The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) held its highly anticipated Dental Ambassador Conference on 19th September, bringing together a community of dental professionals from around the globe.
The event served as a platform for discussing cutting-edge advancements in dentistry and fostering collaboration among RCSEd’s Dental Ambassadors, who play a pivotal role in shaping the future of dental education and practice.
This year's keynote speaker, Professor Phil Newton, Professor of Medicine at Swansea University, captivated the audience with his presentation on "AI and its Possible Impacts in Medical and Dental Education in the Future." As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, its potential to revolutionise education in both the medical and dental fields has become a key area of interest. His presentation set the stage for an engaging discussion on the future of dentistry, prompting attendees to consider both the opportunities and challenges AI presents.
The conference also featured a series of impactful presentations from our Dental Ambassadors, showcasing innovations and research across various dental specialties. Key topics included:
- Management of Complex Class III Malocclusions in a Developing Setting in Cambodia: This presentation highlighted the challenges and innovative approaches to treating complex malocclusions in resource-limited settings, underscoring the importance of global health initiatives.
- Scanners in Orthodontics: A SWOT Analysis: A comprehensive look at the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) of using scanners in orthodontics, this session provided valuable insights into the current state and future potential of digital tools in orthodontic treatment.
- Salivary Diagnostics: Exploring the emerging field of salivary diagnostics, this presentation delved into how saliva can be used as a non-invasive medium for detecting systemic and oral diseases, with implications for early diagnosis and personalised treatment.
- Artificial Intelligence-Based Salivary Gland Diagnostics: Building on the theme of AI, this session examined how machine learning algorithms are being developed to aid in the diagnosis of salivary gland conditions, potentially improving accuracy and speed in clinical decision-making.
- Increased Technology for Dental Implants: This talk addressed the latest technological advancements in dental implantology, focusing on innovations that improve implant success rates, patient outcomes, and overall treatment experience.
Mr. William S. McLaughlin, Vice Dean of the RCSEd Faculty of Dental Surgery, praised the contributions of the Dental Ambassadors, stating: “Our Dental Ambassadors play a major role in the Dental Faculty and it is great to see so many of them at our annual conference. The thought-provoking keynote presentation by Phil Newton on the possibilities of AI set the scene for superb presentations on technological advances in a wide range of dental specialties from a number of our ambassadors. I am delighted with their continued contribution of our ambassadors to the development of the Faculty within the UK and Internationally”.
The event highlighted the critical role that our RCSEd Dental Ambassadors play in advancing dental education and practice worldwide. By sharing their expertise and collaborating on global initiatives, they contribute significantly to the development of innovative solutions that improve patient care and outcomes across borders.
We would like to thank our valued speakers for their contribution to the programme and our Dental Ambassadors from all over the globe for their great work and dedication to the dental community.
Learn more about our dental ambassadors here.