European Orthodontic Society held its Annual Congress in June

The rain clouds disappeared as the Annual Congress of the European Orthodontic Society (EOS) got under way in Ghent, Belgium, in June. The beautiful weather allowed attendees to enjoy the 77th Congress, which was held at the International Congress Centre in the Central Park. Approximately 1,300 people registered for the meeting, including a large number of postgraduate students.

Prof. Juri Kurol of Malmo, Sweden, presented the Sheldon Friel Lecture on "Tooth Eruption Problems." Excellent keynote speakers presented stimulating papers. Prof. Bjorn Zachrisson of Oslo, Norway, reminded participants that people are never too old for orthodontic treatment. He demonstrated that premise with references to several patients. Other keynote lecturers were Professors Anne Marie Kuijpers-Jagtman of Nijmegen, Netherlands; Birte Melsen of Aarhus, Denmark; Robert Issacson of Edina, Minnesota, USA; Jon Artun of Safat, Kuwait; and Hans Pancherz of Wettenberg, Germany. As usual, the Scientific Committee selected papers from all over the world that were informative and well presented.

"The EOS Congress has one of the best educational and scientific orthodontic programs to be found anywhere in the world," said Prof. James Moss of London, England, who serves as the honorary secretary of the EOS.

In addition, Dr. M. Delatte of Kraainem, Belgium, was the winner of the Houston Research Award for the best paper, which was entitled "Growth stimulation of mandibular condyles and femoral heads by IGF-1 in vitro." The EOS also gave three awards for the best posters to Drs. D. W. Lui of Aarhus, Denmark; Dr. S. Giebel of Giessen, Germany; and Dr. Pertti Pirttiniemi of Oulu, Finland.

Postgraduate Courses
Prior to the Congress, the EOS sponsored postgraduate courses on biomechanics and adhesives. These courses are an opportunity for postgraduate students from different countries to meet and exchange ideas. Dr. Guy De Pauw of Ghent and Prof. Melsen presented the lectures on biomechanics. Prof. H. Verbeek; Prof. Luc Trimpeneers of Dendermonde, Belgium; and Dr. Rolf Koning of Amsterdam, Netherlands, presented the lectures on adhesives.

The EOS and the Oxford University Press also sponsored a postgraduate party for the many postgraduates who attended the Congress. During this party, students from all over the world shared ideas while also building friendships and goodwill.

Business Meeting
Outgoing EOS President Prof. Luc Dermaut of Ghent, who was thanked for his hard work on behalf of the EOS, presented the incoming president, Prof. Roberto Martina of Napoli, Italy, with the EOS Presidential Badge of Office. The Honorary Treasurer Dr. Raymond Edler of Richmond, England, also received the Special Service Award for his term of service. The new honorary treasurer is Dr. Andrej Zentner of Mainz, Germany.

The European Board of Orthodontists
The examination for the European Board of Orthodontists (EBO) was held prior to the Congress at the University Hospital in Ghent. There were nine candidates, and seven passed. The afternoon before the Congress began, Prof. Herman Duterloo, the chairman of the EBO Examination Committee, gave a lecture to encourage members to take the EBO examination.

Social Functions and Silver Mill Competition
The Congress' social functions were a great success. The President's Reception was held at the famous castle of the Counts of Ghent where one could catch up on old friendships and make new ones.

Each year the EOS also holds a competition, and the winning country is presented with a Silver Mill certificate. The original Silver Mill is inscribed with the country's name and the details of the competition. The Silver Mill competition originated in the Netherlands when a Silver Mill was presented to the winners of a fun competition. This year it was held in the city of Bruges during a day outing. The day began with a train trip to the city. Prof. Dermaut served as the ticket collector. Prior to the competition, each language group toured the city. The EOS then held a luncheon at the restaurant at the ancient Hospital of St. John, which dates from the 13th century. The elimination tests for the competition ensued. The tests included answering questions on various topics and an egg-catching competition. The teams that were successful then went into the final competition. The members of the qualifying teams had to copy several demonstrations, including skills with rods on strings, dances and magic. An impartial group consisting of the Immediate Past President Prof. Ioannis Adamidis of Athens, Greece; President-elect Prof. Martina; and Honorary Secretary Prof. Moss judged the competition. The Kangaroo Kiwis, a combined team from Australia and New Zealand, won the competition - a first for this team.