Digital Dentistry Society President Dr Francesco Mangano believes that a transition to digital dentistry is necessary to deliver the highest standard of care to patients. (Image: Jukov studio/Shutterstock)
Positioned as a landmark event within the dental industry, the 2024 FDI World Dental Congress (FDIWDC24) 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 special emphasis on the transformative field of digital dentistry and has therefore partnered with the Digital Dentistry Society (DDS). In this exclusive interview with FDI, DDS President Dr Francesco Mangano talks about DDS’s involvement in FDIWDC24 and offers insights into the partnership between the two organisations.
Digital Dentistry Society President Dr Francesco Mangano has co-authored two books on implant dentistry and guided implant surgery. (Image: FDI)
Dr Mangano, could you please tell us about DDS and its mission? DDS 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 2,000 active members spanning 65 countries and a total membership exceeding 20,000, our reach and impact are significant.
Our mission at DDS is multifaceted. Firstly, we are deeply committed to education. We seek to provide dentists, students, technicians, software developers and engineers with the necessary skills 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 prioritise the development of high professional standards in the field. By drawing up 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 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 or industries, thereby enhancing their credibility and standing within the dental community.
You have partnered with FDI for FDIWDC24. How do you think this alliance will benefit the promotion of oral health on a global scale? FDI is one of the most prestigious societies in the dental world, and it is important for DDS to collaborate with the best scientific associations 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 of and advancements in digital dentistry. FDI boasts a large network of dentists through its membership, and our collaboration will enable 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 FDIWDC24 that will showcase the latest advancements in digital dentistry? Absolutely! We’re thrilled to announce that we’ll be hosting a dedicated symposium featuring five speakers focusing entirely on the applications of digital technologies in implant dentistry and other areas of prosthodontics. This symposium promises to be a highlight within the already fantastic scientific programme for FDIWDC24, offering attendees valuable insights into the latest advancements and innovations shaping the future of dental practice.
Digital technologies are revolutionising various aspects of dentistry, from diagnostics to treatment planning and patient care, and this symposium 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 forwards in the field of implant dentistry, offering new possibilities for enhanced patient outcomes and improved surgical techniques.
“By partnering with FDI, we can amplify our efforts to educate dental professionals worldwide about the benefits of and advancements in digital dentistry”
The second part of the symposium will delve into the prosthetic aspects of implant treatment using a full digital workflow. This will include discussions on the use of intra-oral scanners for impressions of the edentulous archand modern strategies to achieve successful outcomes in full-arch implant restoration.
We look forward to welcoming participants to this engaging symposium—which is not to be missed!
What key learning outcomes can participants expect from the DDS symposiumat FDIWDC24? During our session, we’ll delve into a wide range of topics encompassing the latest advancements in digital dentistry. Specifically, we’ll explore the applications of intra-oral scanners, patient virtualisation, guided surgery, 3D-printed titanium dental implants and digital orthodontics. We will place special attention on artificial intelligence and mixed reality across various dental fields.
We’re excited to offer this comprehensive session that will provide 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 influencing 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. These technologies have already revolutionised clinical practices, and the coming years promise even more dramatic transformations owing to the integration of artificial intelligence, mixed reality and robotics. I dare to say that 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, making the possibilities truly groundbreaking. However, transitioning to a fully digital practice does not come without its challenges. It requires a fundamental shift in culture, ongoing education and investment in research and development. This is precisely what DDS stands for: championing the adoption of digital technologies through education, collaboration and the promotion of best practices.
Although 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, ushering in a future where dental care is more precise, efficient and patient-centred than ever before.
Do you have a final message for FDIWDC24 participants? Make sure not to miss out on the chance to join us in Istanbul and attend the DDS symposium at FDIWDC24. Trust me, it’s an experience you will not want to pass up!
Editorial note:
The DDS symposium is titled “How digital technologies can change the world of implant dentistry and prosthodontics” and will take place on Thursday, 12 September, from 14:00 to 16:00. The symposium will be held in the Emirgan hall on the B2 floor of the Istanbul Congress Center.
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