The last time Australia hosted the World Dental Congress was in 2003. FDI had initially awarded the congress to Australia for 2021, but the COVID-19 pandemic eventually meant that the in-person event had to pivot online in very short order. It is expected that the 2023 event will be the largest dental event held in Sydney since the pandemic. It will also replace this year’s Australian Dental Congress, which is run by the ADA every two years, drawing between 4,000 and 6,000 dental professionals to the city.

Over the course of four days, this year’s congress will offer a cutting-edge scientific programme with more than 220 sessions and interactive forums covering the most relevant topics in dentistry. The programme will feature presentations by the leading figures in dentistry from Australia and abroad.

Of particular note will be the inaugural FDI Young Dentists Forum. On 27 September, this new event will gather young dentists from all over the world to learn about today’s hottest topics in dentistry. It will also be a unique opportunity for dental students and professionals who have just started their dental career to find out more about development opportunities within the dental profession, to grow their professional network and to learn about the work done by FDI.

The congress will also host a dental exhibition displayed over multiple halls and involving over 150 exhibitors, keeping dental professionals up to date with the latest advancements in dental products and services. Each day, various industry symposia will be offered in addition to the main scientific programme.

In addition, the 2023 FDI World Dental Parliament sessions will be held concurrently with the congress. The FDI Parliament is the legislative body for the world of dentistry, and during its sessions, all FDI member associations come together to discuss, formulate and decide on policies that shape how issues like oral health promotion and general dentistry policy are handled on a global basis.

Pre-congress social events

On 23 September between 6:45 and 16:45 (times are subject to change), the world’s first “Tooth and Wicket Cricket” tournament will be held as part of the World Dental Congress social programme. Delegates from around the world will have the chance to compete in what is now the second most popular sport in the world. The organisers have created a unique indoor tournament based on the popular outdoor game of cricket. Indoor cricket was started in Australia in the 1970s. It is a fast-paced game that takes place on a court surrounded by a net enclosure. The game is suitable for people of all ages. In total, there will be around 12 teams with six to eight players each. This is a complimentary offer to registered delegates of the congress.

On the same day, the official opening ceremony will be held at the convention centre at 18:00. During the festive event, participants can expect a typical Australian welcome, spectacular entertainment and the traditional FDI flag ceremony. Attendance of the opening is included in the registration fee; however, delegates are required to register in advance.

More information about the congress can be found at world-dental-congress.org.
Registration for the congress is still open.

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