Dental News - Osteology Foundation: Education and networking during EAO congress

Dental Tribune International

Tue. 16. October 2018

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VIENNA, Austria: Under the theme of “From the past to the future”, the Osteology Foundation welcomed around 350 dental professionals at the Hofstallung in the museum quarter in the heart of Vienna on Friday night. The event offered the opportunity to learn about the history of oral and maxillofacial tissue regeneration, as well as future developments. At the get-together, attendees engaged in an educational game and exchanged experiences with like-minded people.

Since one of the main goals of the foundation is the training of dental professionals, five educational displays throughout the hall provided details about oral regeneration. Attendees were encouraged to enter a raffle for a ticket to the next International Osteology Symposium, which is to be held in Barcelona in Spain. The raffle answers could be found at the information stands, drawing attendees into a playful means of gaining new knowledge.

Prof. Christoph Hämmerle, a past president of the foundation, gave an overview of its history. It was founded in 2003 by Dr Peter Geistlich, together with the company Geistlich Pharma and various like-minded experts, in Lucerne in Switzerland. Its main goal is the promotion of research and education for the benefit of patients worldwide. “The Osteology Foundation is an organisation that spreads globally; please keep supporting us, and I hope to see all of you in Barcelona next year,” concluded Hämmerle.

Attendees were welcomed at the historic venue. (Photograph: Franziska Beier, DTI)

Prof. Mariano Sanz, the President of the Osteology Foundation, opened the event with a short introduction to the organisation. (Photograph: Franziska Beier, DTI)

Prof. Mariano Sanz (left) and Prof. Christoph Hämmerle, who is a past president of the foundation. (Photograph: Franziska Beier, DTI)

Prof. Reinhard Gruber, a board member of the foundation, encouraged young dental professionals to apply for a scholarship with the Osteology Foundation. (Photograph: Franziska Beier, DTI)

Five educational displays throughout the hall gave attendees facts about oral regeneration. (Photograph: Franziska Beier, DTI)

Attendees filled in the raffle in the hope of winning a ticket to the next International Osteology Symposium in Barcelona. (Photograph: Franziska Beier, DTI)

(Photograph: Franziska Beier, DTI)

The raffle winner will be announced within the next week. (Photograph: Franziska Beier, DTI)

(Photograph: Franziska Beier, DTI)

Attendees had their photographs taken to have a keepsake of the night. (Photograph: Franziska Beier, DTI)

A special lighting effect produced unique pictures of the participants. (Photograph: Franziska Beier, DTI)

The tasty fare delighted palates throughout the evening. (Photograph: Franziska Beier, DTI)

(Photograph: Franziska Beier, DTI)

The background music ensured a pleasing ambiance. (Photograph: Franziska Beier, DTI)

The upcoming symposium of the foundation will be held from 25 to 27 April next year under the theme “The next regeneration” and will address the latest developments of techniques and technologies in oral tissue regeneration, as well as the next generation of dentists, with papers by distinguished experts in the field. Dental Tribune International is the media partner of this meeting and will be producing a today congress paper to cover the event.

One of the Osteology Foundation’s concerns is the development of the next generation of dentists. Prof. Reinhard Gruber, a board member of the organisation, highlighted the importance of training for a successful future in dentistry. To that end, he encouraged young professionals to apply for a scholarship with the foundation. “We want to support you. Working with the best people for one year is a unique experience for both parties,” said Gruber. Former scholarship holders were at the event to answer attendees’ questions.

The evening furthermore offered the opportunity to receive a memento of the event. Attendees could have their photographs taken with a special lighting effect, illuminating them uniquely. The culinary offering, pleasing musical accompaniment and well-chosen venue created a special ambiance, fostering the opportunity to “let the Osteology Foundation and this event be an opportunity to meet colleagues and friends and to be a place of exchange”, which was what Prof. Mariano Sanz, President of the Osteology Foundation, had wished for at the start of the event.