volume 36  |  No. 4  |  2025

AO Builds Momentum in 2025 With Nationwide and International GP Outreach Initiatives

The Academy of Osseointegration expanded its educational reach in 2025, delivering hands-on implant training directly to general practitioners through a strong lineup of outreach programs. Guided by the membership committee and the GP Outreach Task Force, AO organized several initiatives on its own while also partnering with corporations, universities and study clubs to extend its impact.

These efforts reflected a growing understanding that empowering general practitioners with implant knowledge strengthens the entire profession and ultimately improves patient care. Throughout the year, AO engaged dentists across the United States and internationally through lectures, workshops and live clinical training.

This fall, Dr. Mehrdad Favagehi helped bring AO’s message to three major events: the Midwest Implant Institute Annual Meeting in Columbus, Ohio; the Delaware Valley Academy of Osseointegration Study Club; and Virginia Implant Excellence Week at Virginia Commonwealth University. In October, Dr. Katafuchi coordinated an event at the University of Washington, where periodontist Dr. Shi Yin delivered a lecture titled “Recent Updates on Sinus Augmentation.” Dr. Yin, who presented at AO 2024 as an emerging leader, was invited by Dr. Wadhwani, whose own lecture at the event was widely praised. The session offered a strong opportunity to encourage attendees to participate in AO’s annual meetings and to introduce younger clinicians to the Emerging Leaders Case Presentation Competition.
Despite blizzard conditions, Dr. Ratliff traveled to Marquette University to speak about AO membership, its benefits and the value of participation. At the University of Louisville, Dr. Donatelli delivered a presentation titled “What Can the Academy of Osseointegration Do for Me?” during which he reviewed the Academy’s history, membership advantages and educational programs available during and after dental school. Dr. Omar Tattan also presented a prosthetically driven clinical case that highlighted the use of digital technology.

At UT Health San Antonio, Dr. Lemke discussed the benefits of AO membership and partnered with Nobel Biocare to deliver an evening program that combined lectures on implant placement concepts with a hands-on component.

AO’s outreach extended well beyond the United States. In October, the Academy presented its latest educational initiative, the AO Global University Hands-On Workshop in Athens, Greece, offered in partnership with the Hellenic Society of Odontostomatological Research.

In December, additional presentations were scheduled at Oregon Health and Science University and Eastern Carolina University. Both programs were organized by Dr. Katafuchi, with Dr. Acela Martinez Luna delivering a presentation at ECU.

Please view the photos from several of these hands-on and educational events.