Page 4 - Academy of Osseointegration (AO) Academy News Vol 36, No 1 2025

President’s Message
Invitation to the Annual Meeting of the Academy of Osseointegration
By AO Fellow Joerg Neugebauer, DDS, PhD
It is with both great pride and a touch of nostalgia that I extend this invitation to you for the Annual Meeting of the Academy of Osseointegration in Seattle — my final address as president. This year holds exceptional significance, not only because we are celebrating our 40th anniversary,
but also because it represents the culmination of a year characterized by strategic vision, intensified collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to leadership, innovation, and outstanding continuing education.
Reflecting on the past year, I am profoundly grateful
for the collective efforts, passion, and dedication demonstrated by our members. Together, we have navigated challenges, embraced opportunities, and taken bold steps toward positioning our Academy, not only as
a North American leader in implant dentistry, but as a global beacon of excellence
and innovation.
A pivotal achievement was our joint summit with the Academy of Periodontology (AAP) on peri-implantitis last August. This collaboration served as a cornerstone
for dialogue and discovery,
addressing one of the most
pressing challenges in
modern implantology. We
recognized a simple yet profound truth: the challenges we face cannot be overcome in isolation. They demand a willingness to listen, share, and innovate together across specialties and disciplines. The preliminary results from our discussions were shared at the AAP's annual meeting, and we eagerly anticipate unveiling the next phase of our findings in Seattle.
At the heart of our Academy lies an understanding that progress emerges not just from technical expertise but from meaningful collaboration and mutual respect. I
am reminded of Henry Ford’s timeless words: “Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, and working together is success.” As individuals, we can each make a difference. But as a community, we have the power to transform our field and change lives. If general dentists overlook implant cases because they do not place implants themselves, specialists lose access to patients who might otherwise benefit. If periodontists are denied the chance to save teeth because general dentists prematurely deem hopeless, we miss opportunities for better care and outcomes.
In oncology, the
groundbreaking success
of antibody therapies
was achieved not by isolated
brilliance, but by collaboration
among basic scientists, clinicians,
and pharmaceutical experts. It was
their shared vision, mutual respect, and relentless pursuit of a common goal that led to therapies saving countless lives. We, too, must continue to embrace collaboration, push boundaries, and champion a culture of innovation and shared purpose.
Our strategic realignment has extended our reach beyond borders, underscoring a vital truth: Leadership and education are not confined by geography. Today, the
Academy of Osseointegration stands as a global institution, fostering connections,
driving research, and shaping the future of implantology worldwide.
But this year brings another milestone: the establishment of our international training centers for Diplomates in implantology. In Seattle, we will experience a moment
of immense pride and fulfillment as we award the first international group of Diplomates their hard-earned certificates. These individuals represent not only exceptional expertise, but also the values that define our Academy: commitment, excellence, and a vision for the future.
This meeting in Seattle is more than just an event — it is an opportunity to reconnect, reflect, and honor everything we have achieved together. It is a chance to look back with pride on our shared journey, and also to look forward with enthusiasm to the opportunities and challenges ahead. So, I warmly invite you to join us in Seattle — to
be part of this extraordinary occasion, to celebrate our collective achievements, and to contribute to shaping the next chapter of our Academy’s story. Let us continue to collaborate, innovate, and inspire each other, driven by
a shared purpose and a steadfast belief in the power of community. I am truly excited to welcome each and every one of you to Seattle, where together, we will celebrate our legacy and set the stage for an even brighter future.
Dr. Joerg Neugebauer
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