Leading Locally – ITI Section Spotlight: Iberia

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 Iberia.

Leadership Insights: Q&A with the Iberia Section Team

In this issue, we interview Dr. Antonio Linares González (Chair), Dr. Laurence Adriaens (Education Delegate), Prof. André Chen (Study Club Coordinator), and Dr. Ignacio Pedrinaci (Communications Officer/Young ITI Delegate).

What inspired you to join the Section Leadership Team?

Dr. Antonio Linares González (Chair): I feel the ITI philosophy in my veins. ITI is “Filosofía de Implantología basada en la excelencia clínica, apoyada en una robusta evidencia, y diseñada para el beneficio del paciente” (Philosophy of Implantology based on clinical excellence, supported by robust evidence, and designed for the benefit of the patient).

Prof. André Chen (Study Club Coordinator): I always aspired to be part of the largest and most scientifically respected implant association in the world. For me, joining the ITI leadership team is both a commitment to advancing implant dentistry as a science and a way to help transmit its legacy to the next generation. It’s about contributing to a community that values evidence-based practice and sharing that knowledge with those who are just beginning their journey.

Dr. Laurence Adriaens (Education Delegate): I’ve been truly inspired by the philosophy of the ITI, which closely aligns with the way I was trained in implant dentistry. Their approach—grounded in evidence-based dentistry while also valuing clinical experience and practical application—is both motivating and enriching. Whether you’re an experienced implantologist or just beginning your journey, the ITI’s principles offer a solid and inspiring foundation.

Dr. Ignacio Pedrinaci (Communications Officer/Young ITI Delegate): It was an incredible opportunity to remain part of this worldwide family—but more importantly, to become part of its core. I wanted to contribute to the growth of the association, especially by engaging and empowering young professionals in Spain.

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

Antonio: Study Clubs, Research grants, and ITI World Congresses.

Laurence: For me, the ITI Online Academy is an outstanding educational platform. It offers a wealth of valuable and cutting-edge information, presenting the latest developments in implant dentistry across various formats—such as presentations, articles, and more. Another remarkable resource is the SAC Assessment Tool, which supports professionals in evaluating case complexity.

André: Definitely the ITI Study Clubs. I’ve always believed that real progress in implant dentistry happens when science meets the daily reality of clinical practice—and that’s exactly what Study Clubs offer. It’s in those small, honest gatherings where we sit with colleagues who are facing the same challenges every day. We share cases, struggles, ideas, and we grow together. For me, it’s not just about education, it’s about building a community.

Ignacio: We’re currently planning a Young ITI retreat that I believe will be a game-changer and a powerful way to attract new young members in Spain. Additionally, I’m proud to have served as a role model for several young Spanish leaders—such as Carme Riera, Javier Calatrava, Javier Soldevilla, and Ángel Cañas—who, following my example and after my time at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, have pursued scholarships and new opportunities through ITI.

What’s one professional challenge the ITI has helped you overcome?

Antonio: Research support. Educational activities.

Laurence: The ITI’s comprehensive educational framework has provided me with evidence-based tools and methodologies that bridge scientific knowledge with practical clinical application, enhancing my ability to deliver predictable treatments and communicate more effectively with colleagues and patients.

André: One of the most difficult aspects of implant dentistry is making the right treatment plan decisions, especially when every patient, every case, brings a unique set of challenges. The ITI’s Treatment Guide Decision Tree has been, for me, the most powerful tool. It brings clarity to complex situations and helps you navigate choices with confidence, based on science and structured thinking.

Ignacio: Without a doubt, ITI has helped me build the confidence to treat patients with calm and clarity. I now approach every case knowing I’m providing the best, most predictable, and minimally invasive treatment—something that brings long-term success and peace of mind.

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

Antonio: It is worthy to belong to the best “club” in implantology, you are linked to world-class clinicians and researchers. The community progresses and supports what’s best for our patients.

Laurence: My advice? Become part of this incredible global network! The ITI offers more than just education—it creates a true sense of belonging to a worldwide family united by a passion for implant dentistry. It’s a place where scientific knowledge and clinical experience are shared openly, helping you grow, evolve, and reach your full potential as a professional.

André: Definitely join. Being part of the ITI means staying connected to the most up-to-date scientific advancements in implant dentistry—but it’s also so much more than that. You become part of a global network of passionate, skilled clinicians who are committed to sharing knowledge and growing together.

Ignacio: There’s no doubt in my mind that ITI is the best association in the world when it comes to scientific foundation and clinically relevant practice. It offers an outstanding learning environment, opportunities for personal and professional growth, and a global network that keeps you connected and inspired to reach the highest standards in your field.

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

Laurence: Champions of care—that’s what we strive to be. In my practice, the patient is always at the center. I truly believe in taking the time to listen: to their story, their expectations, and what they’re hoping for when they come to us seeking a solution. We work as a team—combining the expertise of different professionals and using only high-quality products—to deliver results that aren’t just beautiful, but lasting.

André: Collaboration and connect, without a doubt. I believe that real progress in implant dentistry comes from open dialogue—sharing different opinions, challenging each other respectfully, and growing together. In my clinic and in the ITI, I try to foster that spirit. As I always say: it’s okay to love blue when everyone else says yellow—as long as you can explain why. That’s how science moves forward.

Share something interesting about yourself outside your professional life.

Antonio: When I was in London during the first 2 months I had the opportunity of having an audience with Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace and also the same month I shot a program for the BBC. Maybe I should have been an actor!

Laurence: I think you all thought that in the publicity spots for toothpaste the companies used actors, well that’s not true for the Sensodyne brand… I have been their face for publicity campaigns on two occasions in my native language Flemish on Belgian TV!

André: Okay, not just one—but two! First, I still believe the Force is strong with me (yes, I’m a lifelong Star Wars fan). And second, if I hadn’t gone into dentistry, I’m pretty sure I’d be a movie director by now. Storytelling, creativity, visuals—they’ve always been part of how I see the world.

Ignacio: Many people follow me on my personal Instagram account and only see my personal life—so they often think I spend all my time skiing, working out, traveling, or just enjoying life! The truth is, I actually manage two accounts: one for my professional work and one for my personal adventures. Both are always active! I try to be very efficient with my time, and I value a healthy work-life balance.

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The Iberia 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.