Osstem Europe Meeting 2026 to focus on implant complications

Dental Tribune International

Wed. 24. June 2026

save

Ahead of the 2026 Osstem Europe Meeting in Prague in the Czech Republic on 13–14 November, Dental Tribune International spoke with Dr Ieva Gendvilienė, member of the congress scientific committee and chair of the Osstem Implant Scientific Community (OIC) Europe Communication Committee. Under the theme “Mastering the unexpected: Pathways from complications to predictable success”, the congress will focus on some of the most demanding aspects of implant dentistry: preventing, recognising and managing complications. In this interview, Dr Gendvilienė, who is an oral surgeon from Lithuania, discusses the role of OIC Europe, new features of the Prague meeting, and the opportunities it will offer for both experienced clinicians and young professionals.

Dr Gendvilienė, for readers who may be less familiar with OIC Europe, could you briefly explain what the organisation does and what your role as chair of the OIC Europe Communication Committee involves?
OIC Europe is a scientific community dedicated to advancing education, research and collaboration in implant dentistry. Through our educational platform, we provide dental professionals with clinical videos, lectures and case-based learning resources focused on contemporary surgical and prosthetic techniques, complication management and evidence-based treatment. At the same time, OIC Europe actively supports international research projects that address important clinical questions and advance our profession.

OIC Europe is built around three pillars: education, science and communication. As chair of the communication committee, my role is to help connect our educational and scientific activities with the wider dental community and increase their visibility across Europe.

Who has been involved in preparing the 2026 Osstem Europe Meeting, and how has this collaboration helped shape the congress?
The 2026 Osstem Europe Meeting reflects the close collaboration between OIC Europe, the congress scientific committee and Osstem Europe. Together with OIC Europe President Dr Marco Tallarico, the scientific committee and representatives from Osstem Europe have worked to develop the congress scientific programme, select speakers, organise an abstract competition and create valuable networking opportunities. Our shared goal is to deliver a meeting that combines high-level science, practical education and meaningful professional exchange.

Why was the theme for the 2026 meeting chosen, and how does it reflect the clinical realities that implant dentists face today?
No matter how experienced we become, unexpected challenges remain part of everyday implant dentistry. The true measure of expertise is not the absence of complications but the ability to anticipate, prevent and manage them successfully. This is especially important in the aesthetic zone, where small deviations can have a profound effect on treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction.

The goal of the 2026 Osstem Europe Meeting is not only to discuss complications but also to provide practical, evidence-based strategies that help transform uncertainty into predictable clinical success. By bringing together leading clinicians from different disciplines, we hope to share the knowledge, experience and practical solutions that allow participants to return to their practices with greater confidence and a clearer pathway to achieving predictable outcomes.

How was the scientific programme developed, and why were topics such as peri-implantitis, biologics, guided surgery, augmentation complications and treatment in the aesthetic zone prioritised?
When designing the scientific programme, our main goal was to create a meeting that would be valuable and engaging for a broad range of dental professionals. The programme was therefore structured to address the entire treatment pathway—from diagnosis and planning to surgery and restoration—while emphasising risk management throughout.

“The 2026 Osstem Europe Meeting reflects the close collaboration between OIC Europe, the congress scientific committee and Osstem Europe.”

The first day will focus on surgical topics, practical techniques, and the prevention and management of complications, followed by prosthetic planning and decision-making. The second day will highlight digital workflows, guided treatment concepts and the synergy between digital planning and surgery, concluding with sessions on full-arch rehabilitation and decision-making in complex clinical situations. By combining fundamental principles, advanced clinical concepts and real-world risk management, we aim to provide valuable insights for surgeons, prosthodontists, periodontists, general practitioners and dental students alike.

Compared with the previous Osstem Europe Meeting, held in London in the UK, what will be new or distinctive about the 2026 edition in Prague—for example, in terms of format, speakers, topics or opportunities for exchange?
Building on the success of the London meeting, the Prague edition will place an even stronger focus on preventing and managing complications, as well as on integrating surgical and prosthetic perspectives throughout the programme. We have also expanded the prosthetic content to reflect the growing importance of restoratively driven treatment planning in implant dentistry.

I am particularly pleased that this year we have a strong and diverse faculty, including many female speakers who will bring valuable clinical and scientific perspectives to the programme. In addition, attendees can expect a larger exhibition area, more opportunities for interaction and networking, and the introduction of OIC Young—a new initiative designed to engage and support the next generation of dental professionals.

You will be presenting a lecture titled “Precision in practice: Guided implantation and roll flap synergy” and moderating the session “Surgery and complications”. What messages do you hope clinicians will take from these presentations that will be of immediate value in their practices?
My lecture will focus on preventing complications through accurate implant positioning and proper soft-tissue management. I will discuss how combining guided implant placement and roll flap techniques can help establish a more stable band of keratinised tissue and achieve more predictable long-term outcomes. I hope that clinicians will take away practical tips and simple modifications that can make their work easier, safer and more predictable.

Will the meeting also have specific opportunities for young professionals to contribute or present their work?
Young professionals are strongly encouraged to participate in the scientific programme. The meeting will feature a poster competition in several categories, including preclinical research, clinical research, case reports and clinical photography. There will also be oral abstract presentations, providing an excellent opportunity for young clinicians and researchers to showcase their work, gain visibility and compete for attractive awards.

Editorial note:

More information about the 2026 Osstem Europe Meeting can be found on the event website.