History of the

Communication and cooperation between prosthodontists is as old as the specialty itself. While groups of countries had formed prosthodontic societies, the need for a worldwide organization was generally recognized. Answering this call, the American College of Prosthodontists appointed a special sub-committee under the chairmanship of Jack Preston.

In November 1982, the British Dental Association (Metropolitan Branch) arranged an International Prosthodontic Symposium under the chairmanship of Harold Preiskel. At an informal session before the meeting, colleagues from more than 24 countries expressed enthusiasm and promised support for the establishment of an international organization to represent prosthodontics. The degree of commitment expressed by all at this meeting surprised even the organizers. A steering committee, appointed to investigate the feasibility of setting up an international organization, was composed of members from seven countries: Sweden (Bo Bergman), Australia (Lloyd Crawford), the U.K. (the late Rowland Fereday, William Murphy, Harold Preiskel), Japan (Makoto Matsumoto), the U.S.A. (Jack Preston), Switzerland (Peter Scharer), and Canada (George Zarb).

 Despite the problems of widely differing time zones and the considerable cost involved, communication between members was established and maintained. During this initial phase, the outline plans for the organization were established, and the first meeting of the steering committee took place in October 1984 at a hotel near Heathrow Airport. It was attended by Rowland Fereday, Harold Preiskel, Jack Preston, Peter Scharer, and William Murphy. A telephone conference link was arranged with Lloyd Crawford in Australia. The group unanimously agreed to name the organization "The International College of Prosthodontists": "college" to describe a group engaged in a common pursuit, and "prosthodontists" (rather than "prosthodontics") to distinguish the members as specialists.  The aim of this college was to be academic rather than social. "Prosthodontics" was understood to encompass the disciplines of fixed and removable as maxillofacial prosthetics. The organization's goal was to become truly international; the establishment of the specialty in all parts of the world would strengthen each individual section and confirm universally, that prosthodontists are specialists.

At the London meeting, officers were nominated and an adhoc board selected Harold Preiskel as chairman, Peter Scharer as treasurer, and Jack Preston as secretary of the ICP. Bo Bergman, Lloyd Crawford, Makoto Matsumoto (acting on behalf of the president of the Japanese Prosthodontic Association), and George Zarb completed the ad hoc board. Charles Bolender and Sumiya Hobo were appointed to the advisory board.

 The International College of Prosthodontists was to be funded by its members through an initiation fee and annual membership dues. The annual subscription fees were designated not to cover symposia or conferences, but to fund the maintenance of the college. The officers paid their own expenses unless they were underwritten by a sponsoring organization.

The European Prosthodontic Association offered its support, and the American College of Prosthodontists strongly encouraged the formation of the International College by providing financial as well as organizational backing. The British Society for the Study of Prosthetic Dentistry voted to support the concept and aims of the ICP and to be involved with its founding. Following this inaugural event, the American College of Prosthodontists invited the ICP to cooperate in its next annual session in October 1985; this meeting was thus established as the venue for the first gathering of the International College of Prosthodontists. The following year, the European Prosthodontic Association invited the ICP to participate in its meeting at Oxford, England. The first independent meeting of the ICP was scheduled to be held in Interlaken, Switzerland, where a session would be devoted to addressing the academic, political, and developmental needs of the group and its many members.

FIRST MEETING
Seattle, Washington - 1985

The Seattle meeting, held in con­junction with the American College of Prosthodontists (ACP), was "prosthodontics at its best." The ACP was a most gracious host; its members offered a warm welcome to the many representatives of the ICP. The American members presented excellent papers and table clinics, and international founding members and promoters of the ICP were the featured speakers on the final day of the meeting. A "Tour d'horizon" on international activities in prosthodontics was not only well accepted by the American hosts, but offered a good preview of the high level of prosthodontics that could be dis­cussed within the ICP in the future.

The well received program introduced the ICP in a manner in which all could be proud, and the large number who participated in the official founding banquet gave evidence of the high level of interest in and support of the college.

During this meeting, the Executive Committee met to finalize details of the organization, to decide what activities to engage in over the next 2 years, and to select a team to design the college logo.

In September 1986, the ICP was invited to hold an informal meeting at the 10th annual conference of the European Prosthodontic Association. The beautiful city of Oxford, England, with its many colleges, cathedrals, and history of excel­lence, was an inspiring venue for this meeting. The ICP had grown rapidly to approximately 250 members around the world; the ICP display table was very busy, and a great deal of interest was shown in the college. This meet­ing also provided an opportunity for the officers to further organize the college. The following agenda items were established for the Interlaken meeting scheduled for September 1987:

1.     Formal announcement of all the Fellows of the college
2.     Formation of an official committee structure
3.    Adoption of the constitution and bylaws (drafted by Dr W. M. Murphy)

It was also agreed that every member should present a free paper or table clinic over the course of the next three meetings.

SECOND MEETING
Interlaken, Switzerland - 1987

The second meeting of the ICP was held in Interlaken, Switzerland, under the excellent direction of Peter Scharer and his team. In opening the congress, Chairman Harold Preiskel challenged members to consider new ways of achieving the aims and goals of the college. He also announced the formation of subcommittees whose purposes were to facilitate the exchange of scientific information, determine internationally recognizable levels of prosthodontic practice and standards of under­graduate and graduate training, and to address organizational and communication problems. By now, the membership of the college spanned every continent of the world, and the chairman expressed the hope that all members would take advantage of the opportunity to exchange views and knowledge and to establish lasting bonds.

The program was designed to provide all participants with an overview of the clinical and research activities of college members. Free communications, table clinics, discussions, and a trade exhibition completed the opportunities available to those attending the congress.

At the general meeting, the draft version of the constitution and bylaws was approved as an interim document, together with the policy to admit as Fellows members who had completed a formal, acceptable (as determined by the Credentials Committee) prosthodontics training program until such time as the ICP had established its own certifying examination structure. Those who had made a significant contribution to prosthodontics might be considered for supporting membership, while affiliate status would be avail­able to students in formal prosthodontic training.  The officers were instructed to appoint their chairmen expeditiously.

There was considerable sentiment among members not only to maintain the requirement for advanced training as a criterion for membership, but to charge the Education and Advancement Committee, chaired by Peter Scharer, with the important task of establishing criteria for advanced training and to proceed with the development of a certifying board.  Finally, The Interna­tional Journal of Prosthodontics was voted the official organ of the ICP, and the college agreed to serve as sponsor of the journal.

The social program included a welcome party at the Casino Interlaken, a boat excursion on the S.S. Blumlisalp, a coach trip to the open-air museum in Ballenberg followed by a delightful dinner in a mountain restaurant, a grand gala din­ner in the Casino Interlaken, and a farewell party on the terrace of the Hotel Beau Rivage.

The meeting of the ICP was attended by approximately 400 people from 26 countries representing every continent of the world. There was a superb spirit among those attending, and the first solo meeting of the ICP was deemed a great success.

THIRD MEETING
    Toronto, Canada - 1989

George Zarb and his hardwork­ing committee arranged the third ICP meeting at the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto, Canada; this meeting was held in July 1989 in conjunction with that of the Association of Prosthodontists of Canada. Clinical presentations covering diverse aspects of prosthodontics were given by clinicians from around the world. Symposia on gerodontology and on bioengineering in prosthodontics were held. A specialist panel produced a rational and compelling synthesis of what the dentist and researcher should know about the impact of implant prosthodontic research. (In retrospect, many of these conclusions have proved to be farsighted).   As a prologue to the meeting, the panel considered four general questions on this issue; as an epilogue, these questions were answered.  Social events included a cocktail party and a dinner dance preceded by a delightful piano recital.

FOURTH MEETING
    Hiroshima, Japan - 1991

The fourth ICP meeting was held in September 1991 in conjunction with the 86th conference of the Japan Prosthodontic Society. It took place at the International Conference Center in Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima, Japan, under the heading "The World Congress on Prosthodontics."  The main theme of the congress was "Advanced Prosthodontics Worldwide," and its aim was to discuss advanced knowledge in the field of prosthodontics and to encourage communication around the world between colleagues who share that interest. Professor Tsuru and his dedicated committee worked long and hard to produce the largest prosthodontic meeting ever held in Asia, attended by well over 2,500 delegates. Sumptuous banquets of exotic foods complemented an all-embracing scientific program that was supported by simultaneous translation together with a mobile trouble‑shooting team. The staggering program culminated in a ceremony during which Harold Preiskel appropriately removed his much‑admired presidential badge and installed Peter Scharer as the incoming president. The delegates then adjourned for a half‑day boat trip to the Inland Sea.

Within the short period of 3 months, the reports and proceed­ings of about 300 papers were published in hardback form. The success of this meeting firmly established the ICP in Asia, to say nothing of the rest of the world, and eventually led to the formation of the Asian section.

FIFTH MEETING
    Burgenstock, Switzerland - 1993

Although intended as a small members‑only meeting, additional accommodation had to be sought for the 300‑plus delegates who arrived at Burgenstock, Switzerland, in September 1993. Professor Scharer and his committee produced a cohesive and well‑organized program. While the weather was beyond their control, the rain and mist outside contrasted sharply with the warmth of the welcome and the delightful atmosphere enjoyed by the participants inside.

The first day was devoted to implant prosthodontics, but a wide variety of subjects was covered on the 2 following days and involved the active participation of some 80 members. A well-attended social program added to the success of the outstanding meeting.

At this meeting, the presidential badge was passed to Jack Preston, who outlined his plans for the 1995 meeting. A commemorative gavel was presented to Peter Scharer.

SIXTH MEETING
    San Diego, CA - 1995

The sixth meeting was held in collaboration with the Association of Prosthodontists of Canada in July 1995 at the Del Coronado, San Diego, California. The Executive Committee convened before the meeting for 2 days of hard work and difficult decision-making. Until then, the dedicated members of this committee had personally borne most of the costs of their offices. The Executive Committee traditionally met each year in Chicago at a time corresponding with the Chicago Mid­winter meetings; modest compensation for expenses was offered to those whose only purpose for the trip was the meeting of the Executive Committee. Nevertheless, the international representatives on the committee incurred considerable expense in attending, and it was therefore decided that a full gathering of the committee would be required only for making major policy decisions that could not be postponed until the biennial meetings. The committee felt that by using telephone and fax, and conference calls if necessary, the frequency of its meetings could be reduced.

Among other actions taken by the Executive Committee in San Diego was the decision to appoint two presidents to share the office for the following 2 years, and to continue that arrangement during the subsequent 2‑year period. An executive secretary was also appointed to run the day‑to‑day affairs of the college and to make conference arrangements. This meant that for the first time the college would have a permanent, professionally staffed office.

The conference was opened by the president, Jack Preston. Topics covered at this meeting included esthetics, ceramics, implant prosthodontics, and preprosthetic surgery, and were delivered by informed and prominent speakers from more than a dozen coun­tries. There was also an excellent trade show. A wide‑ranging and stimulating program, arranged by the Scientific Committee, was well attended; this was noteworthy in view of the numerous attractions that might have tempted the delegates outside the conference center.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the presidential badge was passed to George Zarb and Takao Maruyama.

SEVENTH MEETING
    Malta - 1997

The seventh meeting was held in October 1997 under the co-presidency of George Zarb and Takao Maruyama. Malta may be the cradle of the Mediterranean, but it is far from being the easiest destination to reach.  It was therefore a pleasant surprise to find that both the scientific program and the number of attending delegates far exceeded expectations, and, indeed, reached the limits of capacity. Noteworthy were the delegations from Korea and Japan, while those from as far away as New Zealand and Australia complemented the number of North American and European colleagues.  

The meeting was again preceded by 2 days of Executive Committee deliberations. The financial state of the college was pronounced healthy, and an agreement was made to continue the college's working relationship with Quintessence Publishing Co, Inc, for the publication of The International Journal of Prosthodontics. The new relationship provided the college with a far greater say in editorial appointments and guaranteed the inclusion of the newsletter and college business at the discretion of the editor‑in‑chief and the college representative.

The scientific meeting consisted of focus sessions with keynote speakers and an impressive number of 15‑minute presentations by college members. These short papers were noteworthy for the care taken in their preparation, the quality of the presentations, and the preciseness of the timing. The poster sessions were also of remarkably high quality. Abstracts of the meeting were published in The International Journal of Prosthodontics in January 1998‑ an impressive display of speed and efficiency. The trade show proved to be both popular and informative.

Each of the college biennial meetings has been unique, but they also have shared common features. These gatherings have produced exceptional dialogue and cooperation between the world’s prosthodontists, and have sown the seeds of many combined projects.  Now that the college is so well established, its efforts will be visible in the period between its biennial meetings.  It is hoped that the ICP will soon be in a position to assist in setting standards, providing guidance in prosthodontic education and advice in research, and guiding the specialty through the 21^st century.

EIGHTH MEETING
    Stockholm, Sweden-  1999

Stockholm may be referred to as the ‘Venice of the North’, and ‘the Jewel of Scandinavia’.  It amply lived up to both reputations, for with the sparkling sunshine and the long daylight hours the venue was magnificent.  Some 160 presentations and 87 poster presentations were made with a truly international attendance that spanned the globe. 

Focus sessions were devoted to the ‘Longevity of Prosthodontic Treatment’ and ‘Prosthodontics Without the Glitz’. Well over 300 participants attended, making the social functions highly successful.  One evening we embarked for a boat trip around the Stockholm archipelago, witnessing fortifications built to resist attacks of enemies long since past, followed by a visit to the Stockholm Vaxholm Castle where we were piped in to a splendid dinner within the castle walls. 

The ICP farewell and Awards Banquet was held in Stockholm’s famous Golden Hall, the site of the Nobel Award ceremony.  This magnificent room, with walls entirely covered with handmade mosaics, is truly golden, as they are formed from gold foil pressed between two layers of glass.  The crockery alone was worthy of display in a museum and the food lived up to expectations. 

The 8^th ICP meeting attracted more abstracts, from more countries, than any previous gathering and the Joint Presidents Gunnar Carlson and Bernard Smith are to be congratulated, together with the Programme Co-Chairman Brian Monteith and Terry Walton.

NINTH MEETING
    Sydney, Australia-  2001

The omens for our first meeting in the Southern Hemisphere did not bode well.  Just two months before the atrocities of September 11^th 2001 had not only shocked the world but also paralysed air transport.  It is a tribute to the organisers and to the resilience of Prosthodontists worldwide that the attendance of the Sydney meeting was around 400 and that cancellations were remarkably few.  Those who travelled half way round the world were not disappointed.  The conference hotel was spectacular, the organisation immaculate, with a wide variety of programmes that kept all Prosthodontists interested.  There were in fact some 171 oral presentations and 83 poster presentations together with a mixture of tours and social arrangements to tire even the most energetic delegate.  The oral presentations were divided into groups with focus sessions held in the main auditorium.  Later on the audience could divide and select one of a number of concurrent lectures.

The opening session attended by all the delegates set the tone.  Michael MacEntee looked at the past with a degree of insight and humour of which his Irish ancestors would have been proud.  The session’s concluding paper addressed the future and was delivered by George Zarb in his inimitable erudite manner, this time augmented with digital audiovisual aids.  In between, Dr Mautsch explained the problems of treating patients in areas of conflict, while the other three papers by Drs Owen, Spenser and Phantumvanit, dealt with the problems of making Prosthodontics available on a worldwide scale.  The accent was upon simplification of techniques rather than developing evermore sophisticated and expensive measures of replacing missing teeth.  The animated discussion that followed was a portent for the entire meeting.

Every one of the scientific sessions was well attended and the social programme was an outstanding success, with the finale held in the Sydney Opera House, a truly magnificent building with breathtaking views.  As we walked back to the hotel with the strains of ‘Tales of Hoffman’ still fresh in our ears the unanimous decision was the future of the College was bright and that this was one of the best ever meetings.

TENTH MEETING
    Halifax, Nova Scotia-  2003

The 10^th meeting of the ICP reaffirmed the College as a truly international organisation.  It also highlighted the problems of arranging such meetings where most of the participants have to travel considerable distances.  The Sydney meeting overcame the problem of 9/11 and the Halifax meeting overcame the worries of SARS that was of such concern to those planning to travel to Canada. 

Some 400 members and guests gathered in this unusual venue.  It transpires that it was an excellent choice, with a comfortable hotel on the waterfront, with splendid conference facilities.  This was backed up with a complete and enjoyable social programme and excursions.

Members of the College were joined in the conference and social events by members of the Association of Prosthodontists of Canada. The Association, an Organizational Member of ICP, held its annual meeting in conjunction with the conference.

On Tuesday 8^th and Wednesday 9^th the ICP Board of Councillors met for deliberations and registration was open on the Wednesday afternoon. Under Co-Presidents Yasumasa Akagawa and Patrick Lloyd the delegates gathered for an early 7 o’clock continental breakfast on Thursday, followed by keynote presentations to the entire assembly.   Bruce Baum set the scene with a thought provoking presentation on gene therapy and its effects upon dentistry.   Ken-Ichiro Hata spoke on the advantages of tissue engineering for replacement of oral tissue, bone and tooth. Robert Wright spoke on computer assisted implant placement.

Following the Conference Luncheon delegates split into two groups, the first of which dealt with International Prosthodontic Training, and the second the Toronto Summit that covered the ground of the previous Osseointegration Toronto Meeting.  This was followed by a well-attended Welcome Reception. 

The Friday session was extremely busy, with parallel sessions covering Implant Prosthodontics in Room A and a General and Fixed Prosthodontics in Room B.  For the first two hours of the afternoon delegates examined no less than ninety-two poster presentations all to a very high standard.  Having changed into somewhat warmer clothes, delegates then departed in a fleet of buses for Lunenburg, a picturesque town of historic importance an hour and a halves drive from Halifax.  As if to remind members of the vagaries of Atlantic coast weather we were treated to a downpour that restricted the view but could not dampen the enthusiasm of our group for enjoying a memorable evening, while depleting the lobster population of North Eastern Canada.

By now delegates were familiar with a 7 o’clock breakfast and Saturday started with concurrent sessions on Geriatrics and Removable Prosthodontics in one room and Occlusion and Oral Physiology in the other.  Both were well attended.

The ICP lunch served to illustrate the strengths of our organisation and members were delighted to learn of the rapid growth in numbers and satisfactory and stable financial basis.   In the afternoon concurrent sessions dealt with dental materials and implants.

The ICP Banquet and Reception was held at Pier 21, which was the Ellis Island of Canada.  Countless immigrates have passed through its doors including some ICP members. The Pier, illustrated with memorabilia, reminded us not just of the immigration to Canada, but of the strategic importance of Halifax, being one of the closest points to Europe, with one of the world’s largest natural harbours from which so many convoys have set sail in previous conflicts.  Pier 21 was the scene for a lavish banquet well in the traditions of the ICP.   Our incoming Presidents Aris Tripodakis  and Michael MacEntee were formally introduced at this gathering. 

Sunday July 13^th featured keynote presentations only, with the focus on Current Controversies in Implant Prosthodontics.  A well-attended session followed by lively discussion concluded three successful days of deliberations that had involved some 170 presentations of one form or another. 

Eben Yancey and his staff of RES,Inc., the scientific contributors, sponsors, ICP committee members and a special mention for Doug Chaytor and local workers who are to be congratulated as well as thanked for their hard work in bringing the ICP yet another success.

ELEVENTH MEETING
    Crete, Greece-  2005

The theme of the 11th meeting of our College was the "Architecture of Prosthodontics", an appropriate title for a gathering of scholars in Greece where many of our concepts on aesthetics and facial beauty were developed several thousand years ago. There were more than 500 ICP members in Crete, representing more than 50 countries. Clearly it was an international gathering of collegiality and friendship gelled by conversation, dancing and song late into the early hours of the morning. Yet each opening session in the huge convention centre was full almost to capacity to hear the keynote speakers.