I am not old enough to truly remember World War II. However, as a student of history, I often remember the words of Winston Churchill when he stated that “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few,” [Winston Churchill, House of Commons, August 20, 1940], regarding the RAF and the Battle of Britain. I feel the same way about the “code breakers” at Bletchley Park, initially begun in Poland, which not only saved many lives but was the beginning of information technology. Nor should we forget the capture of U-505 by the American Navy with an intact Enigma machine.
If we were to fast forward to today, in our world of implant dentistry, certain events and people have greatly impacted us personally and professionally. That iconic category includes Dr. Carl E. Misch; the “code breaker” of oral implantology.
For thousands of dentists in all continents, speaking multiple languages, the influence of the personal teachings, hundreds of articles, and multiple text books (one of which is currently being completed) by Dr. Misch) have been monumental. He has received numerous honors from many implant societies, universities, national dental associations, and most recently from the International College of Dentists (ICD).
The ICD has formed the Misch Legacy Endowment, a $1 Million campaign to help fund and sustain health care initiatives worldwide and thereby celebrate the professional achievements of Dr. Carl E. Misch for years to come. This was conceived and then formally announced by ICD International President Dr. Phillip Dowell, ICD Editor Dr. Dov Sydney, ICD Secretary General Dr. John Hintermann, and myself. In Miami on February 15, 2016, when asked to comment, Carl spontaneously stated that “I am honored that this campaign will go forward in my name. The combination of ICOI and ICD is a perfect fit. I urge all of you to support this campaign and thank you very much.” The international nature of both organizations has a unique synergy with platforms of global outreach in dental education and the performance of dental procedures to improve the lives of many in need of dental-related services. Dr. Misch epitomizes the scope of these organizations.
We wish Carl the very best and hope he is with us to celebrate the completion and fulfillment of the Misch Legacy Endowment.
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