Philippine Dental Association to hold conference on May 1 to 5

PARTICIPANTS TO the forthcoming 108th Annual Convention of the Philippine Dental Association (PDA) — considered the biggest gathering of its kind in the country to be held May 1 to May 5 at the SMX Convention Center, Seashell Drive, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City — can look forward to an enriching and fruitful experience as convention organizers have been mobilizing their resources and coordinating with stakeholders to ensure the success of the event.

Dr. Carlos Buendia, PDA president, and Dr. Mark I. Villalobos, PDA president-elect and general chair of the forthcoming convention, disclosed the highlights the full-packed event.

The convention will have the following activities: opening rites on May 1 with Dr. Rainnier F. Reyes, OIC, Board of Dentistry, Professional Regulation Commission as keynote speaker; scientific sessions hosted by the General and Specialty Affiliates of the PDA which will feature foreign and local lecturers (May 1-5); fellowship night featuring interactive production numbers using state-of-the-art stage design and technology, amusing event accents and elements, wacky and entertaining games and raffle (May 2).

There will also be a daily health screening program which will offer a wide array of medical services to all registered dentists (May 2-4); and President’s Night (May 5) and induction of the new set of officers of the association. Capping the event is the Awards Night on May 6.

In addition to the scientific sessions, the convention, which has for its theme “PDA: Challenging the Next Generation of Leaders,” has also provided two segments: one is a symposium for government and health center dentists, PDA officers and volunteers who engage in community dentistry. Private practitioners who wish to practice non- invasive dentistry for their patients can be further enlightened with the topic “Minimum Intervention for Community Dentistry” which will highlight evidence- based strategies aimed at addressing the severe and chronic problem of caries among Filipinos; another is a symposium for dental students.

The Dental Trade Exhibits, a permanent fixture in PDA’s annual conventions, will showcase state-of-the-art dental equipment and latest dental materials, participated in by 357 local and international traders. The exhibit design is based on international standards so participants can comfortably move around the venue.

For more details, contact 899-6332 and 897-8091.