and improved implant survival, demand for full-arch, fixed implant restorations continues to rise. 

AO’s efforts reflect a growing understanding that empowering general practitioners with implant knowledge strengthens the entire profession and ultimately improves patient care. 

The AO is pleased to introduce Prof. Giuseppe Cardaropoli, who recently became a fellow of the organization. 

Many people are surprised to learn that military veterans do not receive dental benefits in the VA benefit package unless they were a POW, are 100% disabled, or have dental injuries that occurred during their time of service. 

Editorial: The theme of the AO 2026 Annual Meeting highlights the transformative power of implant dentistry – for both patients and clinicians. As implant providers, we are privileged to witness how profoundly implant therapy can change patients’ lives.