10th edition of IDEM 2018 takes clinical excellence to the next level

The 10th edition of the International Dental Exhibition and Meeting - IDEM Singapore 2018 - successfully concluded after three days of exhibition, conference and insightful discussions on the latest breakthroughs in dental innovation and clinical practice.

Co-organised by Koelnmesse and the Singapore Dental Association, IDEM drew 8,571 attendees from 71 countries. A total of 458 Australians and 36 New Zealanders attended the event overall with 244 and 8 respectively participating in the scientific program. The exhibition floor hosted 13 national pavilions - including from Australia - and a total of 506 exhibitors from 41 countries over two levels. A total of 11 Australian companies exhibited.

"We are proud of how IDEM has developed since its inauguration 18 years ago," said Mr Mathias Kuepper, Managing Director, Koelnmesse Pte Ltd. "The 10th edition of IDEM once again focused on integrating breakthrough technologies into dental and biomaterial sciences, as well as better care for patients. Looking ahead, we will continue to provide our audience with a world-class event that is cutting-edge and contemporary. This includes full use of digital technologies to facilitate maximum interaction."

The exhibition floor featured the latest innovations, including 3D printing and the latest range of intraoral scanners that are ergonomic, portable and able to provide real-time scanning designed for maximum patient comfort.

"The IDEM exhibition is the perfect event to meet all our customers from Asia at a central location," said Stefan Leben, A. Schweickhardt GmbH & Co. KG, an exhibitor who participated at IDEM 2018.

Highlights from the conference included key sessions by Australians Dr Christopher Ho, who shared concepts of additive dentistry and went into detail on how to select the techniques and materials of choice for various clinical scenarios; and Dr Anthony Mak who discussed restorative treatment planning and how to choose the correct preventive or restorative materials and techniques for the older dentition.

"IDEM provides dental professionals with the best opportunities to further their professional education as well as strengthen their practices," said Dr Kuan Chee Keong, Chairperson, IDEM 2018 Committee. "We are working closely with Koelnmesse to deliver an even more attractive programme and will look for opportunities to showcase the latest technologies as well as increase engagement."

A special evening celebration was held during IDEM Singapore 2018 to thank all who have helped make the event a success over the past two decades.

"As Koelnmesse's media partner in Australia, we have had the privilege of attending all 10 editions of IDEM over the last 18 years," said Joseph Allbeury, publisher of Australasian Dental Practice. "IDEM has now taken over as the signature dental meeting in Asia and its success is a testament to the hard work and cooperation of both Koelnmesse and the Singapore Dental Association, as well as many others, to create an event that strikes a true chord with the dental profession.

"As an Australian, I was particularly heartened to see such a strong presence on the podium of some of our very best clinicians presenting to packed halls of over a thousand people. Apart from Chris and Anthony, Ambrose Chan, Lawrence Lau, Ian Meyers, Robyn Watson and Hien Ngo were also all speaking.

"The scientific program has a capacity of 2000 delegates and 244 of those - over 12% - were Australians. More than 5% of the total visitors to the exhibition were also from Australia. Nowhere is the success of IDEM reflected more than in those numbers. No other international conference that I know of globally attracts such a large audience of Australians."

IDEM will take place again in two years on 24-26 April 2020 at Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre.