travel 12–15 September 2024 · Advance Issue Spotlight on speakers | Experience an exciting continuing education journey at FDIWDC24. The longawaited FDIWDC is back, this time in historic Istanbul! Located at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, Istanbul is a fitting destination, embodying the blend of cultures, expertise and innovation that defines the dental profession. FDI and the Turkish Dental Asso ciation welcome you to this vibrant city to engage in cutting edge continuing education, network with global experts and experience the rich history and dynamic future of dentistry. Spread over four days, the congress will offer a comprehen- sive scientific programme with numerous continuing education opportunities, and sessions will be held concurrently in 12 halls. Topics will include multidisciplinary treatment approaches, clinical dilemmas, improved clinical decision- making and the impact of artificial intelligence on the future of dentistry. The programme is divided into six streams—local, international, essential—they enhance our ability to plan treatments more predictably and minimally in- vasively.” Dr Tian-min Xu, professor of orthodontics at Peking Univer- sity School of Stomatology in Beijing in China, will address the use of 3D and 4D prescriptions for orthodontic brackets. “Digital techniques, such as auto- cephalometric analysis for diag- nosis and aligner treatment, have long been utilised in ortho- dontics. With advancements in artificial intelligence, we now have more diagnostic methods that simplify treatments com- pared with traditional practices. FDIWDC24 is an excellent oppor- tunity to enhance your knowledge in dentistry, and I am excited to participate in this event in Istanbul,” he stated. Please consult the scientific programme to plan your FDIWDC24 experience in Istanbul and select the sessions that best align with your interests. | Dr Faisal Alrashidi, a prosthodontist from Kuwait. | Dr Henriette Lerner, an expert in digital dentistry. | Dr Tian-min Xu, a professor of orthodontics at Peking University. auxiliaries, FDI sessions, meet-the- expert sessions and hands-on workshops. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from insights shared by over 100 inter- national speakers, gaining knowl- edge from leading professionals worldwide. Digital dentistry is a key focus this year. FDI interviewed some of the programme’s speakers to discuss their lectures and excite- ment for FDIWDC24. Dr Faisal Alrashidi, a prosthodontist prac- tising in Kuwait, shared that his sessions will explore the use of digital and analogue treatment methods for dental implants. He commented: “Digital dentistry is the natural evolution of the dental field. However, there are limitations to everything, and we need to rely on basics sometimes, for example if technology fails. These two topics I will be presenting will be exciting for the attendees, and they can expect a lot of clinical cases and evidence.” German oral surgeon Dr Henriette Lerner, who is a past president of the Digital Dentistry Society, will present the digital work- flow for restoring the full arch, focusing on predictability and minimally invasive techniques supported by evidence and clinical experience. She said: “I am thrilled to be part of FDIWDC24. My session will cover the complete digital workflow for full-arch rehabilitations, de- tailing each step with scientific data and clinical insights to offer validated parameters for pre- dictable results. Digital technol- ogies in dentistry have become About the Turkish Dental Association The Turkish Dental Associa- tion (TDA) is the primary professional organisation representing dentists in Türkiye. It is a prestigious professional body that is well known for its mission and its international rela- tionships, both within Türkiye and around the globe. and acts as the collective voice of nearly 45,000 dentists. It was designated as a regulatory body for dentistry in Türkiye on 7 June 1985, and its central office is located in Ankara, the capital city of Türkiye. What we do Founded in 1984, TDA aims to promote oral health, uphold the standards of dental practice and advocate for the interests and rights of dentists in the country. It is one of the most active pro- fessional associations in Türkiye TDA sets and maintains high standards for dental education and practice, ensuring that den- tists adhere to ethical guide- lines and professional regulations. It provides ongoing education and training opportunities for | Who we are. dentists to keep them updated with the latest advancements and techniques in dentistry. The asso- ciation represents the interests of Turkish dentists at both national and international levels, working with governmental bodies to influence health policies and im- prove dental care services. Additionally, TDA is involved in various public health cam- paigns aimed at raising aware- ness about oral hygiene and the prevention of oral disease. It also supports its members by offering legal advice, professional resources and networking opportunities. TDA plays a crucial role in enhanc- ing the quality of dental care in Türkiye and in ensuring that the dental profession operates with integrity and excellence. To achieve its established ob- jectives, TDA has taken a leading role by fostering unity and demonstrating coordinated ef- forts with dental schools, scien- tific dental societies, DİSSİAD ( association of dental material industrialists and businessmen) and dental technicians’ chambers. All these are integral stakeholders of the profession. In this context, besides its active memberships with FDI and the European Regional Organisa- tion of the Fédération Dentaire Internationale, TDA fosters high- level professional solidarity with the Balkan countries, the Organi- zation of Turkic States, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Syria and Arab coun- tries. Our international events As the collaborative voice of dentists in Türkiye, TDA extends beyond national borders by organising national and inter- national congresses and exposi- tions. These events allow dental professionals to stay informed about recent developments in dentistry and help advance den- tistry in the country. it presents the Every year, TDA holds Expo dental, where latest international developments in dentistry, and the International Dentistry Congress, where dental professionals discuss their profes- sional challenges and present the newest technologies in the field. TDA’s tradition of international congresses, which began in İzmir in 1992, continues today with the same enthusiasm and excitement. The congresses are attended by approximately 2,000–2,500 den- tists, and Expodental attracts over 100 domestic and international companies. TDA has held 27 con- gresses to date. Our policy TDA, aware of its social re- sponsibility, organises various activities with dental chambers, the ministry of health, other gov- ernmental bodies and represen- tatives of the commercial sector. These efforts aim to elevate national oral health standards to interna- tionally acceptable norms. TDA collaborates with other professional associations and so- cial non-governmental organisa- tions to ensure that Türkiye is gov- erned in accordance with modern law and that personal rights and freedoms are respected within the framework of legal authority. Additionally, it plans and arranges scientific programmes on local, national and international levels to inform dental professionals about technological and business developments. FDIWDC24 The World Dental Congress is a premier event in dentistry. FDIWDC24 holds immense sig- nificance, serving as a platform that unites the global dental community in order to exchange ideas, knowl- edge and experiences through an enriching scientific programme, an extensive exhibition and invalu- able networking opportunities. ©O.darka/Shutterstock.com