The first scientific implantology congress on Malta

Normally the Mediterranean island of Malta is populated by holidaymakers. However, from 22nd to 25th September 2011 there was a completely different picture against the backdrop of the impressive St Julians: instead of tourists in swimwear, over 320 dentists from 19 countries, equipped with conference folders and laptop bags, flocked to Malta to attend the first scientific implantology congress under the motto “Innovation through cooperation – your partner on the way to success”.

This, in combination with the celebrations of the 125-year anniversary of the Dentaurum Group, prompted the Maltese President, Dr George Abela, to invite the Managing Director of the Dentaurum Group, Mark S. Pace, to a private audience in the San Anton Palace before the congress.

At the opening of the congress Mark S. Pace greeted the Maltese health minister, Dr Joseph Cassar, who was particularly pleased that Malta is not only regarded as a holiday destination but also as an information platform and attractive congress venue. Around 320 participants from all around the world took part in the high-quality congress programme, which comprised 10 workshops, a large number of scientific lectures and a live surgical procedure.

On the two days of the congress, under the expert direction of the Scientific Board consisting of Prof. Tomas Gedrange, Dr. Joachim Hoffmann and the congress president Dr. Friedhelm Heinemann, the renowned international team of speakers from Egypt, Germany, Iran, Italy, Jordan, Poland and Malta masterfully conducted the lectures from the fields of science, research and practice and underlined the international character of the fully booked anniversary congress.

One of the many highlights was the live transmission of a unilateral sinus lift operation using tiologic^© implants performed by Dr. Joachim Hoffmann. This was transmitted in HD quality directly from an oral surgery practice in the capital city of Valletta and followed with great interest by the congress participants.

The participants were particularly spoiled with the evening events. A typical Maltese barbecue dinner in a Mediterranean ambience directly adjacent to the Mediterranean Sea and an exceptional gala dinner in the "Sacra Infermeria", the former Order of Malta hospital, provided the congress days with a unique and unforgettable finale.

After two successful congress days, the host Dentaurum Implants was extremely pleased with the high praise of the guests, who expressed their delight with the perfect organisation, the excellent choice of international speakers and the scientific content. Many are already looking forward to future innovations and events of the Dentaurum Group.