I am pleased to welcome you to the Third International Symposium on Bone Conduction Hearing – Craniofacial Osseointegration, an international conference organized by the Silverstein Institute Ear Research Foundation located in Sarasota Florida. I am also happy to announce that our 2011 conference will be held in conjunction with the International Anaplastology Association.

Our Organizing Committee is planning a richly stimulating and educational meeting, in the footsteps of the very successful Second Symposium in Göteborg, Sweden in 2009 and the First Symposium held in Halifax, Canada in 2007.
Since we last met, we have witnessed significant new technological developments, including new implants, new abutments, and new digital processors. We are continuously refining and modifying our surgical techniques to maximize our successes and minimize our complication rates. 

This multidisciplinary conference will bring together an international delegation of scientists and clinicians and include invited lecturers, free paper presentations, scientific debates, poster presentations, workshops and practical training sessions. The plenary sessions will be divided between Bone Conduction Hearing and Craniofacial Osseointegration. The Bone Conduction Hearing Sessions will focus on bone metabolism and healing, bone conduction physiology, bone conduction implants, pre and postoperative audiological assessment, audiological and surgical indications, and surgical techniques. The Craniofacial Osseointegration Sessions will include papers from the International Anaplastology Association and address indications, techniques, rehabilitation in Head and Neck Cancer, rehabilitation in congenital and acquired deformities, management of soft tissue, and management of irradiated tissue.

In addition to the scientific program the organizing committee is planning a fun social program allowing time for our delegates and guests to meet and greet, and enjoy a warm winter break in Sarasota with our beautiful coastline, pristine beaches and fantastic sunsets.

On behalf of the organizing committee and myself, I welcome you to beautiful Sarasota, Florida.

Jack J. Wazen, MD
Conference Chairman