SAIDU SHARIF, SWAT: The 11th International Conference of the Pakistan Prosthodontics Association (PPA) was recently held at Saidu College of Dentistry, Saidu Sharif, Swat. With the theme “Multidisciplinary Prosthodontics: The Life of a Tooth,” the conference was organized in collaboration with Saidu College of Dentistry, Bacha Khan College of Dentistry Mardan, Khyber Medical University Peshawar, and Saidu Medical College Swat.
The event began with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by the National Anthem and the formal inauguration ceremony. A welcome speech by the Principal of Saidu College of Dentistry set the tone, accompanied by addresses from the President of the PPA and the Patron-in-Chief, who introduced the conference and shared key details with attendees.
Former President of Pakistan, Dr. Arif ur Rehman Alvi, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In his inaugural speech, Dr. Alvi shared his insights and experiences on the topics of digitalization and Invisalign orthodontics. As a gesture of hospitality, traditional shawls and caps were presented to the international speakers.
The conference was spearheaded by Prof. Dr. Zia Ul Haq, Vice Chancellor of Khyber Medical University, who served as the Patron-in-Chief. Prof. Dr. Riaz Yar, Chairman of the Scientific Session, and Dr. Abdullah, Secretary of the conference, played vital roles in ensuring the smooth execution of the event.
Prof. Dr. Munir Khan, President of the PPA, expressed satisfaction with the overwhelming response from both national and international participants. He commended the attendees' eagerness to engage in meaningful discussions, exchange ideas, and learn from leading experts in prosthodontics.
Distinguished guests included Health Advisor KPK Mr. Ihtisham Ali as the Guest of Honour, along with senior prosthodontic faculty members such as Prof. Dr. Nazia Yazdanie, Brig. Azad Ali Azad, Prof. Dr. Mehmood Hussain, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali Chughtai, and Prof. Dr. Faheemullah. Their presence, alongside other prominent dental professionals from across Pakistan, added prestige to the event.
Following the inaugural session, extensive scientific sessions, including lectures and presentations by eminent international speakers, took place. Renowned experts such as Dr. Nasser Syed, Dr. Kashif Hafeez, Dr. Sumair Khan, Dr. Nadeem Younis, and Dr. Asim Mahmood captivated the audience with their insights on multidisciplinary topics in prosthodontics and dentistry.
The three-day event featured a dynamic array of thought-provoking sessions where speakers provided valuable insights into cutting-edge developments in prosthodontics. Attendees actively engaged in discussions on the latest trends, techniques, and technologies in dental science.
Dr. Abdullah, Secretary of the conference, noted that the event also featured a Dental Expo with 60 stalls dedicated to dental traders and manufacturers. The conference included three pre-conference and three post-conference workshops, a poster competition for postgraduate residents, and a quiz competition for undergraduate students.
He emphasized that the success of the event highlighted the significance of collaborative learning and knowledge exchange in advancing dental care. The 11th International Conference of the PPA reaffirmed the association's commitment to promoting education and professional development in prosthodontics.
The involvement of experts from around the world solidified the conference's status as a landmark event in the field of dentistry. Dental News, a leading media outlet, served as the exclusive media partner, providing comprehensive coverage of the event.