President’s Mid-Term Reflections: Honoring Tradition, Committing to Reform

Dear Respected Members and Global Partners of the Korean Academy of Implant Dentistry (KAID),

As I complete the first year of my term, which began in late May 2025, I wish to share my sincere reflections on the past, present, and future of our Academy.

Since 1976, KAID has led the advancement of implant dentistry in Korea. Over the past year, I thoroughly reviewed our administrative and financial records. While this inspired deep respect for our predecessors, it also forced me to confront some painful realities.

I must candidly confess that our Academy had fallen into complacent authoritarianism. The historical roster of nearly 2,000 members was largely nominal. In reality, our active base consisted of only 176 lifetime members aged 65 or older, 174 paid lifetime members, and 14 annually paying members. Furthermore, after settling outstanding liabilities, we faced a negative general account balance of -9,080,104 KRW. This structural stagnation and exclusivity severely hindered our growth.

To overcome this, KAID is shedding past complacency and preparing for the "Next 50 Years" as a globally recognized, online platform-centered academy. We have lowered barriers to welcome not only clinicians but also scientists and healthcare professionals from diverse fields who contribute to dental science.

My vision for KAID is clear. Our Academy must never be driven by political interests or the authoritarianism of a privileged few. It must remain a pure academic community—centered around our committees and warmly embracing all members—serving as the cornerstone of a world-class institution.

Today, Korea's dental implant industry leads the global stage. KAID must likewise rise as a premier academic authority that guides this industry with rigorous scientific values. To this end, we will accelerate digital innovation by optimizing our global online platform, bilingual website, and integrated payment systems. Furthermore, we will vitalize the roles of our vice presidents and committee members, while boldly reforming the Board of Delegates to eliminate unprincipled past practices. My remaining tenure will be dedicated to establishing a transparent, dedicated leadership structure.

We are also redefining our relationship with the industry. KAID will no longer seek unreasonable favors from corporations. Instead, we will cultivate a partnership of mutual growth, sharing academic insights and supporting the global expansion of our partners. Rejecting dumping competition and purely commercial practices, we will overcome financial challenges transparently, guided by science and ethics.

Respected Members, and our collaborative company families,

If the past year was about stripping away outdated structures to rebuild our foundation, my remaining tenure will be focused on constructing a world-class academic institution upon it. I earnestly ask for your continued support as KAID transforms into a dynamic hub of the global dental community.

To the young clinicians and specialists worldwide who have recently joined us: I assure you that your decision will be deeply rewarding. Please encourage your colleagues to join us on this transformative journey. Thank you.

Prof. Soung Min KIM

25th President of KAID (May 2025 – December 2026)