A conversation with the 'wise of implant dentistry': AO 2018 in Los Angeles

The Academy of Osseointegration's Annual Meeting is the perfect venue for specialists, general dentists, lab technicians, and hygienists to share their knowledge and best practices in the field of implant dentistry. AO President Dr. Michael Norton gives a preview of what you can expect from this premier scientific meeting February 28–March 3, 2018, in Los Angeles.

Attendees of the Academy of Osseointegration’s (AO) Annual Meeting in Los Angeles (February 28–March 3, 2018) not only will experience the glitz and glamor of Hollywood, but, more importantly, UNPARALLELED SUBSTANCE FROM THIS PREMIER, FOUR-DAY SCIENTIFIC MEETING IN THE FIELD OF IMPLANT DENTISTRY.

While an impressive lineup of lecturers will drive home the 2018 theme of “Inspiring Imagination and Enhancing Health,” I personally am very excited about the Reflection Panel on Saturday as part of the 2018 Closing Session, “Controversies in Current Implant Therapy—A Conversation with the Wise!”

During this segment, I will moderate a panel discussion with what you might call “the wise of implant dentistry” that will feature Drs. Tomas Albrektsson, David Cochran, Ole Jensen, Stephen Parel, and Dennis Tarnow, who will reflect on the past and look into future of dental implant therapy. This unique session will provide an opportunity for delegates to listen to some of the world’s most experienced and wisest clinicians in the field of implant dentistry give their views on current hot topics such a peri-implantitis, primary stability, and immediate loading.

What’s unique about this session is that the Reflection Panel will not involve lectures at all, and its conversational format will allow me to pose challenging and often probing questions to each of the panel members to tease out their views and to debate their differences of opinion.

Members of the audience will then be able to field their own questions and comments to ensure that this session provides the fullest of audience participation. It promises to be 75 minutes of enthralling and engaging discussion.

This format is brand new for AO and I would contend a new concept for any dental congress to have a whole session purely dedicated to debate. What’s more, it’s planned for maximum audience participation, so every delegate can have his or her say.

The goal for my session will be for our attendees to discuss the current hot topics in implant dentistry, explain the differences of opinion with regard to those hot topic areas, and decide how to enhance their own decision-making process in regard to implant treatment.

The Reflection Panel is just one session in which attendees will really notice the difference in AO’s 2018 Annual Meeting program—a significantly more collaborative congress that will feature the opportunity to engage with AO’s captivating, world-renowned speakers in lively, real-time discussions.

Reflective of its reputation as the global multidisciplinary nexus for implant dentistry, AO’s 2018 Annual Meeting will be the perfect place where specialists, general practitioners, lab technicians, and dental hygienists will gather to contribute their knowledge and share best practices. There will be something for everyone, so be sure to register today!

Editor's note: Follow the AO on Facebook and Twitter with the hashtag #AO18LA to stay up-to-date with all information regarding the upcoming Annual Meeting in Los Angeles.

Michael Norton, BDS, FDS, RCS (Ed), is 2017–2018 president of the Academy of Osseointegration, recognized as the premier international association for professionals interested in implant dentistry, with nearly 6,000 members in more than 60 countries around the world. As a specialist in oral surgery, he runs a practice dedicated to implant and reconstructive dentistry in London, England. Dr. Norton is a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh, as well as adjunct clinical professor at the University of Pennsylvania Dental School. He maintains a worldwide reputation for his lectures and courses and is widely published. He is also past president and honorary life member of the Association of Dental Implantology (UK).