FDI is hosting its World Dental Congress 2024 (WDC24) in the historical Istanbul, Türkiye, from 12–15 September. Positioned as a landmark event within the dental industry, WDC24 is poised for resounding success, offering a meticulously curated scientific programme tailored to meet the evolving needs of dental professionals worldwide. This year, FDI is placing a special emphasis on the transformative field of digital dentistry and has therefore partnered with the Digital Dentistry Society (DDS).

Delve into an exclusive interview with DDS President, Dr Francesco Mangano to gain insights about the partnership and DDS’ involvement in WDC24

Can you please tell us about Digital Dentistry Society and its mission?

The Digital Dentistry Society was founded in 2014 and has since grown to become the largest and most active scientific society in the field of Digital Dentistry. With over 2000 active members spanning 65 countries, and a total membership exceeding 20,000, our reach and impact are significant.

Our mission at the Digital Dentistry Society is multifaceted. Firstly, we are deeply committed to education. We seek to provide dentists, students, technicians, software developers and engineers with the necessary skill and knowledge to leverage digital technologies effectively in dentistry. We achieve this through various avenues such as congresses, courses, seminars, high-quality publications and e-learning platforms.

Secondly, we prioritize the development of high professional standards in the field. By drawing specific guidelines for the use of digital technologies in dentistry, we aim to ensure consistent excellence and uphold the integrity of our profession globally.

Additionally, we also study and thereafter validate emerging digital technologies and products offered by dental companies and industries. Through this rigorous research and assessment process, we aim to provide practitioners with reliable information to guide their decision making.

Finally, we are dedicated to securing professional recognition for our members and partner companies/industries, thereby enhancing their credibility and standing within the dental community.

You have partnered with FDI for the World Dental Congress 2024 (WDC24). How do you think this alliance will benefit the promotion for oral health on a global scale?

FDI is one of the most prestigious societies in the dental world and it is important for the Digital Dentistry Society to collaborate with the best scientific societies all around the globe, mainly to raise awareness about digital dental topics and the integration of new technologies in dentistry.

By partnering with FDI, we can amplify our efforts to educate dental professionals worldwide about the benefits and advancements in digital dentistry. FDI boasts a large network of dentists through its membership and the collaboration enables us to exchange knowledge, best practices and research findings that benefit the dental community.

We are very excited to work with FDI and truly look forward to many exciting opportunities to collaborate and advance oral health on a global scale.

Have you planned any specific sessions at WDC24 that will showcase the latest advancements in digital dentistry?

Absolutely, we're thrilled to announce that at the WDC24 in Istanbul, Türkiye, we'll be hosting a dedicated session featuring four speakers focusing entirely on the applications of digital technologies in implant dentistry and prosthodontics. This session promises to be a highlight within the already fantastic scientific programme of WDC24, offering attendees valuable insights into the latest advancements and innovations shaping the future of dental practice.

With digital technologies revolutionizing various aspects of dentistry, from diagnostics to treatment planning and patient care, this session will provide attendees with a comprehensive overview of how these technologies are reshaping the field, specifically in implant dentistry.

The first two lectures will focus on surgery, specifically on bone regeneration through custom-made 3D printed scaffolds. These advancements represent a significant leap forward in the field of implant dentistry, offering new possibilities for enhanced patient outcomes and improved surgical techniques.

The second part of the session will then delve into the prosthetic aspects of implant rehabilitation through a full digital workflow. This will include discussions on the use of intraoral scanners in full-arch implant impressions and modern strategies to achieve successful outcomes in full-arch implant prosthetic restorations.

Overall, this will be a very engaging session and we look forward to welcoming participants to this session that is not to be missed.

What key learning outcomes can participants anticipate gaining from the session on implant dentistry and prosthodontics at WDC24?

During our session at WDC24 in Istanbul, we'll delve into a wide range of topics encompassing the latest advancements in digital dentistry. Specifically, we'll explore the applications of intraoral scanners, patient virtualization, guided surgery, 3D printed titanium dental implants, digital orthodontics, with a particular attention on the artificial intelligence and mixed reality across various dental fields.

We're excited to offer this comprehensive session, providing attendees with invaluable insights into the groundbreaking technologies reshaping the dental practice landscape. Moreover, participants will have the opportunity to learn from some of the leading experts in the field.

How are digital technologies reshaping the landscape of dentistry worldwide and impacting conventional practices?

We are living in an incredibly exciting era for dentistry, where digital technologies are reshaping the landscape of our profession in profound ways. Already, these technologies have revolutionized clinical practices, and the coming years promise even more dramatic transformations with the integration of artificial intelligence, mixed reality, and robotics. I would even say this is the best era in dentistry.

The potential impact of these advancements is massive, offering unprecedented opportunities to enhance patient care, improve treatment outcomes, and streamline practice workflows. The possibilities are truly groundbreaking.

However, transitioning to a fully digital practice isn't without its challenges. It requires a fundamental shift in culture, ongoing education, and investment in research and development. This is precisely what the Digital Dentistry Society stands for – championing the adoption of digital technologies through education, collaboration, and the promotion of best practices.

While the transition may not be easy, it is undeniably necessary if we aim to deliver the highest standard of care to our patients. Traditional methods will likely be phased out as digital technologies continue to advance and become more accessible across all fields of dentistry.

By embracing digital technologies, we have the opportunity to transform not only our practices but also the entire patient experience, introducing in a future where dental care is more precise, efficient, and patient-centered than ever before.

Do you have any final message for the WDC24 participants?

Make sure not to miss out on the chance to join us in Istanbul and attend the Digital Dentistry Society session at WDC24. Trust me, it's an experience you will not want to pass up!

Discover the Scientific Programme of WDC24