OPENING WORD
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Colleagues and Friends,
It is my honor to invite you to the 26th Congress of the Czech Orthodontic Society, which will take place in a unique setting—the beautiful surroundings of the spa town Mariánské Lázně.
When I graduated from the Sofia Dental Academy years ago, I had no idea that my life’s journey would lead me to the Czech Republic. Over the past thirty years, I have had the opportunity to meet many wonderful colleagues and friends, for which I am immensely grateful. I would like to thank my teachers—it is impossible to name them all individually—not only for their professional guidance but also for their personal support and the example of professional ethics they set. I would also like to thank our material suppliers, who are long-standing partners and sponsors of our congresses. Over the years, our cooperation has often blossomed into true friendships.
I am grateful to have been present at the birth of the Czech Orthodontic Society and to have witnessed its evolution—from the lectures of Professor Ravindra Nanda and the courses of Stephen Williams and William Proffit to today’s extensive and prestigious congresses. These events provide not only an excellent scientific program but also a social dimension that grows in quality and expectation every year. I believe that the 26th Congress of the Czech Orthodontic Society in Mariánské Lázně will build upon this rising standard.
The theme of the congress is Orthodontics & Function in a Broader Context. We want to highlight that current developments in orthodontics move us beyond a pure focus on the orofacial system, placing demands on the patient’s overall health. Our keynote speaker will be Professor Ambra Michelotti from Naples, Italy, who has dedicated her professional life to research on the temporomandibular joint and its relationship to orthodontics. Other speakers will include experts from Poland, the Czech Republic, Germany, Slovakia, and Austria. We can look forward to lectures on obstructive sleep apnea, clear aligners, and their combination with skeletal anchorage. Unconventionally, the program also includes contributions from the fields of speech therapy and physiotherapy.
The Section for Assistants will offer a wide range of presentations covering pediatric sleep apnea, the temporomandibular joint, the relationship between periodontology and orthodontics, and contemporary aesthetics.
The Social Program will provide a diverse range of experiences. The Assistants’ Night will be kicked off by the band MoveBreakers, known for turning every stage into an unforgettable dance party. Their lyrics alternate between English, Czech, Italian, Spanish, French, and Serbian—a reflection of the group’s multicultural roots and creativity. They will be followed by a Czech band led by Dr. Martin Starý, with the entertainment continuing until the early morning hours.
For doctors, we have prepared an evening in the style of “Disco Fever meets Grease,” blending the golden era of disco with the cinematic charm of Grease. In the elegant setting of the Casino Cultural and Conference Centre, funky rhythms will play, skirts will twirl, and sequins will shine. Musical accompaniment will be provided by DJ Marie and a live saxophonist.
I believe that we will all enjoy not only an inspiring professional program but also pleasant moments of gathering, and that we will gain new energy, inspiration, and passion for our future work.
The entire Organizing Committee of the 26th Congress and the SCIENTIFIKA team are very much looking forward to seeing you.
You are cordially welcome!
On behalf of the Organizing Committee
Ilija Christo Ivanov, MD
Congress President
The congress is held under the auspices of the Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University.
