I recently attended the 60th annual meeting of  the American Academy of Implant Dentistry which was held October 19^th through October 22^nd in Las Vegas Nevada.  Sixty years ago, a small cadre of dental pioneers braved a firestorm of professional criticism and met in Chicago to share ideas to stimulate research and training in implant dentistry.  This was the beginning of the practice of implant dentistry and paved the way for eventual public and professional acceptance of the procedure. That meeting led to another meeting held February 4, 1952, also in Chicago, with 14 dentists and four laboratory technicians.  It was the inaugural conclave of the American Academy of Implant Dentures, which today is AAID.  During my stay in Las Vegas, I attended several lectures concerning the “All-On–Four” technique, as well as the more traditional approaches to help restore the edentulous (missing all teeth) patient.  I also spent time with two past presidents of this prestigious organization:  Dr. Francis J. DuCoin & Dr. Richard A. Guaccio.

It is estimated that 69 percent of Americans age 35 to 44 have at least one missing tooth and one in four over the age of 74 have lost all of their natural teeth.  Aging Baby Boomers are fueling high demand for dental implants, but the aggressive advertising aimed at them does not provide information they need about the procedure and qualifications required to perform it.  Therefore, AAID’s message in commemorating 60 years of dental implants is that implants promote good oral health and restore self confidence, but successful outcomes are best assured by careful and informed selection of a highly trained and skilled implant dentist.