Program Chair Message

Greetings from the Program Chair - Gustavo Avila-Ortiz, DDS, MS, PhD

The Program Committee is delighted to invite you to attend the 2024 AO Annual Meeting, March 7-9 in Charlotte, NC. 

AO's 2024 program, "Going Beyond the Boundaries: Optimizing Patient Care Through Scientific and Clinical Innovation" has been assembled with all the key stakeholders of the international implant dentistry community in mind, including practicing clinicians and support staff, allied health professionals, educators, researchers and students. 

The committee has prioritized the inclusion of diverse, but relevant topics and evidence-based content that will be delivered by a stellar line-up of speakers to enrich our knowledge and foster a culture of inquiry with the ultimate goal of providing the best possible care to our patients in need of oral rehabiliation. 

Thursday morning begins with the first of five Hands-on Workshops offered throughout the meeting with Dr. Giovanni Zucchelli on Peri-Implant Soft Tissue Augmentation while the popular Corporate Forums showcase the latest technologies. The traditional Opening Symposium returns Thursday afternoon with a focus on "Peri-implantitis: A Bacterial disease or Something Else?" starting with our Keynote Speaker, Dr. Edward Schwarz, an orthopedic surgeon and researcher, who will discuss "How to Prevent and Manage Peri-implantitis Using the Experience Gained From Treating Implant-associated Chronic Osteomyelitis."

This session will be followed by the Welcome Reception in the Exhibit Hall giving you the chance to learn about the latest products and services from our corporate affiliates while networking with friends and colleagues.

Friday morning starts with the popular Morning With the Masters sessions, followed by the Surgical and Prosthetic Tracks which run concurrently all day. Additional Hands-on Workshops sessions are offered along with Emerging Leaders Session where up and coming clinicians will present their cases in a bid to win "Best Presentation." The day will close with the President's Reception at the NASCAR Hall of Fame - an event you won't want to miss!  

Saturday morning kicks off with a very attractive session on "Management of Peri-implant Esthetic Complications" by some of the most reputed clinicians worldwide. Register for the Lunch With the Masters sessions and learn directly from the experts in small round-table sessions. The meeting will close on a high note with "Prevent Implant Complications Through Meticulous Planning and Interdisciplinary Approaches."

We will also feature the Team Program for you and your office staff, as well as Abstract Sessions and the Young Clinicians' Luncheon to round out your educational opportunities. 

We are looking forward to seeing you in Charlotte!