Happy New Year

2003 has been a significant year for the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) and for its organ of communications, this Journal.

Membership in our Academy, for the first time, has surpassed 2500 doctors. The annual meeting at the Westin Diplomat Resort was the largest and best attended in our 52-year history. In addition, an extra day of education was offered in the format of new tools, techniques, and technology.

The format proved to be remarkably innovative: only two subjects (esthetics and immediate loading) were selected, outstanding clinicians and panel members participated, and all lectures and presentations were unopposed. These factors promoted the attendance at each presentation to over 1000 people. Virtually all lecturers prepared their materials in digital format. Some of the presentations were symphonies of sound and sight that not only were instructive, but also were astounding in their breadth and content.

The AAID Research Foundation is approaching its financial goals. Industrial support has been encouraging, and its officers and the members of the Academy can be proud of the research that has been conducted and published as a result of the Foundation's grants to young scientists.

The American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry has become an established entity in the scientific community. It has its own governance and office staff, and, using carefully composed, psychometrically constructed written and (soon) oral examinations, the number of Diplomates continues to grow. Their pride in acquiring these credentials serves as a magnet attracting new candidates in increasing numbers. Diplomates have been leaders in the fields of research, teaching, and writing on implant-related topics.

The Academy has been an enthusiastic proponent of education and has sponsored courses, training programs, hands-on seminars, and publications. It occupies a significant position in the arena of electronic promulgation of the principles and practices of oral implantology. Shortly, this Journal will become available online, and the current AAID website is a font of valuable information.

The Journal of Oral Implantology has a significant backlog of articles, increased numbers of advertising pages, and an involved, devoted readership.

A newly designed layout, typeface, and cover have been introduced in this issue and demonstrate the creative and conscientious roles played by our publishers, Allen Press, and the members of the AAID's Publications Committee.

We, the members of the Editorial Board, editors, reviewers, and staff, want to wish all of our contributors and readers a wonderful, successful, and healthy New Year for 2004. We wish to thank all of our friends, authors, readers, advertisers, and practitioners for their good wishes and collegiality.