As president of one of the biggest worldwide organisations in the field of implant dentistry, where do you see the biggest advances in the future of implant dentistry?
DC: The biggest advance in the future that I see is the more efficient utilisation of implants in overall treatment
planning. The implant profession is coming out with improved products and more niche products over time. This should allow for a better definition by the dentist on when an implant will assist in the restoration of the missing
dentition and what type of product is best used for a certain indication, supported of course by evidence-based information (which the ITI strives to provide).
The ITI Online Academy has now been launched, do you think this will have a dramatic effect of continuing professional development across the world and help to standardise clinicians’ skill levels?
DC: I am incredibly excited about the ITI’s Online Academy and am absolutely convinced it will be the gold standard in dental implant education. Because the ITI is a global organisation and because implant dentistry is an
absolute essential component of dentistry, a first-class, evidence-based, comprehensive, generic educational tool that is available 24/7 is exactly what is needed in our internet-based society. This e-learning opportunity is always available and addresses all of our needs (no matter what background and level of training you have) to improve the care we give our patients which is the goal of the ITI.
Who is your main inspiration in implant dentistry and how have you emulated your aspirations from looking up to that person?
DC: I would have to say that my main inspiration in implant dentistry was André Schroeder and Fritz Straumann both of whom I was fortunate to have met. These were great visionary men who perfectly understood academia and industry and who started the ITI Association.
Based solely on their vision, our partner Straumann decided to provide funds to an autonomous organisation for the purpose of research, development and education. These gentlemen truly appreciated the biology and material science of dental implants (and their potential impact) to better treat our patients, which I think (and hope) is our ultimate goal in replacing the missing dentition. I would also add that I have learned from and have been immensely impressed by Bob Schenk and Sam Steinmann from a histological and physics (surface chemistry) point of view respectfully.
You are presenting at the ITI Congress UK & Ireland in March next year. How often do you make it across to the
United Kingdom and what are your favourite aspects of travelling here? What will you be hoping to see while
you are here?
DC: I come to Europe probably five or six times a year and sometimes my only stop in the UK is at Heathrow (Dallas-London is a main route for me on many trips). The best part of the UK to me is the wonderful ITI members that live here and the British culture and history. Also, I have owned five British sports cars (I currently own a 1973 Triumph TR6) and a hobby for me is learning about, working on, and driving my car. My youngest daughter and I are active members of the STTA (South Texas Triumph Association) which meets monthly and my hope would be to go to shops or stores that specialise in old British sports cars particularly of the Triumph marque.