The Hungarian Dental Association’s conferences traditionally welcome leading figures from the international dental community. This year, ten international speakers delivered symposium lectures. Attendance at the lectures and advanced training sessions was free of charge for dentistry students from Hungary, as well as for professionals from abroad. Held in the atrium of the University of Szeged’s József Attila Study and Information Center, the conference also featured an exhibition of 35 dental companies showcasing innovative products and services to attendees.

On the first day of the Perspectives in Perio-Implantology and Comprehensive Dentistry conference, a full-day professional training program was organized for dental hygienists, students in training, and dental assistants. Dental hygienists attended lectures delivered by three international experts and one Hungarian expert, followed by a hands-on training session in the afternoon. As dental hygiene remains a relatively new profession in Hungary, with its professional standing still evolving and public awareness still growing, the Hungarian Dental Association partnered with the Hungarian Dental Hygienists’ Association to bring internationally renowned experts to the event. One of the conference’s most distinguished guests, Professor Joseph Kan from the United States, even held a workshop for dentists, demonstrating key techniques in dental implantology through practical applications.

Prof. Dr. Katalin Nagy

Photo by Ádám Kovács-Jerney

At the conference’s formal opening ceremony, Prof. Dr. Katalin Nagy, President of the Hungarian Dental Association and professor at the Department of Oral Surgery at the University of Szeged’s Faculty of Dentistry, was the first to greet participants arriving from more than 25 countries.

Following Professor Nagy’s opening address, Dr. Enzo Bondioni, President of the World Dental Federation (FDI), spoke about the organization’s long-standing legacy as one of the oldest bodies in global dentistry. He emphasized that the FDI’s core mission is to represent nearly 200 member organizations worldwide, collectively advocating for the interests of more than one million dentists.

“Our mission is to create a world where optimal oral health is accessible to all. We recognize that this goal would be unattainable without the dedicated work of our national member associations. The Hungarian Dental Association exemplifies this commitment and has been selected as a recipient of the FDI’s World Dental Development Fund for 2025,” said Dr. Bondioni.

The Hungarian Dental Association, in partnership with the Uganda Dental Association, secured funding from the World Dental Development Fund to support the development of sustainable dental care in Uganda. The project focuses on building long-term capacity by training local professionals and strengthening dental services in the region. A video presentation showcasing the joint initiative was screened at the conference in the presence of representatives from the Ugandan delegation.

Dr. Enzo Bondioni

Photo by Ádám Kovács-Jerney

Dr. Bondioni expressed his gratitude to Prof. Dr. Katalin Nagy, who also serves as Vice-Chair of the FDI Education Committee and is responsible for coordinating the scientific program of the upcoming FDI World Dental Congress, scheduled to take place in Shanghai this September.

Dr. Freddie Sloth-Lisbjerg, President of the Council of European Dentists (CED), emphasized that dental diseases and the challenges posed by an aging population transcend borders, making EU-level directives a matter of common concern and shared responsibility. “That is why I am grateful for forums like this in Europe, where we can come together to exchange experiences, share knowledge and expertise, learn from one another, and inspire each other,” he said.

According to the CED President, one of the most pressing challenges faced by nearly all countries is the recruitment of a sufficient number of well-trained professionals. Dr. Sloth-Lisbjerg emphasized the importance of events like the Hungarian Dental Association’s conference, where members of the dental community have the opportunity to build meaningful professional connections.

Prof. Dr. Katalin Nagy and Dr. Freddie Sloth-Lisbjerg

Photo by Ádám Kovács-Jerney

Prof. Dr. Zoltán Baráth, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Szeged, welcomed participants on behalf of the university.

“More than just a venue for scientific discussion, this symposium creates a space for personal connections, shared ideas, and professional growth. The knowledge brought by world-renowned international speakers from multiple countries offers important insights and practical takeaways for all participants. What makes me most proud, however, is that so many of us – dentists, dental technicians, assistants, and students – have gathered here, united by a common goal: to learn, reflect, and grow together. The true value of events like this lies in building a sense of community – reflected in the encounters, the shared experiences, and the realization that we are not alone in facing the challenges and sharing the joys of our profession,” the dean said.

Prof. Dr. Zoltán Baráth, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry

Photo by Ádám Kovács-Jerney

The conference also marked the conclusion of a scientific collaboration project conducted for the first time in Europe. As part of this initiative, the professional body of the Hungarian Dental Association partnered with other experts to research biases in connection with the care of elderly patients and to explore the role of dentists in serving an increasingly aging population.

Original Hungarian text by SZTEinfo

Feature photo: Participants of the joint program of the Hungarian Dental Association and the Uganda Dental Association