KARACHI: A number of foreign experts are participating in the fourth international conference on orthodontics, which opened at the Aga Khan University (AKU) on Friday.

Titled ‘Quest for excellence in orthodontics’ (a branch of dentistry concerned with the treatment of improperly positioned teeth and jaws), the three-day conference was organised by the Pakistan Association of Orthodontists (POA) in collaboration with the Pakistan Dental Association.

Along with dental professionals across the country, 13 foreign speakers including Dr Nikhilesh R. Vaid, president of the Asian Orthodontic Society and the Indian Orthodontic Society, are participating in the conference that includes an extensive scientific programme in addition to a series of state-of-the-art workshops.

The conference started off with a welcome address followed by presentations by Dr Gurkeerat Singh, member of Indian Orthodontic Society and vice principal and professor at Sudha Rustagi College of Dental Sciences and Research, India, and Dr Richard Fernandes, fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada practising in Brampton (Canada).

They both discussed the options available to treat a specific malocculusion — misalignment or incorrect relation between the teeth of the two dental arches when they approach each other as the jaw close.

Dr Ahmed Korayem, owner and manager of the Korayem Dental Clinic Alexandria, Egypt, presented a scientific analysis of smile, highlighting the principles of smile design, treatment plan and multidisciplinary dentistry.

In his inaugural address, chairperson of PAO Dr Mubassar Fida said the event would help participants acquire a new vision about their field with a greater understanding of improved patient management.

“The conference will be a valuable opportunity to learn, share experiences, renew acquaintances and make new friends. The event carries value for everybody in attendance,” he said.

Dean of Aga Khan University Medical College Dr Farhat Abbas welcomed the guests, especially the foreign experts and expressed the hope that they would learn, enjoy and benefit from their visit to Pakistan.

In the afternoon session, Dr Wesam Aleid, head of the scientific committee of the British Academy of Aesthetic and Facial Surgery, gave a presentation on the case for surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion.

Others speakers were Dr Karen Shu-Yao Wang, lecturer at the Taipai Medical University and Dr William Ka Lun Choi, expert on orthodontics and dentofacial orthopaedics practising in Taipei.

An exhibition of related products to acquaint the delegates with the latest in the field of orthodontics and digital dentistry is also part of the conference.

Published in Dawn, November 21st, 2015