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The following conference is organised to with the aim to make the healthcare profession aware of the increase in diseases related to metal hypersensitivity and how they can be diagnosed and treated; as well as training dentists in the effective use of immunocompatible zirconia implants. It is suitable for doctors, dentists, dental hygienists, biologists, rhematologists, orthopedic surgeons, pharmacists, physiotherapists, dental technicians and other operators in the sector.

Course dates: 7-8 February, 6-7 March, 8-9 May, 5-6 June, 3-4 July

Place: Nuova Villa Claudia, Rome, Italy

For programme and registration: http://www.zirconiamedical.eu/

Background information: Metals as trace elements are essential for metabolic function. Unfortunately, in modern society we are continually exposed to higher quantities of metals (via medical devices, environmental pollution, food, dyes, etc) and this may - in pre-disposed subjects - lead to the onset of chronic disease. It is estimated that 15-20% of the world population is allergic to nickel. Orthopedic surgeons and dentists are increasingly finding themselves having to remove implant prostheses due to device failure, changes to the local tissue, or the development of systemic diseases, such as Chronic fatigue syndrome, cutaneous allergies, autoimmune diseases and fibromyalgia.

The aim of the Master course is to ensure that medical professionals are aware of the early recognition of hypersensitivity to metals and to direct patients to appropriate therapies. The organizers’ aim is to stimulate collaboration between health practitioners and companies in the sector to develop immunocompatible alternatives to metals used in orthopedic surgery and dentistry. Such alternatives will benefit both patients and to offer safety for medical professionals using the products.

Dentists play an important role in the action against metal allergies as they use many potentially dangerous alloys in their work. Mercury amalgams, metal prostheses and titanium implants release ions that initially diffuse into the surrounding tissues inducing metallosis and peri-implantitis. Subsequently these toxins migrate along the lymphatic pathways and may affect organs and disturb important metabolic functions. The metals bind electively to the cells of the immune and nervous system with the onset of type IV allergy (cell-mediated) and unspecific but debilitating neurological disorders that are often difficult to diagnose. The Master course provides clinical and instrumental tools for the diagnosis of metal allergies.

Dentists will be trained in protocols of safe removal of titanium implants, chelation therapy and effective use of zirconia devices, a highly bio-compatible and immunocompatible material. The ultimate aim of the event is to stimulate dialogue between medical professionals to enable a solution to the problems of allergic patients in a faster, safer and more affordable way. In patients at risk (heart patients, the elderly, allergic patients or patients with chronic diseases, particularly of autoimmune or atopic origin) doctors should think about using zirconia devices as an alternative to metals as they are safer and immunocompatible.

Finally, opportunities will be created in the medical field for considerable professional development, demonstrated by the recent establishment of several international ceramic implant companies and the birth of numerous companies that manufacture all-ceramic implant devices.