FDI World Dental Congress

Overview

24–27 September 2023
International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney)
Sydney, Australia

In its 109th year, the four-day World Dental Congress is the flagship continuing-education event for FDI, and a unique opportunity for dental professionals to foster collaboration within the global oral health community. Themed “Educating for Dental Excellence”, the agenda featured the key current topics in global oral health and showcased the future of dentistry in a scientific program led by global experts and international speakers. Hundreds of exhibitors showcased new technologies, while a raft of networking events allowed delegates to connect with local and international colleagues.

Hosted by the Australian Dental Association, the fully in-person program was held at the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney).

Why Sydney?

The central location of Sydney’s world class convention centre with state-of-the-art and sustainable conferencing services offered delegates access to nearby first class and affordable accommodation. Delegates have access to the city’s unique attractions, fine dining and arts and cultural experiences, a short distance on foot or by public transport to enjoy between sessions or pre- or post-conference.

Sydney was an ideal location for the social program, which included opportunities for delegates to raise funds on fun runs and tours of many of the city’s key attractions as well as surrounding areas.

FDI World Dental Congress 2023, Sydney Australia

Highlights

The program offered hands-on workshops, meet the expert sessions and interactive forums allowing participants to pick up professional credits. Australia and international experts delivered more than 220 educational presentations during the 4-day Main Scientific Programme.

The more than 150 exhibitors housed over two levels, attracted 4,838 registrants to this part of the conference alone, where delegates could connect with industry providing the latest advancements in dental technologies.

Hosted by the Australian Dental Association (ADA) members were able to take part in the Member Forum which saw all eight Presidents, Federal and Branch, available to answer questions from the attendees. Complementing the main program, Lunch ‘n’ Learn sessions hosted by experts in their field launched the ADA’s new sustainability modules and the ADA Dental Health Foundation.

Creating Impact

The World Dental Congress brought together young dentists from all over the world to learn about the latest topics in dentistry in an inaugural event specifically for early career dentists and dental students. The inaugural Young Dentist Forum was held at the FDI World Dental Congress with the intention of encouraging the next generation of young dentists into leadership roles in the dental society. Over 40 delegates participated. The ultimate impact of this initiative is for Young Dentists Forum participants to become champions of oral health in their local communities and across their networks, fostering community and knowledge transfer between generations, ensuring longevity of fact to face conferencing to advance the dental industry globally.

BESydney worked with FDI to create a Social Impact program framework measuring impact over time. Whilst impact will take time to eventuate, BESydney will monitor progress of program participants over 12 months, and three years to understand the outcomes. The initial results of the program show great promise.

Early career dentists and dental students surveyed after attending FDI’s 2023 Young Dentists Forum in Sydney said:

75% agreed/strongly agreed they gained insights on career opportunities/advancements
75% agreed/strongly agreed they made professional connections
88% said they would consider taking on leadership roles

I met the team from Business Events Sydney and we started to work on this framework together. We went through all the expectations we had as the Federation and all the stakeholders we wanted to involve in this (Young Dental Forum) project and the framework we worked on together was extremely involved in defining what we really wanted to achieve in the long term.

Laetitia Reymond

Congress and Continuing Education Director

Delivering Results

The event was anticipated to net the NSW economy $31m in revenue.

As a key continuing educational conference, the networking opportunities for young dental professionals strengthen the mission of the FDI.

Impact Insights

Business Events Sydney (BESydney) in conjunction with the University of Technology, Sydney, Business School surveyed delegates attending the FDI World Dental Congress 2023 to understand and measure some of these impacts.

Read the full FDI Social Impact Report