Toronto holds particular symbolic value for the field because the Toronto Conference on Osseointegration in Clinical Dentistry in 1982 helped introduce osseointegration to the wider North American dental community. Against this historical backdrop, the symposium re-examined established paradigms and discussed how patient-centred approaches may influence future implant treatment.

Clinical perspectives across generations

The programme featured 14 speakers representing different generations and areas of implant dentistry. Prof. Tomas Albrektsson, who co-authored widely used criteria for evaluating implant success, challenged conventional views on marginal bone loss. He discussed evidence indicating that some marginal bone loss may involve an immune-mediated response rather than infection alone. Alongside him, Drs Dennis Tarnow and David Garber shared insights into the 50-year evolution of aesthetic and implant dentistry.

Other presentations focused on established treatment concepts and clinical protocols. Dr Paulo Maló, the creator of the All-on-4 treatment concept, reflected on 25 years of innovation across more than 250,000 cases. Prof. Tomas Linkevičius, author of the book Zero Bone Loss Concepts, presented protocols intended to expand treatment options in selected clinical situations.

Digital innovation formed another strand of the programme. Leading experts such as Dr Alessandro Pozzi and past Digital Dentistry Society president Dr Francesco Mangano discussed applications of artificial intelligence, as well as computer-assisted navigation and integrated digital workflows.

The New Toronto Declaration: Thirteen principles for future innovation

During the symposium, MegaGen introduced the New Toronto Declaration, a framework outlining 13 proposed principles informed by deeper biological understanding and long-term clinical data. MegaGen CEO Dr Kwang-bum Park illustrated this shift during his lecture on what he termed the “fourth revolution” in implant dentistry—a move from anatomy-driven reconstruction towards biology-based, patient-centred innovation. He argued that, as the proportion of older patients increases, extensive bone grafting should no longer be considered the default approach. “The next era of implant dentistry will be measured by how gently and efficiently we restore a patient’s quality of life,” Dr Park stated.

Exhibition presents historical and digital developments

The on-site experience extended far beyond the lecture hall. MegaGen transformed its exhibition space into a dental museum, featuring the Honorary Zone—dedicated to pioneers from the past 50 years. Complementing this retrospective, MegaGen presented its Seamless Digital Solution, which it described as integrating workflows from diagnosis to restoration and potentially reducing treatment time and costs.

Setting the stage for the next era in dentistry

The 19^th MegaGen International Symposium challenged established paradigms, presented clinical protocols and research relating to implant treatment, and explored possible applications of artificial intelligence and bio-inspired robotics in dentistry. Building on this momentum, the 20^th MegaGen International Symposium, scheduled for 16 and 17 April 2027 at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center in China, will continue the symposium’s discussion of clinical and technological developments in dentistry. More information about MegaGen can be found on the company’s website.