Ramfjord Symposium
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.
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.
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 1979
Apart 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.
Day 1Sponsored By: Osteogenics BioMedical
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| Location: School of Dentistry (Workshops) + Rackham Graduate School (Afternoon Program) | |
| 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Pre-Symposium Workshops (School of Dentistry) |
| 1:00 PM – 1:15 PM | Welcome and Opening Remarks |
| 1:15 PM – 2:00 PM | Soft tissue management: a biological approach to clinical results Massimo de Sanctis, MD, MS (Keynote Lecture) |
| 2:00 PM – 2:30 PM | When Fees Speak: Communicating the Value of Periodontal Therapy Giorgio Pagni, DDS, MS |
| 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM | It Was A Perfect Surgery...Until It Wasn't. Real-World Periodontal Complications Beyond The Textbook. Kelly Misch, DDS, MS |
| 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM | Coffee Break |
| 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM | Biological Reset Protocol for the Regenerative Treatment of Advanced Peri-Implantitis Defects Andrea Ravida, DDS, MS, PhD |
| 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM | Big Bone Augmentation, Big Soft Tissue Management? Muhammad Saleh, BDS, MSD, PhD |
| 4:30 PM – 4:55 PM | Q & A |
| 5:00 PM –6:30 PM |
Research Session / Complimentary Reception |
Day 2Sponsored By: Delta Dental Foundation
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| Location: Auditorium, Rackham Graduate School | |
| 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM |
The Role of Soft Tissue Manipulation After Advanced Bone Augmentation Speaker: Istvan Urban, DMD, MD, PhD |
| 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM | COFFEE BREAK |
| 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM |
Evolution of Soft Tissue Grafts: Insights from Decades of Experience Speaker: Giovanni Zucchelli, DDS, PhD |
| 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM | LUNCH BREAK |
| 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM |
What’s New in Soft Tissue Grafts: Techniques and Materials Speaker: Lorenzo Tavelli, DDS, MS, PhD |
| 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM | COFFEE BREAK |
| 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM |
Microscope Guided Soft Tissue Graft Speaker: Diego Velasquez-Plata, DDS, MSD |
| 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM | Complimentary Social Event and Reception at Michigan Golf Course Sponsored By: Salvin Dental 
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Day 3Sponsored By: Delta Dental Foundation
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| Location: Auditorium, Rackham Graduate School | |
| 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM |
Insights into Tunnel Soft Tissue Grafts Speaker: Homa Zadeh, DDS, PhD |
| 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM | COFFEE BREAK |
| 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM |
Applications of the Tunneled Coronally Advanced Flap and a Phenotype-Driven Surgical Approach to Soft Tissue Management Speaker: Shayan Barootchi |
| 12:00 PM | ADJOURN |
Registration for workshops are an 'add on' with the registration for the Ramfjord Symposium. Check-in for workshops will be at Rm G508.
Thursday, June 4, 2026: 8:00 – 12:00 PM
Speaker: Istvan Urban, DMD, MD, PhD
Course Fee: $695
Participant Limit: 40
Speaker: Giovanni Zucchelli, DDS, PhD
Course Fee: $495
Participant Limit: 40
Saturday, June 6, 2026: 1:00 – 5:00 PM
Speaker: Lorenzo Tavelli, DDS, MS, PhD
Course Fee: $495
Participant Limit: 40
Course Fee: $995
Participant Limit: 9
Sponsored/Powered By:
Dr. Shayan Barootchi, DDS, MS, is a board-certified periodontist and internationally recognized educator in the fields of periodontal and implant therapy. He received his specialty training in periodontics and a Master of Science degree from the University of Michigan, where he also serves as faculty, and he additionally teaches in the Division of Periodontology at Harvard School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Barootchi’s clinical and research focus centers on regenerative therapies, soft tissue grafting, implant esthetics, and the management of complex implant complications.
He has authored nearly 150 peer-reviewed publications in leading dental journals and serves as Associate Editor for the Journal of Periodontal Research and Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research. Dr. Barootchi lectures nationally and internationally, sharing evidence-based and clinically applicable protocols for achieving predictable and esthetic outcomes in implant and periodontal therapy.
In addition to his academic contributions, Dr. Barootchi maintains an active private practice limited to periodontics and implant dentistry. He is deeply committed to advancing patient care through innovation, education, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Massimo de Sanctis was born July 29, 1953, in Rome, Italy.
He obtained his doctorate in Medicine with honors from the university of Florence on July
12, 1978. Also from the University of Florence he received his Doctorate in
Odontostomatology with honors.
In 1982, graduated in Periodontology at Boston University., from the same University he
obtained a Master of Science degree in Periodontology for an experimental study which he
conducted between 1982 and 1983.
During this time, he was member of the research program for Boston University’s
Department of Periodontology.
In 1987, dr de Sanctis was appointed professor of Periodontology at the II University of
Rome where he taught until 1989.
From 1989 to 1999 he has held various teaching positions at the University of Bologna.
From 2000 to 2014 he was professor of Periodontology at the University of Siena.
From 2015 he was nominated Professor at the University Vita-Salute San Raffaele Milano
He is chair of the program of Periodontology.
Director of the Clinical Department of Periodontology.
He was President of The Congress Europerio 2 in Florence,
Member of the Organizing Committee of the Congress Europerio 5 in Madrid.
He is member of the Congress Organisation Committee of the European Federation of
Periodontology.
He is Fellow of the International College of Dentistry,
Member of the American Academy of Periodontology,
Past President of the Italian Society of Periodontology,
Past president of the Italian Coordinating Committee for the Scientific Societies.
Dr. Kelly Misch earned her B.S. in Nutritional Sciences from Michigan State University and her
D.D.S. and M.S. in Periodontics from the University of Michigan. She is Board-Certified in
Periodontics and Implant Dentistry and a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology.
Dr. Misch is also a Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantology, a Fellow of the
International College of Dentists (ICD USA), and a Recognized Kois Center Specialist.
She is a full-time clinician and partner in five periodontal and implant specialty practices in
Michigan. She serves as Co-Director of the Comprehensive Dental Institute, a nonprofit implant
education program. Dr. Misch lectures nationally, provides live surgical training, and serves as a
Key Opinion Leader for leading implant organizations. She currently serves as Chairman of the
Ethics Committee for the Washtenaw District Dental Society and is a Past President of the
Russell Bunting Periodontal Society.
Outside of dentistry, she enjoys traveling, cheering on her sons at soccer games, walking her
dog, and playing pickleball.
Giorgio Pagni is a Periodontist from Florence, Italy and Visiting Professor at the University of Milan and Harvard School of Dental Medicine. He got his MS in Periodontics and Oral Medicine at the University of Michigan and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. He is Active Member of the Italian Society of Periodontology and Implantology (SIDP) and member of Florence Perio Group, and Italian Dental Association (ANDI). He has served in different Task forces in the Osteology Foundation and was one of the founding members of SIDP Giovani, ANDI Firenze Giovani and National Osteology Group Italy. He is also Council member of ANDI Firenze. He serves as reviewer for the Journal of Dental Research (JDR), the International Journal of Periodontics and Restorative Dentistry (IJPRD), and Plos One.
Dr. Andrea Ravidà is the Director of the Graduate Periodontics Program in the department of Periodontics at the University of Pittsburgh. He completed the periodontal specialty training in Graduate Periodontics at the University of Michigan and the PhD at the University of Granada. He conducts clinical research focusing on peri-implantitis. He has published more than 90 peer- reviewed articles and conference abstracts/presentations related to periodontics and implant therapy. He is section editor of the International Journal of Oral Implantology and the Journal of Translational Medicine. He received several other awards including the Schoor Research Award in 2020, the Educator Scholarship (2021) and William Laney Award (2020).
Dr. Muhammad H Saleh is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Dentistry at the Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry. He is a Diplomate in the American Board of Periodontology and lectures nationally and internationally about periodontology and implant dentistry. After finishing his Dento-alveolar surgery residency, he worked in private practice for 8 years before completing an implant diploma from DGZI, Germany. He followed that with post-doctoral training at the Periodontics Department at the University of Michigan, and then a Periodontics residency at the University of Louisville, KY, USA. He is currently a full-time faculty at the Periodontics Department, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA. Dr. Saleh has been actively involved in research, publishing more than 100 periodontics and implant-related peer-reviewed articles. He serves as a reviewer for top Q1 periodontics and dental implant journals. He is a winner of multiple national and international awards, most recently the 2021 AAPF Schoor Award for the best research project for the year 2021, the best clinical research in the Ramfjord 2022 Symposium, the 2022 AAP Institute for Teaching and Leadership award, the 2024 AAPF LEAD award, and the 2024 AAPF the Nevins Teaching and Clinical Research. Dr. Saleh's research interests are primarily focused on the risk factors of periodontitis and peri-implantitis and guided bone regeneration. His clinical interest is guided bone regeneration.
Lorenzo Tavelli, DDS, MS, PhD is a periodontist, clinical researcher, and Assistant Professor at the
Harvard School of Dental Medicine. He graduated from the University of Milan and went on to complete
a three-year residency in Periodontics and a Master of Science at the University of Michigan. A
Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, Dr. Tavelli also served as the Director of the
Postgraduate Program in Periodontology at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine.
His clinical and research efforts focus on microsurgical and minimally invasive soft tissue grafting
procedures around teeth and dental implants. He has been pioneering the combined use of high-frequency
Doppler ultrasonography and wound healing biomarkers to assess graft perfusion and improve surgical
outcomes. Dr. Tavelli is a frequent speaker at major international symposia and has published over 160
scholarly articles in peer-reviewed journals. He currently serves as an Associate Editor for Clinical
Implant Dentistry and Related Research.
Dr. Tavelli’s contributions to the field have been recognized with numerous prestigious research awards,
including the 2024 ITI André Schroeder Research Prize, the 2023 American Academy of Periodontology
Earl Robinson Regeneration Award, the 2022 AAP Foundation Nevins Clinical Research Fellowship, the
2021 Goldman Clinical Research Award from the Italian Society of Periodontology, and the 2020 AAP
Balint Orban Research Award, among others.
Dr. Urban received his DMD degree and subsequently his MD degree from
Semmelweis University School of Medicine and Dentistry (Budapest, Hungary) in 1991
and 1996.
He completed a full-time program in oral surgery at St. Istvan Hospital in Budapest,
Hungary (1992-1996). He completed his internship program in Periodontics at UCLA.
After he graduated from the Fellowship Program (1999-2000) in Implant Dentistry at
Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, California, he was appointed assistant professor
the following year. Dr. Urban is licensed in the state of California (USA) and has a
private practice in Budapest, Hungary.
Dr. Urban received his PhD degree in Periodontology in 2012 at the University of
Szeged, Hungary. He is currently an honorary professor at the University of Szeged.
Dr. Urban is a board member of the Osteology Foundation and has published scientific
articles and textbook chapters on bone regeneration and soft tissue reconstructive
surgery around dental implants. Dr. Urban is an adjunct clinical associate professor at
the Department of Periodontology and Oral Medicine at the University of Michigan.
Recently, Dr. Urban has become a lecturer at Harvard School of Dental Medicine.
Dr. Urban is the author of the textbook titled Vertical and Horizontal Augmentation
published by Quintessence, which has been published in 12 languages. Dr. Urban
recently authored the second part of the book titled VERTICAL 2: The NEXT LEVEL.
Diego Velásquez, DDS, MSD is a graduate of the
Pontificia Universidad Javeriana School of Dentistry,
Colombia. He holds certificates in Prosthodontics and
Dental Materials, a Master’s degree in Science of
Dentistry (Indiana University) and a certificate in
Periodontics and Dental Implants (The University of Texas
Health Science Center at San Antonio).
Dr. Velasquez works in private practice in Fenton, Michigan
and is an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor at the
School of Dentistry of The University of Michigan. He is a
Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and is a
member of the peer review panel of the Journal of
Periodontology, Clinical Advances in Periodontics, and
former consultant of The International Journal of
Periodontics and Restorative Dentistry. He is part of the
Expert Council of The Osteology Foundation. He is past
president of the Midwest Society of Periodontology, Michigan
Periodontal Association and The American Academy
of Periodontology Foundation.
Dr. Zadeh has earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Southern California (USC) Ostrow School of Dentistry. He completed post-doctoral clinical training in periodontology, as well as a PhD degree in immunology, at the University of Connecticut Health Center (UCHC) School of Dental Medicine and School of Medicine, respectively. Dr Zadeh served as full time faculty for 28 years, earning tenure status at the USC, before retirement from that position. He served as director of postdoctoral periodontology program (2012-2019). Dr. Zadeh is internationally recognized for his clinical and scientific expertise. He has lectured nationally and internationally in over 40 countries at prestigious conferences on topics ranging from aesthetics to minimally invasive periodontal and implant surgery, as well as tissue engineering. Dr Zadeh has published over 100 journal articles in peer review journals, reviews, abstracts and book chapters. Dr. Zadeh served as president of the Western Society of Periodontology (WSP) in 2017 and continues to serve as trustee on the board.
Dr. Zadeh is the innovator of the VISTA technique recognized around the world as one of the most effective methods for the treatment of soft tissue and bone deficiencies around teeth and implants. He has also innovated many concepts and devices, which have been registered with dozens of patented and developed into products in clinical use in many countries.
Dr Zadeh directs the VISTA Institute for Therapeutic Innovations, an Academy of Osseointegration (AO) authorized training center. He maintains a private practice of periodontology and implant surgery in Southern California.
Graduated in 1988 with a degree in dentistry from the University of Bologna, Italy Professor Giovanni Zucchelli was awarded a PhD in medical biotechnology from the same university. He was a full professor of periodontology and implantology at the University of Bologna, Italy and president of the Italian Academy of Osteointegration (IAO). He currently holds the role of visiting professor at the University of Bern, Switzerland. He is an associate editor of The International Journal of Esthetic Dentistry and serves on the editorial boards for multiple other journals (eg. The International Journal of Periodontics & Restorative Dentistry, International Journal of Oral Implantology). He has received numerous awards, including the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation E. Bud Tarrson Research Award in Oral Plastic Surgery. Professor Zucchelli is an active member of the European Academy of Esthetic Dentistry (EAED), the Società Italiana di Parodontologia e Implantologia (SIdP), the Italian Academy of Osseointegration (IAO), and the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP). He is an honorary member of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) and received the honoris causa from the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Professor Zucchelli, speaker at major Italian and international conferences, is the author of more than 160 scientific publications in the field of periodontics and implantology and the bestseller Mucogingival Esthetic Surgery published by Quintessence Publishing in 2013 and translated into 12 languages, and coauthor of two illustrated textbooks and the chapter “Mucogingival Therapy – Periodontal Plastic Surgery” in Clinical Periodontology and Implant Dentistry, published by Wiley-Blackwell in 2015. He recently released the book Mucogingival Esthetic Surgery Around Implants, published by Quintessence Publishing and already translated into eight languages.
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):
This 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:
Through 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.
Among 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.
Deadline: May 8, 2026
For more information about the poster session contact Dr. Darnell Kaigler ([email protected]) and/or Dr. Sandra Stuhr ([email protected]).
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.
University of Michigan Richard L. Postma Family Clubhouse is a unique meeting space and features breathtaking views of the historic Alister Mackenzie Golf Course.
Rackham Graduate School is located at 915 E. Washington, Ann Arbor MI 48109.
The 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.
Another 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 arrival
June 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.
The University of Michigan School of Dentistry would like to gratefully acknowledge the unrestricted educational grants from the following sponsors:
