Today, New Delhi opened its doors to a global gathering of dental professionals as the 6th Global American Academy of Implant Dentistry (GAAID) and the 12th World Congress of Oral Implantology (WCOI) Japan Conference kicked off with an inspiring inaugural ceremony at The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel.

The conference brought together a distinguished array of leaders, policymakers, and experts in implant dentistry and oral healthcare, united in exploring breakthroughs that are transforming dental care worldwide.

In his opening address, Conference Chairman Prof. (Dr.) Mahesh Verma welcomed attendees, describing how rapidly dental care has evolved in recent years. He shared his excitement over the unique opportunity the conference offers, bringing together the pioneering spirit of the West and the innovative energy of the East to advance precision and predictability in patient care.

Mr Amitabh Kant, India’s G-20 Sherpa and former CEO of NITI Aayog, delivered a powerful speech emphasizing the need for affordable and accessible dental care. He expressed enthusiasm over how the field is pushing boundaries to offer better aesthetic and functional solutions and urged policymakers and researchers to drive advancements in oral health across the nation.

Mr Anurag Singh Thakur, Member of Parliament and former Union Minister, added his support, applauding India’s progress in healthcare accessibility and its impact on the physical and mental well-being of citizens. He noted how the ongoing expansion of medical facilities nationwide is bringing quality care closer to every community.

Ms. Punya Salila Srivastava, IAS, Secretary Health, Government of India, also addressed the audience, reiterating the government’s commitment to health innovation. She highlighted how important it is to integrate oral health within the broader national health agenda, crediting the conference with creating a vital platform for driving oral healthcare improvements.

The conference featured a special message from Hon’ble Sh. J.P. Nadda, Union Health Minister, who recognized Indian dentistry’s growing influence on global platforms. Additionally, Dr. Edward Kusek, President of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, contributed to the event’s global perspective through a video message that set a collaborative tone for the days ahead.

Dr. Shankar Iyer, Chief Patron and President of the 6th GAAID, took the stage to celebrate India’s contributions to implant dentistry. With over 80% of experts at the conference representing India, he emphasized the nation’s growing presence and leadership in the field. Dr. Shigeo Osato, President of WCOI (Japan), echoed this sentiment, reminding attendees of their collective responsibility to advance oral health and the importance of international partnerships in achieving this mission.

The grand ceremony concluded with a ribbon-cutting event, the release of the Delegate Book, and the presentation of Appreciation Awards. Dr. Brij Sabherwal, Organising Secretary, delivered a heartfelt Vote of Thanks, and the day closed on a patriotic note with the National Anthem.

Earlier, the day’s pre-conference lectures offered attendees a glimpse into transformative dental technologies. Dr. Apoorva Gupta captivated the audience with insights into soft tissue graft substitutes, highlighting their role in enhancing healing, improving tissue stability, and providing patients with comfortable, natural-feeling implants.

Dr. Vikas Aggarwal discussed the promise of Digital Occlusal Analysis, a technology that allows precise adjustment of bite forces to achieve balanced occlusion and improved patient comfort. Dr. Kuber Sood introduced the Magnetic Mallet, an innovative tool designed for minimally invasive bone manipulation during implant procedures, which reduces surgical trauma and postoperative discomfort while maintaining high precision.

The discussions and innovations shared today underscored a shift towards patient-centered care, raising the bar for quality, comfort, and longevity in implantology. Attendees expressed optimism and excitement over the potential of these advancements to reshape the future of implant dentistry, making long-term dental health accessible to more patients around the world.