The Osseointegration Foundation has elected new officers and established a goal of attracting additional corporate donors and members of the Titanium Society to build its endowment for research that will help to increase usage of dental implants.

Dr. Fraya I. Karsh, New York, NY, was elected OF President, succeeding Dr. Dayn C. Boitet, Orange Park, FL.  Other officers elected during the Foundation’s meetings in Boston are:

Dr. Richard K. Rounsavelle, Torrance, CA, Vice President;
Dr. Joseph E. Gian-Grasso, Philadelphia, PA, continuing as Secretary-Treasurer;
Drs. Edward M. Amet, Overland Park, KS, and James H. Doudoulakis, New York, NY, continue as Directors.

Dr. Steven E. Eckert, Rochester, MN, as AO’s Immediate Past President, represents the Academy on the Foundation’s Board.

Newly elected Foundation Board Members are Drs. Luis J. Fujimoto, New York, NY, and Jonathan H. Orenstein, Marlton, NJ.

“Many of our corporate partners have shown an interest in becoming Foundation supporters.  We welcome their support.  Our purpose is to sponsor research that will demonstrate the great potential of dental implants to enhance patient care,” Dr. Karsh says.

Nobel Biocare has made a commitment to donate $2.5 million to the Foundation to support quality research and recognize leadership in the field of osseointegration.  Nobel Biocare’s donation will be made in $500,000 installments in each of the next five years.  AO’s Board has pledged to provide up to $250,000 annually in matching funds, up to a maximum of $1 million over four years.

At its Boston Board meeting, the AO Board also agreed to reserve time for the Foundation on its Annual Meeting program to present the Nobel Biocare Brånemark Award and make the membership aware of the mutual goals of the Academy and OF.  The AO Board also approved scheduling an annual breakfast or luncheon for the Titanium Society during the Annual Meeting.

The Nobel Biocare Brånemark Award will be given each year by the Osseointegration Foundation to honor an individual’s impact on implant dentistry.  It could support research or the educational or charitable aspects of the Foundation’s mission.  A committee comprised of the Academy’s Immediate Past President, Foundation’s Immediate Past President, and Dr. Brånemark will choose the recipient.

The OF’s committed funds have now grown from $700,000 to approximately $4.6 million.  The OF established a fund raising drive this year with the goal of bringing its assets to the $4 million level in the next four years.  As the OF’s assets grow, the Foundation will be able to support increased awards toward its charitable, educational and research mission.

Positions are still available in The Titanium Society, which is limited to supporters who have pledged $10,000 total in past contributions and future contributions over a four-year period.   The Titanium Society will be limited to 100 members.  “The Titanium Society will have an important consulting role in selecting winners of the Nobel Biocare Brånemark Award,” Dr. Karsh said.

New officers of the Titanium Society, elected in Boston, are….

“Thanks to the dedication of our Titanium Society members and other supporters, the Foundation is starting to gather momentum.  We will continue to make a difference in the lives of our patients and have the satisfaction of knowing we helped our profession as well,” said Dr. Karsh.

OF charitable grants are awarded to AO dentists or university-based dental programs to complete osseointegration-based surgical and restorative procedures on patients who could not otherwise afford treatment.

The doctors donate their time and, in many cases, implant manufacturers donate the components.  The grants pay for related laboratory expenses.  Application criteria are available by calling the OF at 847/439-1919 or online at www.osseo.org.  A special committee reviews these applications.