FDI World Dental Congress 2023: Looking back at a highly successful event

The aftermath of a major world-class event like FDI World Dental Congress 2023 (FDIWDC23) is a great time to reflect on what was achieved, what was experienced and what we can take with us going forward. The event, which was held in Sydney at the International Convention Centre from 24-27 September, attracted a total of 10,752 in person registrants including exhibition-only delegates and exhibitors from 129 countries.   

To break that impressive figure down still further, 78% of the registrants came from Australia, with the next major country contributors in order being India, China, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States. Of the total number of participants, 2389 were Australians from interstate, with 4838 purely there for the exhibition which took place on two levels.  

In addition to the Congress itself, the ISO (International Standards Organisation) / TC106 pre-WDC technical meeting took place which saw 251 delegates from 22 countries, with 12 participants representing Australia. This meeting was just one of the many events which took place in and around Congress including the FDI World Dental Federal Parliament and a series of in-depth workshops which gave registrants the opportunity to kick off their Congress educational journey early.  

When registrants weren’t enjoying the 200+ hours of presentations as part of the Main Scientific Programme or checking out the many offerings at the exhibition, they were attending a range of social and networking events including dinners, fun runs, and even a cricket competition! 

Events of this magnitude always leave a lasting legacy, particularly in the host country, and it was pleasing to see that FDIWDC23 provided the ADA with quite a few media opportunities to highlight the role of dentists in general health especially in regards to vaping, the link between poor oral health & overall health, and spotlighting the important work being done by volunteer dental professionals in assisting those who have experienced sexual assault and domestic violence. 

As envisaged, FDIWDC23 gave everyone who attended the opportunity to learn, investigate and grow, bringing life to its “Educating for Dental Excellence” tagline and enriching the practice of dentistry for every participant for many years to come. 

PRE-CONGRESS
 

While the main part of any FDI World Dental Congress takes place during the advertised dates, there’s a great deal that takes place before everything officially kicks off. One of the key meetings that takes place, and which has a profoundly important effect on the practise of dentistry worldwide, is FDI General Assembly which is the supreme legislative and governing body of FDI, and attendant parliament meetings. In addition, delegates were able to take part of workshops and masterclasses on a range of engaging topics and they could even take part in the Tooth and Wicket Cricket which offered fun and friendship for everyone who took part.
 

MAIN SCIENTIFIC PROGRAMME
 

With 200+ hours of presentations on offer from an array of world-class talent from Australia and overseas, the Main Scientific Programme offered something for everyone over four information-packed days. In addition to the main presentations, delegates attended Lunch ‘n’ Learn sessions hosted by experts in their field, witnessed the launch of the ADA’s new sustainability modules and the ADA Dental Health Foundation, and ADA members were able to take part in the Member Forum which saw all eight Presidents, Federal and Branch, available to answer questions from the attendees. 

EXHIBITION
 

Spread over two expansive levels, the exhibition offered attendees the ability to check out the latest advances in dental technology and service offerings and to talk to representatives about their particular needs and products or services that might meet them. They could also listen to abstract programme short oral presentations and even take part in a silent disco, take part in guided mindfulness sessions or play mini golf! 
 

SOCIAL EVENTS
 

Even with so much on the program as FDIWDC23 there was still plenty of time for catching up with friends and colleagues or kicking up your heels! Events ranged from the stylish Gala Dinner to the more relaxed fun of Sydney Night and even to fundraising fun runs, tai chi sessions, Tooth and Wicket Cricket and delegate tours of the many beautiful attractions of Sydney and surrounding areas. 
 

Coming up!  Get ready for the next FDI World Dental Congress, Istanbul, Türkiye, 12-15 September 2024 and the ADA Congress, Perth, 8-10 May 2025.