The Association of Dental Implantology held their AGM in late November at the Institute of Engineering and Technology London, presenting members with an insight into the changes made by the board and the latest financial report. Members convened in the Kelvin Lecture Theatre during the highly successful ADI Masterclass: Soft Tissue Regeneration (in collaboration with the Osteology Foundation).

The AGM was carried out in the middle of the schedule of the ADI Masterclass: Soft Tissue Regeneration (in collaboration with the Osteology Foundation). The day saw clinicians from across the globe gather to discuss prominent elements of modern implant dentistry, and further the knowledge of attending members.

Lecture topics were devised to actively help members. Professor Rino Burkhardt delved into suturing training and development, helping clinicians not only recognise the gold standards for suturing but how to set out an active training plan to achieve it consistently.

Professor France Lambert spoke about the surgical considerations for soft tissue management when placing immediate implants and gave a comprehensive insight into factors to consider for case selection, including how to identify favourable levels of recession, tissue types, bone anchorage, and much more.

In the afternoon, Professor Ronald E. Jung put it best when introducing his lecture on soft tissue augmentation and regeneration for aesthetic results. In reference to the schedule of the Masterclass, he said:

“This is a line-up that’s hard to beat!”

Dr Marivsz Rzepski is a dentist at Princes Street Dental Care and Member Delegate of the ADI. He was delighted with the event, saying:

“I’m really happy with it, everything is of interest. It’s good to have a range of subjects spoken about because in implantology everything is important.

“It’s quite good to bring it all together at an event like this, I’m really impressed.”

The promise to deliver two more Masterclasses in 2025 is testament to the drive and passion of elected clinicians to spread information with colleagues. With the November event a proven success, individuals can become ADI members and look to secure their spots at the upcoming events today.

Dr Zaki Kanaan, ADI President, led the AGM where he first confirmed the standing with charitable status, which requires the ADI to meet specific standards set by the Charity Commission. In effect, this necessitates actions to help educate clinicians for the benefit of the public.

There is also the need to govern appropriately; including the election of board members. The most recent occurred over the summer, and Dr Kanaan went on to thank departing members, and welcome those that are joining the board. The names and roles of these individuals are available on the ADI website.

Topics discussed include the multiple Masterclasses that have taken place, as well as more than a dozen regional study clubs – some of these were completed online, and others in person. Specialist webinars were also carried out.

Mentoring with the ADI was formalised in conjunction with the College of General Dentistry over the past year, creating a programme with listed guidelines that will serve to benefit everyone.

Looking ahead, Dr Kanaan expressed his anticipation for the continuation of the study clubs, and more webinars. Further major events are to take place, including ADI Masterclass: A Female Perspective on 8th March 2025, and the ADI Team Congress will be held in Brighton from the 1st-3rd May 2025. The National Members Forum will take place in 2025, and members can now submit their proposals to deliver talks at the event.

The ADI is actively setting out to trial a free membership for those connected to the British Association of Dental Nurses.

The role of student ambassadors was also highlighted, with 20 individuals from 8 different universities helping to bridge the gap between clinicians and trainees. Professor Nikolaos Donos, outgoing Academic Representative, presented awards to the two winners of the ADI Scholarships Initiative, Tanaka Kadiyo and Toyin Aiyegbusi. The project aims to support and encourage students from the black community to access educational opportunities in implant dentistry.

Membership figures were updated, with 2,073 members as of 31st October 2024.

Treasurer Dr Zubair Sacranie gave an update on the financial aspects of the ADI, noting that the association remains in a stable position, with further development of a reserve fund.