AO member Dr. Brian Fitzpatrick from Brisbane, Australia spoke at the FDI Global CE Program on September 21, 2017 in Shanghai, China about “Exploring the spectrum of implant healing variables.”

By James Taylor, DMD, MA; AO President-elect, Ottawa, Canada, AO Ambassador to the FDI

The Academy of Osseointegration (AO) continued building on its partnership as an Affiliate Member with the FDI World Dental Federation this fall through two co-hosting of scientific dental presentations and symposia.

FDI Affiliate Members are not-for-profit international dental associations with significant international membership and interests, representing dental organizations whose missions are in line with those of FDI, a federation of approximately 200 national dental associations and specialist groups, whose mission is to be the authoritative, professional, independent, world-wide voice of dentistry.

Our partnership with FDI speaks to the global presence of the AO, and our commitment to enabling better patient care worldwide.
Most recently, AO‘s inaugural regional engagement in the FDI Global Continuing Education Program (FDI GCEP) took place on September 21, 2017 at the FDI GCEP meeting in Shanghai. AO member and prosthodontist Brian Fitzpatrick from Brisbane, Australia, spoke on “Exploring the spectrum of implant healing variables.” Dr. Fitzpatrick informed attendees on how to: identify and explore the key requirements for implant success and survival; recognize potential needs and instigate care to prevent or minimize the risk of implant complications; and educate and motivate others to improve learning and behavior that contribute to healthy long-term implant outcomes.

On August 31, 2017 in Madrid, Spain, AO hosted its fifth annual symposium within the 2017 FDI World Dental Congress (WDC). The event was organized and moderated by myself, with the assistance of AO Board Member Dr. Jörg Neugebauer, and included three distinguished AO member presenters (see photo below):
• Dr. Joan Pi Urgell of Barcelona, Spain presented on “Treatment alternatives for the atrophic maxilla.”
• Dr. Franck Renouard of Paris, France presented on “Influence of clinician attitude on implant failure rates.”
• Dr. Patrick Palacci of Marseilles, France presented on “Optimal implant positioning with digital analysis.”

The AO/FDI Symposium is well attended every year, and this year in Madrid was no different. We are grateful to this year’s distinguished presenters, and are already looking forward to next year’s WDC being held September 5-8, 2017 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.