FDIWDC26 invites dentists to FDI Young Dentists Forum

Dental Tribune International

Thu. 13. August 2026

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PRAGUE, Czech Republic: The FDI Young Dentists Forum is a recurring part of the FDI World Dental Congress programme. Now in its fourth year, the forum provides a platform for early-career dentists to discuss professional development, career pathways and the challenges of practice beyond clinical training.

Dr William Cheung is the chair of the FDI Young Dentists Community Task Team. (Image: FDI)

While dental education programmes focus strongly on clinical competence, young dentists often face broader demands as they enter professional life. These include work–life balance, workplace dynamics, leadership, communication and the development of career paths that support long-term professional growth and well-being. The Young Dentists Forum addresses these topics through discussions that combine clinical perspectives with broader professional themes, including emotional intelligence, business awareness and personal resilience. Although the programme is tailored to young dentists, it is open to all congress participants, encouraging exchange between professionals at different career stages.

“For me, it is not just about continuing education but lifelong education,” emphasised Dr William Cheung, FDI council member and chair of the FDI Young Dentists Community Task Team.

Bringing new voices into the congress programme

One notable feature of the forum is that it brings early-career dentists and experienced professionals together on the same congress platform. This approach recognises that valuable insights can arise when early-career perspectives are brought together with seasoned expertise.

The Emerging Speaker Contest exemplifies this commitment to talent development. Through the competition, national dental associations affiliated with FDI are invited to nominate young professionals for the opportunity to speak at the congress. “The contest allows us to discover and encourage new speakers, many of whom have gone on to impress audiences and will be invited to future scientific sessions,” Dr Cheung noted.

Fostering meaningful industry dialogue

The forum’s panel discussion format creates space for experienced professionals, including industry representatives, and young dentists to discuss professional challenges. This format helps keep the discussion grounded in practical experience rather than theory alone.

“Many young dentists think that their only path is clinical work, but there are other rewarding options,” Dr Cheung observed, highlighting how panels have explored alternative career trajectories in academia, research and industry.

These sessions provide emerging professionals with invaluable insights into the business aspects of dentistry while enabling industry representatives to better understand the needs and constraints of their target audience. The format encourages authentic dialogue about critical issues including digital innovation, practice management, ethical considerations and professional well-being. By facilitating direct interaction between emerging dentists and industry leaders, the forum creates opportunities for practical problem-solving that benefits all participants.

“This is a worldwide event,” Dr Cheung emphasised. “When young dentists attend, they gain perspectives from different countries, and they also form lasting relationships with peers from across the globe.”

Editorial note:

More information about the 2026 FDI World Dental Congress, which will take place from 4 to 7 September in Prague in Czech Republic, can be found here.