“Oral healthcare is entering a period of significant change, where clinical decisions are increasingly shaped by new tools, new evidence and rising patient expectations. WDC 2026 offers an opportunity for dentists from around the world to reflect on these shifts and prepare for the next chapter of the profession,” stated Dr Antonio Estrada Valenzuela, chair of the FDI Education Committee, which coordinates and implements the event’s scientific programme.

AI will be one of the defining themes of the congress, reflecting its fast-growing role in diagnostics and clinical decision support. As AI moves from research into everyday dental practice, the programme will examine how digital tools can help clinicians detect caries, endodontic pathology and periodontal bone loss with greater consistency and speed. Dr Antonín Tichý will present a clinician-focused perspective on evaluating diagnostic AI systems, Dr Sergio Uribe will address the importance of high-quality clinical data in building reliable tools and Dr Peter Fritz will explore how clinicians can use AI to support clinical decision-making while preserving professional judgement and patient trust.

“AI has enormous potential in dentistry, but its impact will depend on how well clinicians understand and evaluate these systems. As AI becomes part of everyday practice, education and critical assessment will be key to ensuring these tools effectively support clinical decisions and better care for patients,” stated Prof. Falk Schwendicke, co-chair of the WDC 2026 scientific programme committee.

The congress will also spotlight the rise of advanced surgical technologies. In a dedicated session, Dr Kwok Fai James Chow will examine robotic computer-assisted implant placement, discussing its promise for submillimetre precision as well as the practical questions of cost, training and long-term evidence. Within this context, WDC 2026 aims not only to outline the future of dentistry, but also to highlight how these developments are beginning to enter clinical practice.

The scientific programme will also reflect another key priority in modern dentistry: the preservation of natural teeth whenever possible. For example, Prof. Katrin Bekes will address molar incisor hypomineralisation as a growing worldwide burden affecting children and posing complex treatment decisions for clinicians. Other sessions will explore vital pulp therapy and modern endodontic techniques aimed at preserving natural teeth, and Dr Talal al-Nahlawi, Dr Domenico Ricucci and Prof. Alexis Gaudin will discuss how deeper understanding of pulp biology and modern biomaterials is enabling more conservative approaches to care. For complex cases, Prof. Niklaus P. Lang, Dr Howard Gluckman and Prof. Syngcuk Kim will offer perspectives on treatment planning that balances tooth preservation with implant-supported rehabilitation.

The future of the profession will also be addressed through the FDI Young Dentists Forum. In a dedicated session, leadership coach and former practice owner Dr Christina Radics will discuss work–life harmony, resilience and burn-out prevention, offering practical strategies to support sustainable careers in dentistry. This focus reflects a broader objective of the congress: to present the latest scientific developments and to support the profession and its future leaders.

WDC 2026 is already demonstrating strong momentum. The congress has attracted a record number of international abstracts, including 1,522 submissions from 74 countries, underlining the breadth of global scientific engagement. Additionally, interest in Prague continues to build, and delegates from more than 84 countries have already registered.

As dentistry continues to evolve, the event in Prague will provide a unique platform to examine, discuss and contextualise the changes shaping the profession. Covering topics such as AI diagnostics and robotic implantology, minimally invasive care, tooth preservation and professional well-being, WDC 2026 will present a compelling vision of where oral healthcare is heading. Dental professionals, researchers, industry representatives and other stakeholders are invited to access the scientific programme and can find further details about the congress on the event website.