Interview: “This congress will be the perfect bridge”

After the Hong Kong event in 2016, this year’s 39^th Asia Pacific Dental Congress (APDC) takes place only a ferry ride away in fascinating Macau. While there is certainly a great deal to see and do in Asia’s well-known gambling Mecca, the scientific programme is equally full of highlights. Dental Tribune Online had the opportunity to speak with organising committee chairperson Dr Carlos Manuel Brito Augusto about specialties in focus and business opportunities in the region’s dental market.

This year’s theme is “Breakthrough for excellence in dentistry”. How is the topic reflected in the congress programme?
This year, the scientific programme is different from that of other years. We have provided longer time slots, in some cases full morning or afternoon sessions, allowing the speakers to fully cover each topic. In addition, the scientific programme addresses practical issues and the workshops will give attendees the opportunity to practise and improve their skills.

What topics or specialities are in focus this year?
Orthodontic treatment is becoming more popular. Usually at this kind of congress, one would see a maximum of two orthodontic speakers, but this year, a number of presenters will be addressing orthodontic treatment. We requested of all of them that their topic be useful in daily practice.

Are there any firsts being introduced at this year’s event?
It is not very common that a speaker will have a full-day lecture as is the case for Prof. João Caramês’s presentation. I also believe this is the first time that two speakers will be discussing interdisciplinary treatment on the same day. (Editorial note: On Tuesday, Dr Shih-Jung Lin will hold the lecture “The beauty of interdisciplinary treatment”; Dr Johnny Liaw Joung-Lin will talk about “Interdisciplinary approaches to optimise orthodontic excellence”). Another first is the Chinese room, where lectures will be held in Mandarin.

From a regional perspective, what trends are dominating Asia Pacific right now?
Asia Pacific is a growing market. Every day patients are demanding more from us! I believe aesthetic and orthodontic treatment—especially invisible aligners—and immediate implant courses will be dominating dentistry in the coming years.

Could you tell us something about the Laser Open Forum? What can attendees expect?
By definition, “open forum” implies an open exchange of ideas and information on a topic in a public gathering hosted by a chairperson. In the APDC Laser Open Forum, a panel of international and local laser experts and congress attendees will engage in an open exchange of knowledge and experience regarding the use of lasers in clinical dental procedures. The forum, to be held in both Mandarin and English, will take the form of questions and answers and be moderated by a chairperson.

This is an excellent opportunity for attendees to enrich their understanding and knowledge of the use of lasers in dentistry through direct face-to-face or voice-to-voice interactive learning and discussion. Laser as a treatment modality is indicated in all dental disciplines, from diagnosis to treatment, including caries prevention; periodontal management; paedodontic, orthodontic, endodontic and implantology treatment; in the case therapy or surgery, to treat anything from facial aesthetics to snoring and in the management of cancer patients—the list is endless. Laser treatment offers patients a holistic modality: non-invasive, bacteria-reducing, promoting healing, comfortable and requiring less use of local anaesthetic, as well as enhancing treatment outcome and increasing patient attendance to allow patient education for early intervention and prevention.

What is important when planning an event in such a special location as Macau?
We only have around 200 dentists for half a million citizens in Macau! We worked very hard this year, trying to attract ten times more dentists to Macau, as well as top speakers from around the world and prominent dental companies.

Without the help of everyone, especially the government of Macau and the Venetian Macau, we never could have brought this event to Macau. We certainly hope this will not be the last one and more dental events will be coming soon.

What networking opportunities are not to be missed this year?
China is a large and new market. Many products from China are trying to gain access to international markets, while many international products are seeking to enter into the great Chinese market. I believe this congress will be the perfect bridge.

Thank you very much for the interview.

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