This February, Loeys-Dietz Syndrome Foundation Canada (LDSFC) proudly participated in the 2025 International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI) conference in New Orleans. This event brought together a diverse group of dental professionals, including implantologists, orthodontists, general dentists, and dental hygienists, offering an ideal platform to raise awareness about Heritable Aortic Disorders and their impact on oral health.
Dr. Ady Palti, Chairman of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, shared his thoughts on the significance of this collaboration:
“At ICOI, we are committed to advancing dental education and broadening our understanding of how oral health connects to systemic conditions. The participation of LDSFC at our 2025 conference was a vital step in bridging dentistry with medical genetics, reinforcing the critical role that dental professionals play in early detection and patient advocacy. We look forward to further collaborations that enhance both patient care and professional knowledge.”
Sponsoring Keynote Speaker Dr. Sylvia Frazier-Bowers
A highlight of our participation was sponsoring Dr. Sylvia Frazier-Bowers as a keynote speaker. Dr. Frazier-Bowers delivered a lecture titled “Oral Health and Craniofacial Characteristics in the Marfan Syndrome,” where she emphasized the crucial role dental professionals play in identifying and diagnosing Heritable Aortic Disorders such as Marfan syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, and vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
Dr. Frazier-Bowers is a renowned expert who connects the dots between oral health and genetic disorders. After receiving her D.D.S. (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and her Ph.D. in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Dr. Frazier-Bowers completed a fellowship in Orthodontics. Dr. Frazier-Bowers is a scientist, a clinician, an educator and a passionate advocate.
At the ICOI conference, she shared her invaluable insights on how dental professionals can recognize potential indicators of aortic conditions during routine check-ups. As she eloquently put it:
“Just as the eyes are the window to our soul, the face is the window to our genes.”
Dr. Frazier-Bowers also answered pressing questions she has received from both patients and dental professionals, providing guidance on the best approaches to patient care. She encouraged the near 150 lecture attendees to consider subtle but significant oral and craniofacial markers, stating:
“You have the ability to not just save a smile, but save a life, and do that through the lens of oral health excellence.”
She also highlighted specific traits that may hint at undiagnosed Connective Tissue Disorders:
“If someone’s in your chair, you may want to notice they have a high-arched palate. Maybe that means the person has an undiagnosed connective tissue disorder.”
Her message was clear: Dental professionals can be the first line of detection for individuals who are unaware they have a genetic disorder.
“People who are probands, the first to be diagnosed in their family, are usually diagnosed later in life. They might be sitting in your chair.”
Advocacy at the Exhibition Hall
LDSFC also hosted a booth in the exhibition hall, where we engaged with more than 50 conference attendees about the significance of Heritable Aortic Disorders. We provided educational resources, literature reviews, and case studies to empower dental professionals with the knowledge needed to identify and support affected patients. Among the articles we shared were:
- Full-Mouth Rehabilitation With Implant-Prosthesis in Marfan Syndrome Patient: Clinical Report and Literature Review
- Severity of oro-dental anomalies in Loeys-Dietz syndrome segregates by gene mutation
- Dental Considerations in Patients with Loeys-Dietz Syndrome: A Review of the Literature and Case Report
- Dental Manifestations of Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes: A Systematic Review
- Teeth in Marfan Syndrome
These materials were well received, reinforcing the importance of recognizing dental manifestations of Heritable Aortic Disorders. The LDSFC website saw an 8% increase in traffic on the days of the conference, and the page of resources we provided to attendees was visited 31 times.
Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange
Beyond our booth and keynote sponsorship, LDSFC attended Dr. Angela Vida Kalaw’s lecture on “Splinting of Implant and Natural Tooth to Treat Cleft Palate Patient: A Case Report.” After her insightful presentation, we connected with Dr. Kalaw to exchange knowledge and resources, further strengthening the bridge between oral health professionals and the Heritable Aortic Disorder community.
Achieving Our Goals
Our presence at the ICOI conference was driven by a clear mission: to introduce aortic pathology to the dental field, advocate for proper care of our patient population in dental settings, and open a diagnostic pathway for individuals who may be unaware they are living with a heritable aortic disorder. By fostering dialogue and equipping dental professionals with essential knowledge, we took a significant step forward in ensuring better care and earlier diagnoses for affected individuals and their families.
The conference was a resounding success, and we look forward to continuing our efforts to bridge the gap between dentistry and genetics in the future.
Thank you to everyone who engaged with us, attended Dr. Frazier-Bowers’ keynote, and took the time to learn more about how they can make a difference in the lives of patients with Heritable Aortic Disorders.
Together, we are transforming awareness into action.
Contact Us
If you are a dental professional or a patient with questions about Loeys-Dietz syndrome, Marfan syndrome, vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, or other Heritable Aortic Disorders, we encourage you to reach out. We are here to provide information, resources, and support to ensure patients receive the best possible care. Please feel free to contact us through our website or social media channels—we look forward to hearing from you!
Dental Professionals can find more information about ICOI and their future events here:
