• The first episode of Straumann ProTalk features an insightful conversation with Professor emeritus Dr. Daniel Buser, a true pioneer in implant dentistry.

• Buser’s career is a testament to the power of mentorship, continuous learning, and teamwork. His contributions to implantology have shaped the industry, and he remains committed to education, innovation, and the next generation of dental professionals.

• Learn about his life journey, contributions to key developments in implant dentistry, and his vision for the future.

Mentored by Professor André Schroeder

Daniel Buser’s career began in dentistry with a specialization in surgery. In the mid-1980s, his mentor, Professor André Schroeder, encouraged him to pursue an academic career, emphasizing both its rewards and challenges. Schroeder played a key role in guiding Buser towards implant research, highlighting the importance of teamwork and long-term vision. The stage at Harvard University in 1988 was a pivotal moment in his career. He collaborated on animal studies focusing on implant surfaces and tissue integration, significantly impacting the further course of our industry, as we know it today.

Shaping implant dentistry over three decades

In the 1980s, Buser was instrumental in developing the Straumann® Tissue Level Implant. contributing to the design of this first two-piece tissue-level implant, shifting focus towards esthetics and posterior tooth replacement. Around 2000, he advocated for platform switching to minimize bone loss, leading to the development of bone-level implants. Recognizing the limitations of fully rough surfaces in preventing infections, Buser worked on hybrid implants by combining tissue-level and bone-level designs, significantly improving long-term outcomes.

What is your vision for dentistry in 10 years? Continued digital integration, an aging population needing implant solutions, and a focus on education rather than new product development.

What would be your dream fireside chat guest? If given the chance, Daniel would love to have a fireside chat with sports legends such as Nikola Karabatić (handball) or medical pioneers awarded with the Nobel Prize.

Lessons from sports and mentorship

Daniel Buser’s background in handball (where he played at national level) taught him valuable lessons about teamwork, perseverance, and resilience. He applies these principles in his clinical practice and research, emphasizing collaboration in surgery and education. As a mentor, Buser stresses the importance of learning from failures. He recalls a case where he had to decline an implant procedure due to poor bone quality, and his mentor congratulated him for having the integrity to say "no" when necessary.

Charitable work and supporting future generations

Beyond his professional career, Daniel is deeply involved in charity work, particularly in supporting children in sports through the Sport for Kids foundation. He believes that physical activity is crucial in today’s digital world, helping children develop teamwork and social skills. He also invests time in mentoring young professionals through organizations like the International Team for Implantology (ITI), which he considers crucial for ensuring high-quality education and training in implant dentistry.

The Straumann ProTalk hosts