A biennial celebration of implantology packed with eye-opening lectures and ground-breaking discoveries, the event lifted off with the handing over of the ADI Presidency to Dr Pynadath George. Setting tongues wagging with a teaser trailer for the ADI Team Congress 2027 in Liverpool, Dr Pynadath cemented the association’s commitment to growth and first-class events before introducing the first of 25 speakers and getting the ball rolling.

The sheer range of speakers and topics, split across two lecture theatres, enabled ADI members to enjoy a varied programme. Each talk lasted 20 minutes and, after four in a row, the speakers then engaged in a panel discussion, taking audience questions and generating thoughtful conversations. Dr Marina George emphasised the array of subjects:

“The diverse topics by the speakers were very informative and clinically relevant; an interesting mix of digital workflow and clinical cases. The highlight of the event was the lecture by Dr Jakub Batycki – the research work was very useful in understanding the role of immunological markers in implant dentistry.”

Whilst Dr Batycki explored the osteoimmunological impact of immediate versus delayed implant placements, dental technician Kristina Vaitelyte focused on digitally planning cases to save chair time – a presentation filled with innovative technological demonstrations. For Peter Cotton, having educational opportunities for dental technicians is a key reason to become an ADI member, noting:

“Being an ADI member keeps you up to date with innovative, day-to-day changes. As a dental technician there aren’t many of us [at the ADI], but it is really beneficial and good to hear the clinical aspect. For both dentists and technicians, an ADI membership is recommended.”

The clinical theatre overflowed with delegates, with many standing at the back to hear from leading clinicians. Attendees heard from Dr Sally Rayment on how Botox could be used in the dental chair. Pedestalled as a game-changing treatment for patients who break everything, Dr Rayment’s talk emphasised the simplicity of Botox and its minimally invasive, evidence-based approach. Patients with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) can also benefit from the treatment, helping protect implants from bruxism.

Similarly adventurous was Dr Ahmed Naji’s 20 minutes on autologous platelet concentrates (APCs). Infused with wit and a fresh presentational approach, Dr Naji provided a comprehensive review of various APCs, assessing each distinct biological composition and evaluating the research around them. By better understanding each APC, clinicians can identify the optimal clinical scenarios in which they can be applied for enhanced patient outcomes.

A line-up of implantologists would be incomplete without Dr Selvaraj Balaji, whose session revolved around “the power of not knowing”. As a leading figure in the implant field, Dr Balaji’s philosophy surprised delegates, forcing them to reflect on previous treatments and their own clinical growth over the years. By showcasing complex cases, some successful, others not, Dr Balaji gave an honest and illuminating perspective on how to manage complications such as hard and soft tissue defects.

Across the day, passion for dental implantology was high. Fervent questions, friendly disagreements and conversations around new technologies all amounted to a truly informative networking experience. Dr Howard Stean commented on the day:

“I have been a member for 30 odd years. In this time the ADI has grown bigger and bigger, and the events more and more luxurious. The Members’ National Forum is inexpensive (free to members!) and boasts fantastic educational value – I highly recommend it for young dentists.”

It is this generational continuity that the ADI continues to look ahead to. The ADI Board Members singled out the excellent work that the Next Gen committee, led by Dr Ricky Bhopal, have been doing to engage with those at the beginning of their implant career. Uniting dental professionals across the whole spectrum of the implantology pathway, be they young or experienced, clinicians or technicians, the ADI upholds an educational legacy fitting for the Royal College of Physicians.