FDI scientific program shines

The scientific program for FDI Sydney 2003 continues to expand, showcasing some of the world’s top speakers presenting on a range of topical subjects, new technologies and new developments in the science of dentistry.

Speakers will include Göran Koch from Sweden who will look at Challenges in Clinical Preventive Dentistry; fellow Swede, Peter Thomsen, will look at Implant Surface Modification: Experimental Observations And Clinical Evidence; Chicago-based Alan A. Boghosian will detail The Art and Science of Adhesive Restorative Dentistry; while Gerd Körner from Germany will examine implants vs conventional fixed prosthodontics.

FDI Sydney 2003 will also look at burgeoning developments in medical diagnosis including examining the new role saliva plays as the diagnostic fluid of choice in the the Post-Genomic era. Lawrence A. Tabak will reveal how the accessibility of the mouth and oral fluids renders it a portal through which both systemic and oral health can be monitored.

Sam Samaranayake from Hong Kong will look at what’s new in infection control and how it is a continuously evolving subject, not only because of the emergence of new organisms but also because of the technological and medical discoveries that help curb the spread of such diseases. An interesting example is the spongiform encephalopathies or the so-called prion diseases, first described in Europe, but which appear to be slowly but inexorably spreading worldwide. These “organisms” are resistant to traditional sterilization techniques and pose new infection control challenges in dentistry. This presentation will address these and other newly emerging disease entities and their control whilst providing a global overview of this multifaceted topic.

New technologies will also be included in the program. Toshihide Noguchi from Japan will detail a study examining the combined effects of local antibiotic application with Nd:YAG laser irradiation into periodontal pockets. The purpose of this study was to know the combined effects of local minocycline administration (LMA) with pulsed Nd:YAG laser irradiation into the periodontal pockets on clinical and microbiological prevalences.

FDI Sydney 2003 will be held at Darling Harbour in Sydney September 18-21, 2003. Pre-Congress courses will also be available on September 17 that encompass Risk Assessment, Endodontics and Aesthetics. A full program for dental hygienists is also being offered.