Press Release:
The ITI introduces SAC Assessment Tool for the classification of dental implant procedures.

Interactive online assessment tool assists clinicians in evaluating the risk and complexity of individual dental implant cases.

ITI World Symposium 2010, Geneva, Switzerland, April 16, 2010 – The International Teamfor Implantology (ITI), a leading academic organization dedicated to the promotion of evidencebased education and research in the field of implant dentistry, announced the launch of theSAC Assessment Tool, an innovative online service for the dental community. Provided free ofcharge on the ITI website www.iti.org, this interactive tool allows dental practitioners to assessthe degree of complexity and risks involved in implant therapy cases.
The SAC Assessment Tool reflects the normative guidelines developed by the ITI at a Consensus Conference in 2007 for various types of restorative and surgical cases based on aclassification system referred to as SAC (Straightforward, Advanced, Complex). The results ofthe conference proceedings were then published in 2009 in cooperation with the Quintessence
Publishing Group in a book entitled "The SAC Classification in Implant Dentistry"1. The SAC
Assessment Tool distills the content of this book in an easy-to-use process that takes the user
through each step necessary to identify the degree of complexity and potential risk involved inindividual cases. Dental practitioners can thus better match cases to their skills and level ofexperience at the same time as developing their knowledge at a theoretical level.
"The SAC Assessment Tool represents an indispensable instrument for practitioners seeking
to evaluate the difficulty level of specific clinical situations and the risk for esthetic, restorativeand surgical complications," said Dr. Stephen Chen, Chairman of the ITI Education Committee.
"By making this tool publicly available, the ITI underlines its commitment to quality assurance
in implant therapy with the objective of ensuring best-possible treatment for patients."
In addition to its main purpose, the tool may also be used to prepare patients for implant treatment, enabling them to form realistic expectations by providing them with information on anticipated limitations, complications and outcomes. In implant education, the tool can also be1Dawson A et al, The SAC Classification in Implant Dentistry. Quintessence Publishing 2009.

ITI International Team for Implantology
ITI CenterPeter Merian-Weg 10CH-4052 BaselSwitzerland
Tel. +41 (0)61 270 83 83
Fax +41 (0)61 270 83 84
iticenter@iticenter.ch
www.iti.org

used to develop educational programs with incremental levels of difficulty that take both theoretical and practical aspects into consideration.
The SAC Assessment Tool is available immediately on the ITI website at www.iti.org.

About the ITIThe International Team for Implantology (ITI) unites professionals around the world from every field ofimplant dentistry and related tissue regeneration. As an independent academic association, it actively
promotes networking and exchange among its membership. ITI Fellows and Members, who now number
more than 8,000 in total, regularly share their knowledge and expertise from research and clinical practiceat meetings, courses and congresses with the objective of continuously improving treatment methods andoutcomes to the benefit of their patients.
In 30 years, the ITI has built a reputation for scientific rigor combined with concern for the welfare of patients. The organization focuses on the development of well-documented treatment guidelines backed byextensive clinical testing and the compilation of long-term results. The ITI funds research as well as Scholarships for young clinicians, organizes congresses and continuing education events and also publishes
reference books such as the ITI Treatment Guide series. www.iti.org

Media contact:
ITI International Team for Implantology
ITI Center
Matthias Joesch
Tel +41 (0)61 270 83 88
Fax +41 (0)61 270 83 84
matthias.joesch@iticenter.chPage 2