FDI Young Dentists Forum at FDIWDC26 in Prague

Dental Tribune International

Fri. 4. September 2026

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PRAGUE, Czech Republic: Recognising the opportunities and challenges faced by the next generation of dental professionals, FDI has made young dentists a focus of its work to strengthen the dental profession. Through the FDI Young Dentists Forum, now in its fourth edition as part of the FDI World Dental Congress programme, FDI provides a platform for early-career dentists to exchange experiences, develop leadership skills and discuss the professional issues shaping their careers.

To further strengthen this commitment, FDI has established the Young Dentists Community Task Team, which focuses on initiatives for young dentists at both national and international levels. The team works to identify the needs of young professionals, support their engagement and enable emerging leaders to contribute to the future of oral healthcare.

As a member of the task team, Dr Eraldo Pesaressi will chair a panel discussion during the 2026 Young Dentists Forum on 5 September, bringing together young dental professionals to explore the essential tools for building sustainable and rewarding careers. “Young dentists are the future of our profession, and it’s important that we provide them with the knowledge, skills and support they need to succeed,” Dr Pesaressi noted. “Platforms like the FDI Young Dentists Forum create valuable opportunities for young dentists to network, learn from one another, exchange ideas and prepare for the opportunities and challenges of contemporary dental practice, while reassuring them that they are not alone,” he continued.

The early years of a dental career can be exciting and rewarding, but also overwhelming. Young dentists are expected to rapidly build clinical confidence, earn patients’ trust, manage financial pressures, embrace new technologies and establish a sustainable career path, all while maintaining their own well-being. The transition from dental school to clinical practice can consequently be one of the most challenging periods of a dentist’s professional life.

The panel discussion, “Thriving, not just surviving: Real-life skills for young dentists”, will bring together early-career professionals to share first-hand experiences and practical strategies for navigating these realities. Rather than focusing solely on clinical skills, the discussion will also consider the broader personal and professional skills that can support young dentists in developing their careers and providing high-quality patient care.

A key theme will be the pressures facing today’s young dentists, including the influence of social media, rising patient expectations, constant connectivity and comparison with peers. At the same time, new opportunities for learning, networking and global collaboration are emerging, making resilience and adaptability essential traits for clinicians today.

Technology will be another area of discussion. Digital workflows, artificial intelligence and communication platforms are transforming clinical practice and can improve efficiency, support diagnostic processes and treatment planning, and enhance patient communication. However, these advances also introduce new challenges, including pressure to remain constantly available and to keep pace with rapid technological change. The panel will explore how young dentists can use technology as an enabler—reducing administrative burden, improving patient care and supporting clinical decision-making—while avoiding digital overload.

Finally, the discussion will examine how to maintain trust and communicate effectively in an increasingly digital information environment. Patients are increasingly exposed to information generated by artificial intelligence or obtained through online searches and social media. In some cases, this information may reinforce trust by helping patients better understand their diagnosis; in others, it may lead to questions or uncertainty regarding professional recommendations. Rather than framing this shift solely as a challenge, the discussion will explore how conversations about such information can become opportunities to educate patients, strengthen trust and clarify the role of clinical expertise, empathy and professional judgement. Through open dialogue and shared experiences, the panel aims to provide young dentists with practical insights and encouragement—not only to navigate the challenges of early practice but to truly thrive in their professional journeys.

Editorial note:

The FDI Young Dentists Forum will take place on 5 September from 14:00–17:30 in Hall D3/D4. The scientific sessions and panel discussion will be followed by a networking event from 17:30–18:30 in the foyer of Hall D3/D4. More information about the 2026 FDI World Dental Congress can be found here.