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Quick Read SummaryDr. Bilus Poles shares his unforgettable three-day journey to Switzerland, exploring Zurich’s historic charm and Thommen Medical’s cutting-edge dental implant technology. At the University of Zurich, he gained insights into advanced implant techniques, digital planning, and the future of dentistry with AI and VR. Visiting Thommen Medical’s headquarters deepened his understanding of implant production and innovation, particularly the NEVO system. Dr. Poles brings these exciting advancements back to Omni Dental, enhancing patient care and treatment options in Arlington Heights.
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I recently returned from an unforgettable three-day trip to Switzerland that combined my love for dental innovation, travel, and learning. From exploring Zurich’s old-world charm to touring the ultra-modern headquarters of Thommen Medical, every moment of this journey was packed with insight, inspiration, and yes, a bit of Swiss chocolate.
Let me take you along for the ride and share what I brought back for our patients at Omni Dental.
Day 1: First Impressions of Zurich
I landed in Zurich early on a crisp Wednesday morning and couldn’t wait to soak in the city. After checking in, I wandered through the Old Town along the Limmat River, surrounded by cobblestone streets, centuries-old churches, and a real sense of history. Zurich is clean, walkable, and beautifully preserved. I immediately felt the mix of modern energy and deep-rooted tradition.
That evening, our group had dinner at Zeughauskeller, one of the oldest restaurants in the city. It’s located in a former armory built in 1487. Yes, 1487. That’s older than the United States. The place is decorated with swords, crossbows, and medieval weapons hanging from the walls. I was honestly amazed. We ate traditional Swiss dishes in what felt like a living museum. I ordered Zürcher Geschnetzeltes with Rösti, and it hit the spot. We toasted with Swiss beer and got to know each other. It was the perfect way to start the trip.
Day 2: Cutting-Edge Education at the University of Zurich
The next morning, we headed to the University of Zurich’s Center for Dental Medicine. It’s one of the top dental institutions in the world, and I could immediately see why. The day was filled with lectures from brilliant minds who are shaping the future of implant dentistry.
Professor Ronald Jung opened with insights into advanced implant techniques and digital planning. His emphasis on precision and evidence-based workflows really resonated with me. Dr. Stefan Bienz followed with case studies using the SPI implant system. Seeing how they handle complex situations with thoughtful planning reminded me of how much we can achieve with the right tools.
Then came a fantastic talk on peri-implant health by Dr. Nadja Naenni. She shared new strategies to protect the bone and gum tissue around implants. As a clinician, it was a great reminder that long-term success doesn’t end after surgery. Maintenance is just as important.
We ended the session with Professor Tim Joda, who talked about the future of dentistry, including artificial intelligence, digital scanning, and even virtual reality in treatment planning. Some of it felt like science fiction, but it’s already happening. This is where implantology is heading, and I’m excited to be part of it.
After a short coffee break, we toured the university’s clinical facilities. I saw simulation labs with dental mannequins, high-tech 3D printers, and imaging tools that made me feel like a kid in a candy store. It was inspiring to see how the next generation of dentists is being trained.
Lunch was at Restaurant Sento, a cozy Italian spot near the university. I had a light pasta dish and talked with colleagues about what we’d learned. It was refreshing and helped me reflect on the morning’s lessons.
That afternoon, we left Zurich and drove northwest to Solothurn, home of Thommen Medical. The countryside was stunning, with rolling green hills and distant mountain views. I couldn’t wait to see how one of the world’s top dental implant manufacturers does their work.
Day 3: Inside Thommen Medical
Our final day was all about Thommen Medical. I’ve used their implant systems before, but visiting their headquarters gave me a whole new level of appreciation.
We started with an introduction from their team, learning about the company’s history and commitment to quality. Thommen is a family-owned Swiss company with one mission: to make the best dental implants, period. That focus really shows in their attention to detail.
Then we suited up for a full factory tour, led by one of their lead engineers. I watched titanium rods being transformed into precision dental implants through high-tech machining, surface treatments, and rigorous quality control. It was fascinating. Their INICELL surface, which improves bone healing, is just one example of how science drives every decision they make.
After the tour, we had lunch at their on-site dining hall, Monte Cervin. Over a hearty Swiss meal, I chatted with other dentists from around the world. We swapped stories, tips, and experiences. It reminded me how much we learn from each other, not just from lectures.
The afternoon was dedicated to the NEVO implant system, Thommen’s latest innovation. It’s designed to be strong and stable while being gentle on the bone. I got to handle the instruments and try it out in a simulation model. The placement was smooth and precise. NEVO also includes features like the TISSUEGARD collar to protect soft tissue and reduce bone loss. It’s engineered with the patient in mind, making recovery faster and more comfortable.
We wrapped up the day with a session on the restorative side of implants how crowns and bridges are designed to fit beautifully. Seeing things from the lab technician’s perspective helped me understand how my surgical decisions affect the final outcome. It was a great reminder that great dentistry is always a team effort.
That evening, Thommen hosted a farewell dinner for all participants. They gave us certificates and a fun gift bag, which included a tiny implant replica on a keychain. I laughed and said I’m definitely framing the certificate. My patients will know I flew halfway around the world to keep bringing them the best care possible.
Bringing It Home to Arlington Heights
Now that I’m back at Omni Dental in Arlington Heights, IL, I’m already putting what I learned into action. From digital planning to less invasive implant techniques, this trip has changed the way I think about treatment. More importantly, it’s renewed my passion for continuing education and clinical excellence.
Traveling to Switzerland wasn’t just about learning from experts. It was about stepping outside my comfort zone, connecting with other professionals, and gaining fresh insight into how we can improve the patient experience.
If you’re visiting our office and curious about what I saw or tried during the trip, feel free to ask. I’d love to share more stories and show you how these innovations are already making a difference right here in Arlington Heights.
