SLDA Int'l Confab concludes

The first ever joint International Dental Conference and the 80th Anniversary of the Annual Scientific Sessions of the SLDA, organized by collaborative actions of the World Dental Federation (FDI), Commonwealth Dental Association (CDA) and the Sri Lanka Dental Association (SLDA), was held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall. The three day event concluded last week.

(From left) Manojee Dabare, Category Head, Oral Care, Unilever Sri Lanka, Dr. Suresh Shanmuganathan, President, SLDA, Dr. Dato A. Ratnanesan, Asia Pacific Dental Federation, Dr. Vipula Wickramasinghe, General Secretary, SLDA, Dr. Bill O’Reilly, President, CDA and Dr. Orlando Monteiro da Silva, President, FDI World Dental Federation. Picture by Sarath Pieris

Over 1,000 dental professionals from over 21 countries were present at the event. The exhibition held over 50 stalls, providing local and international dentists the chance to interact with the manufacturers and distributors of oral care products.

The aim of the conference was to bring about awareness concerning current issues faced by dentists in helping people develop disciplined and good oral hygiene, with the theme being 'New Challenges in Dental and Oral Health Care.' The event also highlighted a partnership of 25 years between Unilever and SLDA. "Unilever which is important to Sri Lanka, are the leaders in fast moving consumer goods for more than 75 years. Most of the units are manufactured and sourced locally," Manojee Dabare, Category Head, Oral Care, Unilever Sri Lanka, said.

The SLDA had also organized a scientific programme to coincide with its 80th Anniversary and would include topics on Dental Implantology, Fixed Prosthesis, Endodontics, Orthodontics, Tooth Sensitivity and Minor Oral Surgery. A series of lectures, seminars, workshops and a symposium were conducted.

Dabare also added that Unilever had tied up with SLDA for 33 years and have collaborated with dental professionals to uplift oral care in the country. With a sustainable living plan, the aim is also to help spread awareness through conduction of relevant activities at schools and communities. "A major focus of this exhibition is to pass the simple message of measurably improving oral health around the world. The work done through this partnership has been of extreme significance and as one of the most common diseases faced worldwide is tooth decay, we are determined to continue to support the work in this partnership and future endeavours," Dr. Orlando Monteiro da Silva, President, FDI acknowledged.