SWAT: The 11th International Conference of the Pakistan Prosthodontics Association concluded here on Friday, with organisers and participants expressing commitment to aligning dental practices in the country to international standards.

The four-day event, themed “Multidisciplinary Prosthodontics: The Life of a Tooth,” was organised by the Pakistan Prosthodontics Association in collaboration with Saidu College of Dentistry, Swat and attended by national and international experts in the field of dentistry.

Key speakers included Prof Riaz Yar, Dr Kashif Hafiz, Dr Naseer Syed, Dr Sumair Khan, Dr Nadeem Younus, Dr Asim Mahmood, and Dr Abdullah, who shared their research and insights. Young and senior dentists showed up in large numbers.

Former president and PTI leader, Dr Arif Alvi, highlighted the transformative role of artificial intelligence in dentistry. He said the rapid advancements in dentistry were unimaginable in the past.

Participants vow to align dental practices to international standards

Dr Alvi expressed confidence in the potential of the new generation of dentists to lead the profession globally.

He also acknowledged the historical contributions of Pakistani dentists to the field, saying the country had a flourishing dental industry before the 9/11 attacks, which significantly impacted operations in Pakistan.

“Pakistanis are intelligent and capable people but they require proper support systems, similar to those available in developed countries,” he said.

Dr Alvi said Pakistan managed the Covid-19 pandemic exceptionally well, which showed that Pakistanis could achieve great things.

He urged dentists to show empathy toward patients and avoid placing unnecessary financial burdens on them. “For Pakistanis, having enough teeth to smile and chew is sufficient. There’s no need to impose unnecessary treatments. Professionalism is the key to success,” he said.

Dr Abdullah, Assistant Professor at the Dental College in Saidu Sharif and one of the organisers, said a series of international dental conferences began in 2012 to apprise local dentists of the latest technologies and techniques used in developed countries.

“Each year, we hold this conference to train and build the capacity of future dentists with modern technologies and equipment,” he said.

The participants appreciated the conference, noting its significance for professional development.

“This was an incredibly valuable experience where we learned new techniques and skills from international experts, greatly enhancing our knowledge,” said young dentist Dr Shaheer Khan.

The event also included an expo, where vendors showcased the latest dental technologies, attracting significant interest from attendees.

Organisers and participants emphasised the importance of such international events in equipping Pakistani dentists with cutting-edge tools and knowledge to excel in their field.

Published in Dawn, December 28th, 2024