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ePaper created 2016-09-22, 10:58:51 | version 1.38.0
opinion 25th EAO Annual Scientific Meeting 6 as an outstanding success. We have to return to the basics to assess the findings presented to us. Our subjec- tive evaluation allows us to take the most appropriate and apply it to our practice through optimising the tech- nical excellence that was presented to us. We realise after all these years the tremendous progress we have made owing to these lectures: our first implants were retained over time, then we learnt to place implants in all locations where the teeth had been lost, and finally we were able to achieve aesthetic implant results. It might be tempting sometimes to give up and consider all the won- ders that can be achieved as that of another world, inaccessible to our daily practices. Not at all. Our pa- tients do not want their smiles from when they were 20 years old. While a more attractive smile has been the dream of many, this dream is often difficult to achieve because of the costs involved, such as the extended length of treatment, the pain in- volved or the need for strict follow-up. Furthermore, the financial costs of an ideal treatment plan are too high for most of our patients. Achieving a 20-year-old’s smile in a 50-year-old face, however, is not a desirable goal. What we learn often only bene- fits a tiny fraction of our patients. By adapting a certain technique, we real- ise how meaningful it is. From there, we are able to extend its indications owing to the improvement of our clin- ical performance. Over time, the treatment becomes safe, useful, and we grasp its limits. Patients to whom we were not able to provide this treat- ment previously can now be treated because we have extended our knowledge. In fact, we optimise the excellence of treatment that was pre- sented to us through our patients by adapting a technique to our environ- mental circumstances. In the words of Darwin: “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.” What attracts us to a convention are the remaining gaps in knowledge that we are already aware of: the ap- pearance of multiple implants in the aesthetic zone, the quality of dental maintenance necessary for their sur- vival or the treatment of peri-implan- titis. What still amazes me at any meeting are all those questions that we did not even think of. For these reasons, we all will enthusiastically take the train ride to the EAO con- gress in Paris and enjoy the wonder- ful lectures that will lead us to pro- gress in our field. Dr Jean-Nicolas Hasson is a dentist specialising in implantology and periodontology. He main- tains his own practice in Mulhouse in France. “By adapting a certain technique, we realise how meaningful it is.” ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providersof continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. Join the largest educational network in dentistry! www.DTStudyClub.com – education everywhere and anytime – live and interactive webinars – more than 1,000 archived courses – a focused discussion forum – free membership – no travel costs – no time away from the practice – interaction with colleagues and experts across the globe – a growing database of scientific articles and case reports – ADA CERP-recognized credit administration register for FREE Dental Tribune Study Club AD