Basel, Switzerland, October 17, 2011 – The International Team for Implantology (ITI), a leading academic organization dedicated to the promotion of evidence-based education and research in the field of implant dentistry, today announced that it had welcomed its 10,000^th member. This achievement marks another milestone in the 31-year history of the ITI.

This growth is due in large part to the recently launched ITI Study Club concept, which has evoked an overwhelming response around the globe. Exceeding its own expectations, the ITI to date has established more than 500 Study Clubs on every continent. Free participation in ITI Study Clubs as part of the annual benefits package has proved to be a significant membership value. ITI Study Clubs are characterized by an approach to learning through presentations and interactive discussion in relatively small groups at a local level. They represent an efficient platform from which to disseminate and exchange knowledge on the latest treatment approaches in implant dentistry.

The 10,000^th member of the ITI is Dr. Jocelyn Shand, a well respected Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon from the Royal Children's Hospital, University of Melbourne and President of the Australian & New Zealand Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons. She was welcomed personally by the ITI President Prof. Dr. Daniel Buser and the leadership team of the ITI Section Australasia.

"We are very pleased with the current membership development and the opportunity to welcome our 10,000^th member today," said Prof. Buser. "The continued growth of the ITI, which is a result of the systematic implementation of our strategic Vision 2017 developed in 2007, is a clear sign of the strong demand by colleagues for evidence-based education and treatment guidelines that are delivered independently of commercial interests."

"I heard about the ITI several years ago and since then traced its activities", said Dr. Shand. "After attending several ITI education courses in Melbourne and working with a number of esteemed ITI Fellows in Australia including Dr. Anthony Dickinson and Dr. Stephen Chen, I was immediately drawn to becoming a member of this global organization with its wealth of benefits that will significantly enhance both my professional activities and international perspectives."

Established in 1980 by a small group of visionary pioneers led by Prof. Dr. André Schroeder and Dr. Fritz Straumann, the ITI has championed the cause of implant dentistry since the early days, playing a continuous role in its development to the present day. Today, the organization has a true global presence through its 27 national or regional Sections. The ITI takes a leading role all over the world in continuing dental education and the development of standard treatment methods to ensure reliable outcomes. In addition, the ITI is the largest non-governmental organization worldwide to award research grants in implant dentistry.

The ITI welcomes all appropriately qualified professionals with an interest in implant dentistry as members of the organization. Membership of the ITI offers a wealth of benefits and the highest quality educational support as well as the opportunity to meet likeminded professionals through the extensive event schedule. Dental practitioners who are interested in finding out more or joining the ITI should go to www.iti.org.

About the ITI

The International Team for Implantology (ITI) unites professionals around the world from every field of implant dentistry and related tissue regeneration. As an independent academic association, it actively promotes networking and exchange among its membership. ITI Fellows and Members, who now number more than 10,000 in total, 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 more than 30 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 also publishes reference books such as the ITI Treatment Guide series. www.iti.org