Dr. Hubert Ouvrard

I bring greetings to the Fellows of the Pierre Fauchard Academy! I am truly honored to be your new President--the first European and French President to be so honored in 75 years.

We were all chosen by our colleagues to become Fellows not only because of our devotion to the profession we love but also because of our dedication to its continued scientific advancement. In the past 20 years we have seen extraordinary developments in the art and science of dentistry. Many of you are responsible for those developments and may be rightly proud of your accomplishments.

The field of implantology is a good example of the leap forward in new technologies and therapies in our profession. However, the advancements in implant dentistry must also herald advancements in the ethics involved in their use. We must all be vigilant. Thirty years ago, the placement of an implant was seen as the ultimate solution for extraction. However, despite the evidence, we had to convince our patients that a successful outcome could be achieved. Today, extraction and immediate placement of an implant is very common and often is requested by the patients themselves. For dentists, this treatment plan is sometimes easier to implement and more lucrative than endodontic therapy, post and core build-up, and placement of a crown. However, if we are respectful of our patients' needs and understanding of their wants, we will find the essence of ethical treatment.

As Fellows of the Academy we want to be considered the best the profession of dentistry has to offer. But can't we identify dentists who are, in fact, better in many ways than we are? Ethics will make the difference. A Fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy must be recognized by his or her sense of honor, and in turn be honored to be a Fellow.

Dr. Hubert Ouvrard

International President of the Pierre Fauchard Academy