AO Fellow and Diplomate Robert C. Vogel, DDS
As we close out another year, I would like to take the opportunity to wish everyone a Happy, Heathy and fulfilling 2026. In preparation for a productive and transformative year ahead, make plans to attend the 2026 AO Annual Meeting and register today!
The Academy of Osseointegration Annual Meeting Committee chaired by Dr. Paul Fugazzotto, along with our AO staff, have been finalizing every detail of a truly outstanding lineup of world-class clinicians and researchers for the 2026 meeting in Washington, DC March 5-7. Thanks to input from our members and corporate friends, they have introduced some exciting changes to the meeting format, venue and social events to ensure commitment to the world’s finest dental implant education. The 2026 Annual Meeting has shaped up to be 100% relevant to our practices with presentations focused on cutting-edge topics and techniques delivered in a relaxed environment and a chance to socialize and network friends, speakers and manufacturers.
On other AO fronts, it’s inspiring to see the huge number of young and seasoned members that are applying for Diplomat, Master and Fellow status in the Academy. Regardless of your area specialization or general practice, this has become a recognized display of knowledge, skill and commitment around the world by our patients and peers. Congratulations!
I would also like to acknowledge the outstanding quality of articles in the AO official publications: JOM thanks to Editor in Chief (Dean) Clark Stanford and IJPRD Editors Drs. Avila-Ortiz and Gonzalez-Martin. With so much content available online, our journals have maintained a firm mission of ensuring evidence-based, non-bias, peer-reviewed content. This can easily be lost in the tsunami of content on social media, and I applaud our editors and authors for staying the course to help us and our patients have reliable, repeatable science-based information to guide us.
On the international front, the AO Board of Directors have been meeting with Dental Implant Organizations in every part of the globe to bring the international community closer together in sharing knowledge. Look forward to some interesting opportunities in the near future.
As we all prepare for the excitement of holidays and a new year, I would like to close with a sincere hope to see everyone in Washington, DC at the 2026 Annual Meeting so we can share together as a community of devoted professionals making a difference to transform the lives of ourselves and our patients.
Bob
