implants - international magazine of oral implantology

editorial _ implants I I 03implants2_2011 _The IDS in Cologne, the world’s largest dental show, has again closed its doors. With over 2,000 exhibitors from 59 countries it was once more a superlative exhibition. The variety of cul- tures, different therapeutic approaches, and numerous innovations on display absolutely over- whelmed visitors. For oral implantology, the digitalization of treatments came to the fore, as this technology will certainly be a very exciting topic in future and will no doubt result in a great deal of infor- mation for the field. Due to 3-D diagnostics, computer-aided planning, navigation, and digital impression-taking of CAD/CAM manufactured prosthetics, there seems to be no limit to the in- creased use of technology in our practices, and in view of our changing job descriptions. Patients agree with the increased use of technology in their treatment, for it reflects their ownday-to-daylifeexperiences.Itisourdutyasresponsibledentiststobalancetherapieswhich are scientifically proven to a certain degree of accuracy with any error sources and inadequa- cies to which we may justifiably expose our patients. These technical capabilities open up a wide range of dental treatments for dentists and pa- tientsaswell.Itisnowuptoustointegratemedicallysensibleandscientificallyapprovedinno- vations into our everyday work. Technologicaldevelopmentcontinuestoprogress,butwithoutanappropriatescientifically- basededucation(i.e.curriculum,sittinginonclasses,andsupervision)implantologystillcannot be carried out successfully for the benefit of our patients. The key to success is to combine the knowledgebaseofimplantology(includingallphysiologicalandbiologicalaspects)withahighly qualified surgical and prosthetic procedure. Digitalization is one means of measuring success. The better the dentist s basic education, the more he will be able to improve the results of his treatment by means of digitalization. On the occasion of its 41th International Annual Congress, which will take place in Cologne from September 30 until October 1, 2011, DGZI will once again interest you with its congress topic of “Implantology—requirements, possibilities and expectations” and its excellent expert contributions regarding current issues. Allow yourself to be entertained by our podium discus- siononthetopic“Digitalimplantology—Whatshouldandwhatmustbedone?”Here,well-qual- ified experts will highlight contrasting positions and offer recommendations for your future work, as DGZI remains committed to science as well as success in practice. I look forward to welcoming you in Cologne and am eager to exchange ideas with you all. Kindly Yours, Dr med dent Roland Hille The key to success Dr med dent Roland Hille