The editorial staff of The International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants is pleased to have the opportunity to publish six papers from a June 1988 internal symposium associated with the Special Collaborative Implantology Program of Tübingen University, West Germany. Our deep gratitude is expressed to Prof Dr Willi Schulte and his colleagues for their cooperation and willingness to provide these manuscripts for the edification of our readers. The Journal continues to seek meaningful works from the international dental, medical, and basic science communities to assist our efforts to improve patient care.