Established in 1951, the American of Implant Dentistry (AAID) is the oldest professional organization in the world dedicated to the advancement of the practice of Implant Dentistry. The mission of the Academy is to advance the art and science of Implant Dentistry through education, credentialing, and advocacy on behalf of patients and practitioners in order to improve the dental health and function of those patients needing dental implants.

All AAID members are committed to superior patient care. Credentialed Membership requires proof of mastery of several implant systems by oral presentation and peer-review of successful case histories and the completion of difficult written and oral examinations. No other dental professional organization evaluates its members' dental implant expertise as thoroughly as the AAID. The Academy is comprised of four Districts: Northeastern, Southern, Central, and Western.

The organization has more than 2,400 members, in the United States and more than 40 countries worldwide. The membership includes general dentists, oral surgeons, periodontists, prosthodontists and non-dentists who are involved in delivery of dental implant care. General members of the Academy have shown an interest in the field and are involved in furthering their development. Associate Fellows (AF) have been examined and certified by their peers and have met national standards of education and practice in Oral Implantology. Fellows (F) have demonstrated at least five years experience in the field and have passed a more complex educational and peer-review process. Honored Fellows (HF) are Fellows of the Academy who have been recognized by the AAID for their contributions to the field. Diplomates (D) of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry (ABOI) have passed a rigorous qualification, written examination, and peer-review case presentation process which qualifies these individuals as being certified by the only bona fide Board in this special field. Southern District members can be found on the Members List Page, and their credentials are noted as AF, F, HF, and D.

The Academy's goal is to maintain the highest standards of practice and education by supporting research and by maintaining a forum for the exchange of knowledge.

© Southern District, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, 1997

Revised F.J. DuCOIN, 8/17/97