The second meeting of the Academy of Osseointegration's Japan Charter Chapter was a huge opportunity for Japanese dentists, technicians, and hygienists—who are responsible for the next generation of the science of dental implants—to present their clinical skills and technologies. Rapid research and developing careers in Japan offer good indicators of advancing internationalization in the area of implant dentistry.
Takashi Sumi, DDS, PhD, Japanese ambassador of the Academy of Osseointegration (AO), organized the second meeting of the AO’s Japan Charter Chapter last month, which exceeded the scientific and educational content of the chapter’s inaugural event held in 2015. The meeting was a huge opportunity for Japanese dentists, technicians, and hygienists—who are responsible for the next generation of dental implant therapy—to present their world-class treatment skills and technologies.
The two-day conference, titled "AO—Into the Next Generation,” was divided into four sessions: managing anterior esthetics, a surgical track, hard- and soft-tissue management, and digital solutions. Seventeen of the best speakers from Japan led the sessions, as well as AO President Michael R. Norton, BDS, FDS, RCS (Ed), and Stephen L. Jacobs, BDS, MJDF, RCS (Eng), chair of the AO's Global Program Development Committee.
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“The meeting was a great success thanks to the dedication and hard work of AO Ambassador Dr. Takashi Sumi. The meeting focused on the younger generation of dentists and included two young hygienists who presented to the conference,” said Dr. Norton. “This was, therefore, a very forward-thinking program. The quality of the lectures was of the highest standard with some superb clinical work on show through equally magnificent clinical photography and PowerPoint presentations."
As Dr. Sumi said, “The purpose of this meeting was to help young dentists in Japan get to know AO. Under the umbrella of AO, top Japanese clinicians appealed to the nearly 360 attendees that science is necessary for medical treatment. It was obvious they were excited. I think the next meeting will be attended by many new members.”
Part of the program schedule was "Good Morning with AO,” a time with Dr. Jacobs, who also serves on the AO’s Certificate and Fellowship Committee. During the presentation, he talked about the new AO Certificate in Implant Dentistry—an award for members who can demonstrate knowledge, education, and experience in implant dentistry—and explained how members can apply for this honor.
Osseointegrated dental implants were first introduced to Japan in the 1980s. During the past three decades, scientific research and clinical applications of dental implants have shown amazing advancements in Japan. Today, growing numbers of clinicians and researchers in implant therapy and tissue engineering are playing active roles in international scientific programs as speakers. Many of the country's young colleagues are also proactively joining overseas training courses, which is a good indicator of advancing internationalization in the area of dental implantology.
Dr. Norton concluded, “Certainly, this meeting was worthy of being under the AO flag. I was also very encouraged by the enthusiasm in the room shown for AO’s 2018 Annual Meeting (to be held February 28–March 3, 2018, in Los Angeles, California). We look forward to welcoming many Japanese colleagues to LA!”
With nearly 6,000 members in 70 countries around the world, the Academy of Osseointegration is recognized as the premier international association for professionals interested in implant dentistry. AO serves as a nexus where specialists and generalists can come together to evaluate emerging research, technology, and techniques; share best information; and coordinate optimal patient care using timely, evidence-based science and methods. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
