About Image The 15th Biennial Ramfjord Symposium is a tribute to Dr. Sigurd Ramfjord and his contributions to the field of periodontics. The program brings together internationally renowned speakers who have expertise in long-term periodontal care and emerging scientifically based treatments. It provides a comprehensive insight into critical issues involved in delivering ideal treatment for clinical practice.This year, symposium Scientific Chairs, Dr. Purnima Kumar and Dr. Hom-Lay Wang, will preside over lectures and a poster session on the topic of “Evolution of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Soft Tissue Augmentation,” and hands-on workshops.On Thursday afternoon, symposium lectures, a reception, and a poster session will be held on the 4th Floor of the Rackham Graduate School. Register for Symposium Submit an Abstract Poster Session Info Dr. Sigurd Ramfjord Sigurd P. Ramfjord, a pioneer in treatment of periodontal disease, was born in 1909 in Kolvereid, Norway. He received his dental education at the Oslo University School of Dentistry in 1934 and subsequently practiced dentistry in Norway for 12 years before coming to the University of Michigan in 1946 for graduate work. Image He earned a master's degree in periodontics in 1948 and a Ph.D. in oral pathology in 1951. By 1963, he not only had joined U-M faculty but also served as chair of the Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine – a position he continued to hold until 1981.He is credited with performing the first long-range study of various techniques of periodontics, the branch of dentistry concerned with gums and other structures that support teeth. He followed a group of patients for more than 10 years, bringing scientific comparison data to the field.The dental education program Ramfjord developed over the years known as "the Michigan Concept" has been emulated around the world. He organized the first World Workshop on Periodontics in 1966, where scientific goals for the field of periodontology were established.A prolific writer, Ramfjord authored two textbooks and more than 90 publications. In recognition of his worldwide influence, he received a number of honors and awards over the course of his career, including the Gold Medal Award in 1973 from the American Academy of Periodontology.In recognition of his more than 20 years of consultant work with the World Health Organization, he was awarded an honorary doctor of dental medicine degree by the University of Geneva, Switzerland, in 1978, and an honorary doctor of odontology degree by the University of Gotenborg, Sweden, in 1979. The University of Michigan honored him with its Distinguished Faculty Achievement Award in 1979Apart from his many other achievements, Ramfjord was active in many dental organizations. He served as president of the American Academy of Periodontology and also served as director and chairman of the American Board of Periodontology. He was a fellow of the American Academy of Oral Pathology, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American College of Dentists and the International College of Dentists. Schedules Thursday, June 4, 2026 Location: School of Dentistry (Workshops) + Rackham Graduate School (Afternoon Program) Friday, June 5, 2026 Location: Auditorium, Rackham Graduate School Saturday, June 6, 2026 Location: Auditorium, Rackham Graduate School Workshops All Workshops will be in the School of Dentistry - 1011 N University, Ann Arbor, MIRegistration for workshops are an 'add on' with the registration for the Ramfjord Symposium. Check-in for workshops will be at Rm G508. Pre-Symposium WorkshopsThursday, June 4, 2026: 8:00 – 12:00 PM Image Workshop 1: “Utilization of Soft Tissue Grafts to Enhance Bone Augmentation Outcomes” Speaker: Istvan Urban, DMD, MD, PhDCourse Fee: $695Participant Limit: 40 Image Workshop 2: “Master in Soft Tissue Graft” Speaker: Giovanni Zucchelli, DDS, PhDCourse Fee: $495Participant Limit: 40 Post-Symposium WorkshopsSaturday, June 6, 2026: 1:00 – 5:00 PM Image Workshop 3: “Utilizing Soft Tissue Grafts to Correct Implant Esthetic Nightmares and Augment Papilla” Speaker: Lorenzo Tavelli, DDS, MS, PhDCourse Fee: $495Participant Limit: 40 Image Workshop 4: “Advanced Soft Tissue Grafting Using a Microscopic Approach” Speaker: Diego Velasquez-Plata, DDS, MSDCourse Fee: $995Participant Limit: 9 Speakers Coming soon. Research Poster Session Research Poster Session ChairsDarnell Kaigler, DDS, PhDAssociate Professor of DentistrySandra Stuhr, DMD, MSClinical Assistant Professor of Dentistry Poster Session This poster session is to stimulate discussion and allow for expanded presentation on a variety of topics. Timely and pertinent research in clinical innovations, translational and clinical science may be presented. Participation in the poster presentation is open to all faculty, residents, students and clinicians.On site poster session schedule (June 4th, 2026):Poster placement time: noon to 4:00 pmPoster display time: 4:30 to 6:30 pmPresenters should be available next to their assigned poster board between 5:00 to 6:30 pm for judges and attendees.Poster removal time: around 6:00 pm at the conclusion of the sessionLocation of the session: 4th Floor Rackham Graduate SchoolSize of the poster board: 4 (H) X 6 (W) feet, so please do not print your poster beyond that sizePOSTER THEMESThis year we are featuring three different themes for this session. You will have an option of selecting one of the themes based on the content of your project when you submit your abstract. The three themes are:Clinical Case DemonstrationsThis category invites case reports/series that demonstrate excellent and innovative soft/hard tissue management and treatments. Some topics are but not limited to: (1) tissue phenotype in relation to treatment outcome (2) risks of implant complications (3) peri-implantitis related procedures (4) using digital technology for interdisciplinary approachesClinical ResearchThis category invites submissions that aim to answer fundamental clinical questions in the format of cross-sectional studies, retrospective/prospective studies or clinical trials. Examples include comparison of different treatment modalities, identification of risk factors of periodontal and peri-implant diseases, survival/success rate of certain procedures.Basic Science ResearchThis category invites submissions with promising basic science research that could apply to patient care in the future. Examples include proof-of-principle preclinical studies, examinations of safety and efficacy of certain drugs, agents or devices, etc.FINALISTSThrough a blinded review, five finalists from each category will be selected and notified to compete for an award in the Research Competition. If you are not selected as a finalist, you will still be expected to present during the scheduled poster session.AWARDSAmong the selected finalists, awards will be granted to the best presentation in each category on the strongest scientific work. Stay tuned for submission start date and details about the program.JUDGING CRITERIAOriginalitySuitability of the methods of analysisScientific and/or clinical value of the workInnovationQuality of the poster oral presentation and responses to questionsABSTRACT SUBMISSIONDeadline: May 8, 2026For more information about the poster session contact Dr. Darnell Kaigler ([email protected]) and/or Dr. Sandra Stuhr ([email protected]). RECEPTION Of special interest is the complimentary social event at the University of Michigan Golf Course on Friday night. Participants of the Ramfjord Symposium are invited to attend. Light hors d'oeuvres will be served. About the University of Michigan Golf Course University of Michigan Richard L. Postma Family Clubhouse is a unique meeting space and features breathtaking views of the historic Alister Mackenzie Golf Course. Travel InfoLOCATIONRackham Graduate School is located at 915 E. Washington, Ann Arbor MI 48109. LOCAL HOTELSSheraton Four PointsCourtyard Marriott Ann Arbor (10-minute bus ride)Michigan League (walking distance)Ann Arbor Bed and Breakfast (walking distance)Extended Stay America-Ann Arbor (10-minute bus ride)FROM DETROIT METRO AIRPORT TO ANN ARBORThe trip between the Detroit Metro Airport and Ann Arbor takes about 20-30 minutes.Taxi costs around US$ 50. They usually take 3 people (it is not necessary to make reservations for the taxi).Other options include Lyft, Uber, and a shuttle, the most economical option.Ann Arbor Airport ShuttleAnn Arbor Metro Airport CarAnother alternative (a bit more expensive) is to take the Metrocar Services. The driver will wait for you at the baggage claim, pick up your bags, and bring you to Ann Arbor (they generally take up to 3 people). For both shuttle and Metrocar, it is important to make the reservation online before your arrivalWEATHERJune is relatively a hot month for Ann Arbor. Temperatures can range from 62°F to 83°F. Precipitation can range from light rain to thunderstorms.
