The ITI celebrates its 40th birthday

The International Team for Implantology (ITI) has launched celebratory activities around its 40th birthday. Founded in 1980 by 12 implant dentistry pioneers led by Prof. André Schroeder and Dr. h.c. Fritz Straumann, the ITI was established to promote the emerging field of implant dentistry through independent research and the dissemination of knowledge. Since then, the ITI has developed into the largest international academic organization in this field.

Originally planned to coincide with the ITI World Symposium 2020 in Singapore (postponed to 2021 due to the Coronavirus), the celebrations have now been shifted to an online venue: www.40yearsITI.org. This dedicated microsite takes visitors on a journey through the organization’s past up to the present day using various interactive media.

The ITI community is invited to contribute and participate in the website by uploading videos or adding content to the social wall using the hashtag #40yearsITI on Instagram or Twitter.

Key moments from the ITI’s history are presented in an accessible and engaging format using a visual timeline, and background videos delivered by key players provide personal insights into different aspects of the organization.

A history of the organization has been compiled and written by renowned medical historian Prof. Dr. Dr. Dr. Dominik Gross, Professor and Managing Director of the Institute for History, Theory and Ethics of Medicine at RWTH Aachen University. This richly illustrated volume full of fascinating information is available for everyone to read on the microsite. A print copy of the book, published in cooperation with Quintessence Publishing Company, is being sent to every ITI Fellow worldwide.

Regular quizzes and competitions until the end of the year will round off the birthday activities.

“With this website, we aim not only to pay homage to the people who drove the organization’s development and honor its legacy, but also to transmit the ITI’s unique spirit and philosophy to the next generation”, said ITI President Stephen Chen. “We would like to thank all the Fellows and Members around the world who have made the ITI what it is today.”

About the ITI

The International Team for Implantology (ITI) is an academic association that unites professionals around the world from every field of implant dentistry and related disciplines. The ITI’s purpose is to engage and inspire the global dental profession to strive for excellence in implant dentistry for the benefit of the patient. ITI Fellows and Members regularly share their knowledge and expertise from research and clinical practice at meetings, courses and congresses with the objective of continuously improving treatment methods and outcomes to the benefit of their patients.

In 40 years, the ITI has built a reputation for scientific rigor combined with concern for the welfare of patients. The organization focuses on the development of well-documented treatment guidelines backed by extensive clinical testing and the compilation of long-term results. The ITI funds research as well as Scholarships for young clinicians, organizes congresses and continuing education events, and runs more than 700 Study Clubs around the globe. The organization also publishes reference books such as the ITI Treatment Guide series and operates the ITI Academy, a peer-reviewed, evidence-based e-learning platform with a unique user-centric approach.