Global AAID WCOI Conference, Delhi 2024— a grand success

From East to West: A Global Initiative for International Celebration

The diversity of delegates, in terms of nationality and expertise in the field of implant dentistry, helped bridge gaps between theoretical knowledge and practical proficiency. Nearly 750 delegates participated in the conference with utmost enthusiasm, weaving the threads of the past into a brighter future. The conference was well-supported by ADA CERP, the Academy of General Dentistry, Smile USA, the Indian Dental Association, the Academy of Oral Implantology, and Chanavas International Institute of Oral and Maxillofacial Implantology, France.

Inauguration

The inaugural ceremony, held on the 8th of November 2024, was graced by the auspicious presence of dignitaries alongside distinguished invitees. The galaxy of stalwarts on the dais included:

• Mr Anurag Thakur (MP & Former Union Minister),
• Madam Puniya Srivastava (Secretary, Health & Family Welfare),
• Mr Amitabh Kant (G20 Sherpa and former CEO, NITI Aayog),
• Prof (Dr) Mahesh Verma (Organising Chairman, GAAID),
• Dr Shankar Iyer (President, GAAID),
• Dr Brij Sabherwal (Secretary, GAAID),
• Dr Manish Lahori (Former President, IPS),
• Dr Ashok Dhoble (Secretary General, IDA),
• Dr Sanjay Kumar (President, AOI),
• Dr Meera Verma (President, ICD – India Section), and
• Dr Shigeo Osato (President, WCOI).
  

  Inauguration event began with invocation ceremony

  

  Lamp lighting by dignitaries

  

  Rolling out the GAAID & WCOI 2024 banner

  

  Release of GAAID WCOI 2024 delegate book

  

  Display of Video message by Dr. Edward Kusek, erstwhile President AAID

  
  
  
  
  

Mr Anurag Thakur emphasised that advances in oral health are a crucial component of general health and highlighted that both health in general and oral health, in particular, are basic human rights. Mr Amitabh Kant commended the extraordinary efforts of dentists in the field of implantology, especially their commitment to providing conscientious care and state-of-the-art dental rehabilitation procedures. Madam Puniya Srivastava spoke in detail about the Government of India's support in advancing oral health and education.

The conference also received good wishes through video messages from the Honourable Minister of Health, Government of India, Shri JP Nadda, and the President of the American Academy of Implantology, Dr Edward Kusek.

Preliminary Proceedings

The two days preceding the conference inauguration were packed with activity and excitement. On the 6th of November 2024, a special lecture by Dr Richard Miron was conducted at Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, East Campus. The full-day course focused on PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) and its extended applications in implant surgery, including hands-on sessions.

The morning of the 7th of November witnessed Diplomates of the WCOI Japan undertaking the Master-Fellow Examination. The competence of the candidates was assessed at three separate examination stations, which involved case presentations and standardised case appraisals.

Additionally, the conference featured preparatory lectures for participants appearing for the WCOI Japan Diplomate Examination, delivered by Dr Nithish Surathu and Dr Shankar Iyer. Approximately 75 participants took the examination and achieved Diplomate status, which was conferred during the valedictory function.

The Chalk-Talk and Much More!

During the conference, the scientific sessions commenced punctually and were held back-to-back in two auditoriums. The pace was set with engaging and interactive sessions led by a dynamic group of keynote speakers who shared in-depth insights into contemporary trends and procedures in implantology, ranging from foundational to advanced topics.

Complementing the literary knowledge were In-Conference Workshops that offered hands-on experiences in clinical and laboratory aspects of implant care.

Showcasing Talent!

Alongside the dissemination of knowledge by the experts, the Congress provided an ideal platform for delegates to showcase their research and innovations through free papers and e-posters, all of which were part of competitive categories judged by impartial reviewers. This initiative facilitated a productive exchange of knowledge and experiences among the participants.

Translating Science to Practice

The gap between theoretical knowledge and the practical application of implantology techniques was bridged through the exhibitors at the Trade Section of the Congress. These exhibitors presented the latest evidence-based materials and instruments. Delegates provided overwhelmingly positive feedback, praising the relevance and quality of the resources displayed in the exhibition.

A Cloister Full of Collectables

Two distinctive highlights of the conference, prominently displayed in the cloister, were “Articulators’ Galleria”, curated by the conference chairman, Prof (Dr) Mahesh Verma, and a Philately collection. The Articulators’ Galleria showcased a treasure trove of articulators spanning from the early 1900s to the present, offering a glimpse into Prof Verma’s personal collection of these instruments, often referred to as “the stethoscope of a dentist”.

Curtains Down!

The final day of the conference featured the much-anticipated and high-energy symposium on hard and soft tissues with implants. This session, masterfully orchestrated by two renowned experts, Dr Shankar Iyer and Dr Aswatha Kumaraswamy, brought together a distinguished panel of four doctors:

• Dr Hardeek Patel (USA),
• Dr Aman Bhullar (USA),
• Dr Sankalp Sood (India),
• Dr Daniele Cardaropoli (Italy),
  along with Mr Indraneel Kanaglekar, Chief Commercial Officer at ZimVie.

The panel addressed a variety of clinical and commercial questions, offering valuable insights into their respective perspectives. The session was dynamic and left a lasting impression on the audience.

The conference concluded with the valedictory function, during which remarkable scholarly achievements were recognised. Diplomat and Master Fellow certificates were awarded, followed by celebrations to honour the winners in competitive categories.

A Grand Finale

In essence, the conference brought together the crème de la crème of implant experts from across the globe and across generations at this monumental international event. It was a platform where countless stories of success, failures, breakthroughs, and trailblazing endeavours in implant care over the years were shared and celebrated. These tales offered a glimpse into the past while shaping the path for the future.

The conference fully embraced its theme, “Shaping the Future: From Vision to Reality”, and concluded on a triumphant note. Yet, as the saying goes, “Every beginning has an end, and every end has a new beginning.” The exuberant team of Global AAID & WCOI will reconvene once again in 2026 in New Delhi, carrying forward the momentum of this exceptional event.

 

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