KARACHI: The "Annual Dental Congress 2024," with the theme ‘Sustainable Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Dentistry: Shaping the Future of Oral Health," recently hosted at Aga Khan University (AKU), concluded on a high note, facilitating a dynamic exchange of ideas and expertise among the professionals gathered at the two-day event from across the country.
In her concluding remarks, Pakistan Association of Dental Surgeons (PADS) President Dr. Mariyam Iqbal thanked the speakers, panel judges, and AKU’s CIME department for making the event a resounding success.
The congress featured renowned experts who shared valuable insights on a broad spectrum of dental topics, offering guidance and support to the dental community.
During the event, dentists and leading professionals from across Pakistan came together to promote collaboration and innovation in dental care, engaging in over five workshops exploring various aspects of the field.
The scientific committee curated an inspiring programme centred around the congress theme, drawing participation from delegates nationwide.
PADS spokesperson Dr. Yumna Zubair told Media Partner Dental News that the congress aimed to unite dental experts, researchers, and students to discuss the latest trends, techniques, and research in dental science. The event would help introduce modern methods and support the formulation of treatment guidelines for the professionals, she added.
One of the event's highlights was a panel discussion titled "Venturing Beyond Tradition: Emerging Opportunities in Dentistry."
Participating in the discussion, six distinguished leaders in the dental industry—Prof. Dr. Navid Rashid Qureshi, Prof. Dr. Yawar Ali Abdi, Prof. Dr. Ambreen Afzal, Dr. Ninette Banday, Dr. Shoaib Durrani, and Prof. Dr. Wahab Kadri—shared their perspectives on sustainability, innovation, and entrepreneurship in dentistry.
The panel explored how advancements are revolutionising patient outcomes and creating new entrepreneurial opportunities, as well as effective strategies for integrating these innovations into daily practice.
Dr. Ninette Banday stressed the importance of not losing sight of the fundamentals amidst innovation, while all panelists emphasised the critical role of mentorship in fostering both personal and professional growth.
Dr. Qureshi stressed the need to balance knowledge with practical skills, saying that continuous learning is essential for success in the ever-evolving field of dentistry. Meanwhile, Dr. Ambreen Afzal encouraged embracing challenges as a path to growth, adding that failures can lead to resilience if viewed as opportunities.
Dr. Shoaib Durrani said that success in dentistry requires long-term dedication, skill development, and consistent contributions to the field. Echoing this, Dr. Wahab Kadri remarked that overcoming struggles refines a dentist’s skills, aiding professional advancement.
Prof. Dr. Yawar Ali Abdi discussed the evolution of dentistry, highlighting the role of cutting-edge technologies like AI in advancing the profession. He emphasised the importance of blending these innovations with core clinical expertise to shape the future of dental care.
Dr. Syed Muhammad Faizan, a prominent dentist and social media influencer, captivated the audience with his presentation titled "Stand Out in the Crowd: Using Social Media for Professional Development." He advised use of strategies such as storytelling, patient engagement, and behind-the-scenes content to build a strong, authentic online presence. His insights into utilising social media for professional growth were highly appreciated.
Dr. Faizan also highlighted the importance of addressing skill gaps in dental procedures, stressing that ongoing professional development through further training or mentorship is crucial for continued success.
The event reflected the dynamic and forward-thinking nature of Pakistan's dental community, with participants getting an inspiration to continue efforts for developments in the field through sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship.