Leading Locally – ITI Section Spotlight: USA

The ITI operates through a global network of Sections that bring professional development opportunities to members in their local regions. Each Section is guided by a dedicated Leadership Team responsible for implementing the ITI’s educational initiatives, fostering community engagement, and promoting excellence in implant dentistry.

In this new feature, the ITI Blog takes a 360° look at both the personal and professional lives of the dedicated leadership teams who drive the ITI’s mission in their respective regions. We’ll explore their professional journeys, their motivations for joining the ITI, and gain insights into the people behind the titles.

Let’s meet the team behind the ITI Section USA.

Leadership Insights: Q&A with the SEA Section Team

In this issue, we interview Dr. Robert Levine (Chair), Prof. Wael Att (Education Delegate), Dr. Acela Martinez (Study Club Coordinator), Assoc. Prof. Olympia Karacosta (Communications Officer / Young ITI Delegate), Dr. Konstantinos Chochlidakis (Membership/Fellowship Coordinator), and Abigail Ovlinger (Manager).

What inspired you to join the Section Leadership Team?

Dr. Robert Levine (Chair): Inspiration has always come from teamwork. I encouraged my referral network to join the ITI, and they all became Fellows, which was practice-changing for our team and raised the bar in Philadelphia. After experiencing the ITI philosophy since 1993 and traveling the world to ITI meetings, it was natural to take on a leadership position to mentor others in the US.

Prof. Wael Att (Education Delegate): I was inspired by the unique opportunity to bring science, clinical excellence, and professional networking together under one globally respected platform. The ITI offers an unparalleled environment to learn, collaborate, and contribute meaningfully to the future of implant dentistry.

Dr. Acela Martinez (Study Club Coordinator): My inspiration stems from a commitment to advancing evidence-based implant dentistry and fostering collaboration within our professional community. The ITI has been a source of invaluable education and mentorship throughout my career. Joining the leadership team allows me to give back to an organization that shaped my professional growth while supporting the next generation of clinicians and creating opportunities for underrepresented voices in our field.

Assoc. Prof. Olympia Karacosta (Communications Officer): What attracted me to the ITI Leadership team was the opportunity to be part of a dedicated community of dental professionals who share a passion for lifelong learning in implant dentistry through education, research, and innovation.

Dr. Konstantinos Chochlidakis (Membership/Fellowship Coordinator): I’ve collaborated with all US Leadership team colleagues on different projects over the years. Dr Bob Levine was one of my nominators when I became an ITI Fellow in 2020. The quality of these colleagues and the networking support that ITI has provided inspired me to join as Membership and Fellowship Coordinator to mentor young dentists.

What project or initiative with the ITI are you most proud of?

Robert: The projects that most inspired me since 2008 were the international friendships gained with participating in the last 4 ITI Consensus Conferences (Stuttgart, Bern, Amsterdam, Lisbon) and several ITI Committee participation on specific topics which met in smaller groups worldwide.

Wael: I’m especially proud of two initiatives: The ITI Online Treatment Planning Sessions that attract over 2,000 participants globally, and The ITI Power Externship Program that offers early-career professionals the chance to shadow top-tier clinicians and gain exposure to advanced procedures in real-world settings.

Acela: Co-directing the ITI Study Club in Greenville, NC has been especially rewarding. It’s allowed me to foster a strong local community built on collaboration and lifelong learning. What makes our Study Club meaningful is its diversity—we have members from different age groups and training levels, creating a dynamic learning environment.

Olympia: In the monthly Newsletter, I have implemented several new ideas, including a “Study Club of the Month” feature and the “Presentation of the Month.” These initiatives allow the US Study Clubs to showcase their great work and foster a sense of community. I have added a highlight of one of the ITI US Scholars each month to celebrate their accomplishments and contributions to the ITI US Family.

Konstantinos: I have been fortunate to be involved in clinical research with the ITI. I have been Principal Investigator of an ITI large grant for a randomized clinical trial with title “Clinical evaluation of the Implant-Assisted Removable Partial Dentures”. Recently, we received one more ITI large grant for a prospective randomized clinical study on full-arch digital workflows which will be conducted at our Prostodontic Department.

Abigail: The strategic initiatives our leadership team executed to develop the section in a post-COVID world. I am very excited about our newest project—the ITI Power Externship program—providing clinicians access to spend a week with world-renowned clinicians in their practice.

What advice would you give to professionals considering involvement with the ITI?

Robert: Just do it!!! The value one attains to becoming active far exceeds anything in organized dentistry. My closest friends and colleagues are ITI Fellows throughout the world. Many have stayed with our family over the years when they come to town, and I have gotten to know them not only on a professional level but also personally.

Wael: Join without hesitation. The ITI is more than an organization—it’s a professional home for those committed to clinical excellence, scientific integrity, and meaningful collaboration. Whether you’re just starting out or already well-established, the ITI offers lifelong learning and global connection.

Acela: Get involved—you won’t regret it. The ITI is more than a global network; it’s a vibrant, supportive community that values education, collaboration, and clinical excellence. Whether you’re just starting your career or are an experienced clinician, there is something meaningful for everyone. My advice is to be open, stay curious, and take advantage of every opportunity to engage—attend Study Clubs, ask questions, volunteer, and connect with others.

Olympia: “Why haven’t you joined us yet?” With 25,000 Fellows and Members worldwide and as a non-political and inclusive community, don’t you want to be part of the ITI that focuses on the global exchange of expertise and know-how via a modern and efficient network?

Konstantinos: ITI is a global organization with unique characteristics as it connects clinicians, academicians and other peers through its educational and research activities. ITI is combining a great network between Industry, Research and Education promoting knowledge through networking and collaboration. Professionals who are considering joining the ITI can significantly benefit through evidence-based practices with the ultimate goal to improve patient outcomes.

Abigail: I’ve watched many clinicians join the ITI and grow both personally and professionally. This is a global network of experts who truly support one another, building relationships that make them better clinicians. Where else can you reach out to members on different continents for patient referrals with full confidence?

Share something interesting about yourself outside your professional life.

Robert: Besides having a family of pediatric dentists (wife and 2 children) and 5 grandchildren aged 5-7, I play guitar in an Irish-American Civil War Band for over 20 years and have produced two musical CDs raising money for soldier headstones and battlefield preservation.

Wael: I’m passionate about traveling and discovering new cultures and places—it’s my way of staying curious, open-minded, and inspired outside the clinical world.

Acela: I’m a proud twin mom and a passionate advocate for animal welfare. Life at home is always lively, whether it’s keeping up with my twins or caring for our furry companions.

Konstantinos: I am a big fan of European basketball (Euroleague) which is not very common in the United States!

Abigail: I love music- I grew up singing and playing instruments, and my happy place is listening to all genres of music. I also love watching this love for music grow in my kids and see them experiment with different instruments.

Which ITI core values do you most strongly identify with and why?

Wael: “Excellence — We strive for excellence in everything we do.” This value resonates deeply with my personal philosophy and professional mission. As an ITI Education Delegate, I believe excellence is not a static goal but a continuous pursuit—especially in a discipline as dynamic as implant dentistry.

Olympia: One of the values of the ITI is “United in Purpose to foster a global, inclusive community built on trust, friendship, and diverse perspectives,” and this one speaks to my heart since my passion is to try to bring people together.

---

The USA leadership team exemplifies the ITI’s commitment to excellence in implant dentistry through education, research, and community building. Their diverse backgrounds and shared passion for advancement in the field continue to drive the Section’s growth and impact across the region.

Stay tuned for our next Section Spotlight, where we’ll introduce you to more of the remarkable professionals who make the ITI the world’s largest academic organization in implant dentistry.