FDI World Dental Congress opens in Prague for the first time

Dental Tribune International

Fri. 4. September 2026

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PRAGUE, Czech Republic: The international dental community has gathered in Prague for the 2026 FDI World Dental Congress. Running until 7 September, the congress has been organised by FDI World Dental Federation in collaboration with the Czech Dental Chamber. It is being held in the Czech capital for the first time and marks 126 years since FDI’s founding.

More than 6,000 dental professionals from 122 countries and territories are attending the 2026 event, according to FDI. The congress has also attracted more than 1,500 abstract submissions from 74 countries. Over four days, it offers a wide-ranging scientific and professional programme centred on clinical education and policy discussions, alongside an international industry exhibition.

Dr Roman Šmucler, president of the Czech Dental Chamber, said at a press conference held today: “When we suggested that something like this could be held in Prague, everybody said that it was nonsense because this is an event hosted by cities such as Tokyo and New York. When it is held in a smaller city, that city is Paris. Immediately before Prague, it was held in Shanghai, and after this, it will be in Mumbai. Prague is therefore punching above its weight.”

He added: “We cannot lead the world, but we can be a crossroads—a safe place where people negotiate and shape global policy. Prague is joining the world, and the profession is entering a new era. I hope that the Prague congress will mark an important boundary between the classical concept of ‘drill and fill’ and a new concept: prevention, education and keeping teeth healthy and vital.”

In this sense, Prague is serving as a meeting point for discussion of how dentistry can embrace innovation while remaining evidence-based, equitable and patient-centred. A major focus of this year’s congress is artificial intelligence in dentistry, including both its clinical applications and its responsible implementation. Sessions cover its potential in caries detection, endodontic diagnosis and the assessment of periodontal bone loss, as well as questions surrounding clinical decision-making, data security, accountability and patient safety.

“We are now in the age of artificial intelligence. We need to decide how these systems will detect conditions, make decisions, provide explanations and learn,” Dr Šmucler commented.

The programme will also cover digital dentistry, robotics, restorative and prosthodontic treatment, endodontics, periodontics, cariology, paediatric dentistry and oral health policy. Invited speakers include Prof. Niklaus Lang, Prof. Syngcuk Kim, Prof. Falk Schwendicke, Prof. Daniel Edelhoff, Dr Domenico Ricucci, Prof. Katrin Bekes and Dr James Chow.

FDI President Dr Nikolai Sharkov commented: “Dentistry never stands still, and neither can we. The FDI World Dental Congress gives our global profession a unique opportunity to come together, continue learning, exchange knowledge and explore the innovations shaping the future of oral health. By sharing what works and learning from one another, we can strengthen our profession and improve oral health worldwide.”

A highlight of the congress is tonight’s opening ceremony at the O₂ arena. It is complemented by a programme of special social events that will also allow delegates to experience the historic host city.

Over the next three days, the programme will cover a broad range of topics, including early-career engagement, patient-centred care and advanced clinical technologies. Tomorrow, the FDI Young Dentists Forum will return for its fourth edition, focusing on professional well-being, career development and leadership among early-career dentists.