This year, the convention took place in Toronto the vibrant Canadian city on the shores of Lake Ontario. This was the first time we have had an international meeting since the pandemic turned the world upside down and we finally got to meet our International colleagues properly.
For those of us who had to memorise the names of the Great Lakes at school, this was one of the series of large interconnected freshwater lakes in the mid-east of North America that connect to the Atlantic Ocean via the Saint Lawrence River. (So, it was lovely to actually see it close up!).
The welcome received by all the members was warm and heartfelt. It was a chance to meet our colleagues from all over the United States as well as Canada and of course, Europe was well represented, especially Germany.
The Deans from the Dental Schools in Israel presented updates to all about the plans and installations in the respective Dental schools which have been made possible by the generous help financial and otherwise from all the chapters worldwide. There were many choices of activities from visiting Niagara Falls to a Harbour Cruise on the lake and a visit to the Yacht Club.
Several business meetings were held including the farewell and thanks to our last International president Gail Schupak and a warm welcome to our new International President Marvin Sonne.
The ceremony was overseen by our very own Mervyn Druian, at which Nina Tetra received a well-deserved recognition of her Outstanding Service as our Member at Large! Well done London!
The convention's grand finale was the gala dinner. Here our President Gail Schupak bid farewell and installed the members of the international board including London Chapter member Nina Tetra and the incoming intern incoming international president Marvin Sonne. At the gala dinner, the Alpha Omega Achievement award was presented. This award is presented to people who have made outstanding contributions to dentistry and allied professions and previous awardees included Albert Einstein. This year's award was presented to Dr George Zarb. Dr Zarbwas Head of Prosthodontics at the University of Toronto for over 30 years and was one of the team working with PI Branemark to bring osseointegration to dentistry.
Here is the full convention summary as well as the link for registration to the next convention in May 2024 which will be held in Jerusalem. Should be an amazing few days! Looking forward to seeing many of you there and wishing you all well. Our London meetings will start in October. More details will be sent in due course.
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