Program Chair

Greetings from the Program Chair - Paul  A. Fugazzotto, DDS

The theme of the meeting, “Make a Difference: Transforming the Lives of our Patients and Ourselves,” underscores the uniqueness of our chosen profession, whose perfect confluence of science, art and business allows us to truly change people’s lives in a self-fulfilling and rewarding manner. Our committee assembled a team of internationally recognized leaders and up-and-coming stars in implant dentistry, including experienced clinicians, educators, researchers, students and (dare I say it?) philosophers.

Thursday morning opens with a course on the Credentialing Program, which will tell you everything you need to know about applying for the AO Master or Diplomate Certificates. In addition, the Young Clinicians are hosting a Suturing Hands-on Workshop, which is a should-not-miss event. The ever-popular Corporate Forum presentations will follow, showcasing the latest technologies in at least 10 industry- sponsored sessions. The Opening Symposium on Thursday afternoon, entitled “It’s All About the Why”, begins with our Keynote Speaker, Dr. Bunmi Tokedi’s unique and amazing presentation “Why Before How: Person-Centered Care in the Age of AI”. World renowned clinicians and researchers will then dive into the topics of the effects of implants on our patients’ quality of life, the appropriate use of digital technologies and the impact of such technologies on our everyday practices and treatment outcomes. The day will continue with the Emerging Leaders session, additional Corporate Forums and the Welcome Reception and ePoster presentations in the Exhibit Hall, which will give everyone the chance to catch up with old friends, meet new colleagues, and learn about the latest products and services from our corporate affiliates.

The popular and exciting Town Hall Clinical Presentations will once again be offered by our sponsors in the Exhibit Hall. Check them out during the Welcome Reception, lunches and refreshment breaks. Friday’s main podium plenary sessions will explore “Treatment of the Partially Dentate Patient” in the morning and “Treatment of the Full-arch Patient (covering mild, moderate and severe atrophy)” in the afternoon, highlighting the concepts and challenges unique to each patient scenario. A Hands-on Workshop, on Immediate and Digital Provisionalization, will also be held Friday morning, while the Hands-on Workshop on Managing Loose and Fractured Abutment Screws will take place on Friday afternoon. Midday, decide between enjoying your lunch in the Exhibit Hall or attending the Young Clinicians’ Luncheon to attend presentations by the Academy’s younger members. The abstract sessions will run throughout the day on Friday.

Afterwards, be part of the AO’s Annual Business meeting followed by the Osseo-Blast Reception to conclude the evening. Saturday offers you a plethora of exciting sessions, including a Hands-on Workshop on Guided Bone and Tissue Regeneration and a Dental Hygiene Program. The morning plenary session, entitled “Complications: Why We have Them” affords a unique opportunity to learn from master clinicians’ experiences and mistakes. Follow this up by attending a “Lunch With the Masters” to learn directly from the experts in one-on-one round-table discussions; or take part in our groundbreaking session: “The Business of Implant Dentistry”, designed to help newer practitioners conquer the challenges of today’s private practice, decrease stress and maximize practice profitability. The last Workshop on Saturday afternoon will explore Zygomatic and Pterygoid Implants. Our Closing Symposium entitled “Answering Our Why” takes the discussion to a different level, focusing upon “Treating for Longevity” when augmenting the esthetic zone and “Improving Our Patients’ Quality of Life”.

If you want to experience presentations by talented experts and innovators, which blend technical ability with treatment planning acumen; who are not afraid to show their failures as well as their successes; and who do so with the utmost ethics in the context of comprehensive patient care and undeniable clinical practice success, then AO’s 2026 meeting in Washington, DC is where you need to be.

Please join us!

Paul Fugazzotto, DDS
Annual Meeting Program Chair