Build Your Smile Dental Foundation Advances Implant Care in Uganda Using W&H’s Osstell Technology
Clinical outreach led by Dr. Izchak Barzilay leverages implant stability measurement to support safe restoration for underserved patients.
WINDSOR, ONTARIO: Nov. 3, 2025: Build Your Smile Dental Foundation annually journeys to Uganda, hosting a symposium followed by seven to eight days of clinical outreach in small southern villages. For several years, Build Your Smile Dental Foundation and Prosthodontic Associates have utilized the Osstell device. This technology enables remote assessment of the success of implants placed during the outreach initiatives.
The Osstell Beacon by W&H offers a valuable function by measuring implant stability both at the time of placement and in anticipation of restoration. This helps evaluate the level of osseointegration achieved and determines the appropriate timing for commencing implant restoration.
Osstell Beacon – Initial Treatment
The treatment works by identifying patients who are candidates for implant placement in the anterior part of the jaw. These patients then have radiographs made, and if space appears to be available, a flap is raised and an implant is placed.
After placement of the implant, the Osstell Beacon is used to measure the ISQ of that implant, and an impression is made of the implant. This impression is taken back to Canada, where between several different labs, the impression is poured, and a restoration is considered for fabrication.
No fabrication is done until the local Ugandan Build Your Smile dental officers, who have been trained on the Osstell device, make an ISQ reading, and we can compare that measurement to what was recorded at the time of implant placement. If the measurement suggests that the implant is ready for restoration, and if this is corroborated by a standard periapical film, the restoration can be created.
Dr. Izchak Barzilay & the Build Your Smile Dental Foundation team in Uganda
Osstell – Restoration Placement
On the next trip to Uganda, which is roughly at the 12-month time point, once again the implants are evaluated using the Osstell device, and a restoration is placed. The Osstell device allows for remote evaluation, not just by looking at an x-ray, but also by measuring its stability.
Recommendation
The Osstell technology is an excellent device for use under many different conditions. Thank you, W&H and Osstell, for supporting us in our implantation outreach visits in the mountain villages of Uganda. Learn more about the W&H Osstell product line.
For more information about these humanitarian efforts or to work with them at an upcoming event, please visit bysdf.org or email chris@buildyoursmil.org.
About Dr. Izchak Barzilay
Dr. Izchak Barzilay is the founder and CEO of the Build Your Smile Dental Foundation. He is a world-renowned prosthodontist, lecturer, and dental researcher. His research and teaching activities have brought with it accolades and awards from multiple national and international bodies. In addition to his leadership roles over the years, he is the past president of the American Prosthodontic Society and the Academy of Prosthodontics. Also past Board chair of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada. He has always had a passion for volunteerism and most recently has spent time providing services to the underserved populations at home and abroad.
About W&H
W&H Impex, Inc. located in Ontario, Canada is a subsidiary of W&H Group. Headquartered in Bürmoos, Austria, the international W&H Group is a global leader in the development and manufacture of medical technology products. Passion and innovation are the driving force of the company. High-quality product and service solutions, a strong focus on research and development as well as social responsibility make W&H a locally and globally successful family business. More than 1,300 employees contribute to the production of hardware and software products for use in the dental, medical and veterinary industries.
