PRESS RELEASE
2007 FDI Annual World Dental Congress Post-Congress Report
13 December 2007, Ferney-Voltaire, FRANCE – The first FDI Annual World Dental Congress (AWDC) in the Middle East region took place at the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre on 24-27 October. It was one of the most successful congresses in the history of the FDI. In addition to the scientific programme and exhibition for participants, the congress brought attention to a region with a high level of dental caries. Below are some highlights of the congress:
- A high level of support from both the people and the government of Dubai was received by the congress. The congress was held under the auspices of HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance and Industry and the President of the Dubai Health Authority. The support from the government and the local organising committee was paramount to the achievement of this highly successful congress.
- 14,293 people attended the congress, 33% more than 2006.
- There were representatives from 144 countries, 35 more than the previous year.
- 344 exhibitors, an 18% increase from 2006, from 42 countries showcased their products and services at the World Dental Exhibition.
- 6,390 square metres of exhibition space was occupied in total.
- More than 280 delegates attended the General Assembly proceedings.
- Six vacancies were filled on the FDI Council and 11 vacancies were filled amongst the FDI Standing Committees. Dr Roberto Vianna from Brazil was elected President-Elect and Dr Tin Chun Wong from Hong Kong was elected Treasurer. 2007 election results
- Seven applications for membership were accepted by General Assembly, subject to the payment of the annual subscription. List of applications
- Seven new and six revised FDI Policy Statements were adopted during the General Assembly.
List of statements
- The FDI Oral Health Service Award was awarded to Mr Fredrich Herbst, Executive Director of International Dental Manufacturers, for his commitment and vision for the future of dentistry and the innovation of new products in the dental field.
- More than 80 scientific sessions were presented by more than 70 speakers at the congress.
- An overflow room, which allowed congress participants to view live broadcast of scientific sessions in progress, was introduced for the first time with much success.
- A live surgery telecasted from Germany on “Current Concepts in Accelerated Implant Treatment and Bone Grafting” was a hit with congress participants and was filled to capacity.
- A joint FDI and International Diabetes Federation symposium was held to address the increased risks of oral complications for those who suffer from diabetes.
- The Saudi Arabia Live.Learn.Laugh. programme, a school-based oral health programme aimed at primary school children, was launched. Read more
- The FDI Dental Ethics Manual, which emphasises the importance of professional ethics and the need for professional ethical values as a part of the dental education curriculum, was launched. Read more
- The French version of the ”Tobacco or Oral Health” advocacy guide for oral health professionals, translated by the Association Dentaire Française, was unveiled. Download
- A Guidelines for Continuing Professional Development booklet, developed to assist National Dental Associations (NDA) considering the establishment of a CPD system for their members, was introduced. Read more
- About 170 scientific posters were on display at the congress.
- Six winners were selected for the FDI/Unilever Poster Award Competition.
List of winners
- More than 70 National Liaison Officers convened to discuss enhancing FDI member services.
- More than 15000 UAE Dirhams were raised for the World Dental Development Fund through the FDI Friends programme.
- U-Shoot – the FDI and Wrigley Photographic Award was launched. Read more
Images from the 2007 FDI Annual World Dental Congress
Please visit http://www.fdiworldental.org/congress/assets/past_congresses/2007dubai_press1.html for high-resolution images of the Congress centre, Congress registration area, World Dental Exhibition, General Assembly, Scientific Programme, Welcome Ceremony and other photos related to the stories mentioned in this press release.
The 2007 FDI Annual World Dental Congress Statistics Report
The complete 2007 FDI Annual World Dental Congress Statistics Report can be found online at http://www.fdiworldental.org/congress/assets/past_congresses/2007dubai.html.
About FDI World Dental Federation
The FDI World Dental Federation is the worldwide, authoritative and independent voice of dentistry. With more than 190 member associations in more than135 countries around the world, it represents nearly one million dentists internationally. For more information about the FDI, please visit the FDI website at www.fdiworldental.org.
For more information, please contact:
Christina Lee Thorsen
Communications Coordinator
Email: cthorsen@fdiworldental.org
Phone: +33 4 50 40 50 50
FDI World Dental Federation
13 Chemin du Levant, l'Avant Centre
F-01210 Ferney-Voltaire, FRANCE
Website: www.fdiworldental.org