By Danny Chan
If you have always been intrigued by Beijing – China’s storied capital and home to the majestic Great Wall – you have an opportunity to participate in a dental event held in the ever-changing megacity. On the 30th and 31st October, the World Dental Forum 2017 makes its highly anticipated return with a two-day event consisting lectures and panel discussions by world-renowned speakers.
WDF 2017, a bi-annual event, is one of few international events that focus on the technical side of dentistry. Besides promoting academic sharing and exchange of technical know-how, the Forum is ideal for those eager to catch the next wave in dental technology and create relationships with peers around the world. WDF 2017 is organized by Modern Dental Group, a leading global producer of dental prosthesis and associated products with operations in Europe, USA, Asia and Australasia.
Industry pacesetters as well as dentists from around the world will be converging at this biennial show to discuss the latest cutting edge techniques, products and systems. Delegates also have the option to visit Modern Dental Laboratory in Shenzhen, a world-class production and education facility with a team of over 3000 technicians!
Held at the China World Summit Wing Hotel, Shangri-la Beijing, this year’s Forum will feature a diverse range of topics including: “Future of digital dentistry” by Dr Joerd van der Meer; “Intraoral scanning – the new way of impression taking” by Prof Dr Wöstmann; “Modern Dental – MIS implants guided surgery system (real time) by Dr Renaat Declerck and Dr David Norre; “Angled implants to assist in the restorative phase of implant treatment” by Dr Kent Yuen, etc.
Dr Yuen is looking forward to his maiden outing as WDF Speaker. A private practitioner based in Sydney, Dr Kent Yuen has lectured nationally and internationally on various aspects of implant dentistry. He is the past president of the Australasian Osseointegration Society NSW and current Clinical Associate Professor in Oral Rehabilitation at the University of Sydney as well as Course Coordinator for the Graduate Implant Diploma program.
“The WDF offers an exciting forum with speakers around the globe pushing the boundaries of dentistry by integrating new technologies into practice-based realities,” Dr Yuen emphasizes.
“It will also challenge our thoughts on what we know and feel comfortable in our practice.”
Speaking on the topic of angulated implants, Dr Yuen will share how they have transformed his clinical approach and treatment planning.
“Whilst there was a steep learning curve on the use of these implants, the benefits include reducing grafting, earlier loading and predictable aesthetics. I cannot practice without this part of my armamentarium.”
Besides uncovering his trove of go-to techniques and best practices, Dr Yuen will also show you pitfalls to avoid.
“As a clinician, I have learned a great deal about techniques which work and those that have led to adverse outcomes. A platform such as (WDF 2017) will allow us to share and build a clearer picture of how we can integrate these techniques safely to our patient treatment.”
Dr Graham Shaw, a Canberra-based General Dentist at Utopia Dental Hawker, will be attending his second WDF event in Beijing:
“I thoroughly enjoyed WDF 2015 meeting colleagues, visiting Modern Dental Laboratory and attending the very informative scientific sessions. The show exceeded my expectations with top level presenters and venues.”
The highlight of Dr Shaw’s first WDF experience was witnessing first-hand the scale of the operations and state-of-the-art digital technology at the Modern Dental Laboratory in Shenzhen.
“I didn’t know what to expect before the visit. It was quite a mind-boggling experience looking at the seven-story facility and the massive scale with which the work is departmentalized into various functions and specializations.
What Dr Shaw found more remarkable was the sophistication with which the lab employs a unique tracking system and the quality control that is carefully administered at various checkpoints.
“It may resemble a large production line but the system clearly allowed each technician to follow a specific case throughout the workflow – hence promoting accountability and reducing margin of error. The standard of technical work is appropriately high.”
The opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with dentists from around the world – including those from North America, Europe and Asia – is the other event highlight for Dr Shaw.
“We had very stimulating discussions and exchanged business ideas during the event – they made the experience all the more enriching. I have kept in touch with some of the contacts I made at the show.”
Of course, it helps for the event to be held in travel-friendly locations as well. Dr Yuen has this to say about the venue for WDF 2017:
“Beijing is a vibrant city and from my past experiences, it is a perfect blend of antiquities with the modern world.”
Dr Shaw hopes that his Beijing trip will bring back fond memories of WDF 2015.
“I enjoyed the liveliness and variety of Hong Kong, which includes the visit to the lab and tour of Lantau Island.
“I am hoping to attend WDF 2017 to take in the scientific program and see a little more of China.”