45° Congresso Internazionale AIOP 2026 (Bologna, 19-21 November 2026)
About this event
The 45th International Congress of AIOP (Associazione Italiana Odontoiatri Protesisti) represents a premier educational event for dental prosthetics professionals, taking place in Bologna in November 2026. This comprehensive congress addresses one of the most clinically relevant topics in modern prosthodontics: prosthetic rehabilitation in the therapy of periodontitis, with particular emphasis on whether dental implants improve long-term outcomes. The conference brings together leading international experts in prosthodontics, periodontology, and implant dentistry to discuss advanced treatment protocols and evidence-based clinical decision-making.
The congress spans three days with an extensive preliminary program commencing on November 19th, featuring specialized pre-congress courses. Dr. Joseph Kan will lead sessions on anterior implant esthetics and the orthodontic-periodontal-restorative limitations, while Dr. Didier Dietschi will conduct comprehensive training on dental wear diagnosis and conservative, restorative, and prosthetic rehabilitation protocols. The main congress days feature keynote lectures from internationally recognized leaders including Prof. Mariano Sanz on long-term prognosis of teeth and implants, and Prof. Enrico Gherlone addressing the Italian dental profession landscape and healthcare system reforms.
The scientific program is divided into multiple specialized sessions covering prosthetic rehabilitation in periodontal therapy, evaluation of prosthetic abutments, comparative treatment modalities, and digital prosthodontics. Parallel sessions cater specifically to dental technicians, addressing anterior tooth morphology and posterior tooth anatomy fundamentals. The congress incorporates numerous corporate workshops highlighting the latest CAD/CAM technologies, digital workflows, and innovative prosthetic materials and techniques from leading dental manufacturers including 3Shape, Align, Dentsply, Kuraray, and others.
The event includes comprehensive networking opportunities through coffee breaks, lunch sessions with corporate sponsors, a formal gala dinner on Friday evening at Palazzo Re Enzo, and concludes with a social lunch featuring regional Italian specialties. The congress accommodates both general practitioners seeking to expand their prosthodontic knowledge and specialists pursuing advanced clinical expertise. Attendees will gain current evidence on managing periodontally compromised patients, understanding implant-supported prosthetic planning, mastering digital technologies in prosthodontics, and establishing best practices for long-term clinical success.
Additional Information
Pre-congress courses available November 19, 2026. Corporate workshops integrated throughout the program. Social activities include gala dinner at Palazzo Re Enzo (November 20) and farewell lunch. Event cancellation clause included for force majeure circumstances.
Confirmed Speakers
Why Attend
1. Stay up-to-date with prosthodontic advancements
This congress offers unparalleled opportunity to advance your prosthodontic expertise through direct learning from international leaders in implant therapy, periodontal-prosthetic integration, and digital prosthodontics. You will gain evidence-based knowledge on managing complex cases combining periodontal disease with prosthetic rehabilitation, directly applicable to your clinical practice with immediate patient care benefits.
2. Pre-congress courses
The extensive pre-congress courses and parallel technical sessions ensure comprehensive education for both clinicians and dental technicians, enabling you to implement advanced treatment protocols and digital workflows. The integrated corporate workshops expose you to cutting-edge CAD/CAM technologies and prosthetic innovations from leading manufacturers, positioning you at the forefront of modern prosthodontics and enhancing your competitive advantage in increasingly technology-driven dental practice.
3. Networking opportunities
Networking with renowned specialists including Prof. Mariano Sanz, Dr. Stefano Gracis, and other key opinion leaders provides invaluable professional relationships and potential collaboration opportunities.
About Bologna
Bologna, the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy, stands as one of Europe's most vibrant and historically significant cities.
Known as "La Rossa" for its distinctive red-tiled roofs and warm-colored historic buildings, Bologna is renowned for its medieval towers, particularly the famous Torre degli Asinelli and Garisenda, which dominate the city skyline and are among Italy's most iconic landmarks.
The city boasts the world's oldest university founded in 1088, contributing to its intellectual and cultural prestige. Bologna is exceptionally well-connected by rail and air, with direct flights from major European cities and excellent train connections throughout Italy, making it accessible for international dental professionals. November offers pleasant autumn weather with temperatures around 10-15°C, ideal for exploring the city's numerous attractions.
The historic Piazza Maggiore serves as the city's stunning central square, surrounded by impressive medieval and Renaissance architecture, while Via Pescherie Vecchie represents one of Europe's oldest streets. Bologna's culinary reputation as the gastronomic heart of Italy adds exceptional dining experiences, and the pedestrian-friendly old town makes it an engaging destination for combining professional education with cultural enrichment.