[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 25 (Thursday, February 11, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E206]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    THE ACADEMY OF OSSEOINTEGRATION

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                        HON. ELIJAH E. CUMMINGS

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 11, 1999

  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Academy of 
Osseointegration, the world's leading dental implant organization, as 
they bring together dentists, general practitioners, laboratory 
technicians, and research scientists in Palm Springs for their 14th 
Annual Meeting on March 4-6. The Academy of Osseointegration operates 
exclusively for scientific, charitable and educational purposes to 
advance the art and science of osseointegration, placing titanium 
cylinders into the jawbone to support replacement teeth.
  As a strong supporter of medical research and my own district's work 
at Johns Hopkins University, I commend this organization and its 
members, some of whom reside in my district, for their dedication and 
commitment to finding new medical breakthroughs.
  Osseointegration is beneficial in replacing lost teeth, restoring 
hearing, enhancing reconstructive and cosmetic surgery, and correcting 
craniofacial problems. Dental implants are an answer to many problems 
associated with missing teeth and offer a high-tech alternative to 
other forms of traditional dentistry such as bridges, removable 
partials and dentures that are difficult for some patients.
  Formed in 1982 by a group of dental clinicians, the Academy of 
Osseointegration has grown to include more than 4200 professionals in 
almost 70 countries. Professionals from all specialties have united in 
a learning experience that provides a refreshing opportunity for an 
interrelated, interdisciplinary approach to move the field of 
osseointegrated implants forward.
  I commend this organization for its dedication to the highest 
standards in patient care, research and education as professionals ally 
themselves with the Academy of Osseointegration in approaching the 
challenges and advances of dental implantation in the 21st century.

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