News & Events

GLEN BURNIE, Md. (June 11, 2007) --- Materialise Dental’s 2007 SimPlant Academy World Conference, held June 1-2 at the Westin in Washington, D.C., concluded with many high points in the advancement of implant dentistry for the several hundred periodontists, oral surgeons, restorative specialists and general practitioners in attendance.

Chief among the highlights was the introduction of the anticipated SimPlant 11, an upgraded version of world's first interactive 3D implant planning system for accurate and predictable treatment planning of dental Implants. SimPlant 11 incorporates a new user-friendly interface which guides the clinician through the treatment planning process by utilizing a step-by-step task panel.

“We’re very pleased with the outcome of our 2007 SimPlant Academy World Conference, where hundreds of dentists gathered to train in our latest version of SimPlant (version 11),” said Materialise Dental CEO Bart Swaelens. “Multiple users shared their years of experience with SurgiGuides and Immediate Smile procedures. It’s great to see that our open platform strategy is working, because we see doctors using all brands of implants, and we see the first products appearing from our collaboration with multiple implant companies.”

Release of SimPlant 11 - a big hit

Many Conference attendees left the nation’s capital thoroughly impressed with SimPlant 11 – and the Conference, in general.

“The introduction of SimPlant 11 and the focus on the program’s new features helped me take my understanding to the next level,” noted Dr. Darren McKeever of Pompton Plains, N.J., an experienced user of the SimPlant software. “SimPlant breaks the barrier between what you think you can do in implant dentistry, to what you can actually do. It’s the difference between doing the best you can possibly do, or not.”

Two days of education, renowned speakers and collaborative sharing of ideas among peers.

The two-day event featured a full slate of corporate forums, software training workshops, and clinical lectures. Attendees were also treated to a host of exhibitors showcasing the latest in implant dentistry technology and products.

Dr. Richard Mecall of Las Vegas, Nevada, was particularly impressed with the training workshops, noting “doctors from all levels of understanding were brought up to the same level after each individual training session, which made this Conference very unique.”

The all-star lineup of speakers on Saturday was, of course, the highlight of the event – with in-depth presentations on such topics as “Collaborative Accountability,” “Immediate Smile,” “Treatment Planning” and “Esthetics.”

What others are saying . . .

Dr. Scott Ganz, Fort Lee, N.J.: “Materialise Dental and SimPlant have long been the true innovators and world leaders in guided surgery. The 2007 World Symposium was a huge success, bringing an exceptional educational opportunity to the industry, as well as highlighting the collaborative efforts of major implant companies who now share the vision of this innovative technology and how it will continue to shape the future for implant dentistry.”

Dr. Bryan Edgar, restorative specialist, Federal Way, Wash.: “SimPlant has helped me prosthetically direct my surgeons to place implants in the best locations to create the best esthetic results. I have used both SurgiGuides and laboratory created guides, and nothing compares to Materialise Dental SurgiGuides. The speakers at this meeting were excellent, and made me think more about the usage and ease of use of this program.”

And looking ahead to 2008 . . .

Said Tom Rogers, North American General Manager, Materialise Dental, “We’re extremely pleased with the success of the 2007 SimPlant Academy World Conference, and look forward to hosting two conferences in 2008 – the 2008 World Conference in Vienna, Austria, and the first-ever North American Conference in Monterey, Calif. These are sure to be must-attend educational gatherings.”