Int’l dental conference opens in Amman

AMMAN — Jordan was the meeting point for a gathering of local, Arab and foreign dentists on Tuesday, who came together to discuss the latest advancements in the field.

Titled "Dentistry, Excellence and Creativity", the 24th Jordanian International Dental Conference began three days of activities to address a vital and ever-changing branch of medicine.

"It is widely acknowledged that dentistry and dental surgery has witnessed significant advances, especially in the last two decades, to reach the important role it plays today," HRH Princess Basma said at the opening ceremony.

"It has closely integrated dental treatment and pain relief with the improvement of appearances, which improves the individual’s self-esteem," the princess added.

She noted that "in Jordan, the advancement of dentistry has made a tangible contribution to the far-reaching and high quality medical advances overall, both at regional and international levels."

A "clearly recognisable aspect of the medical sector’s progress is the contribution and continued provision of medical care by Jordanian doctors in many countries", Princess Basma said.

She added that such developments have only been possible due to the cooperation between the various stakeholders represented by the Ministry of Health, the Royal Medical Services, the private sector and professional medical associations, "which invested in the provision of education, training and capacity building for individuals in all fields".

"Vibrant communities that are capable of realising progress and development are those that recognise the importance of preventive measures and awareness raising, especially from an early age among young people and children, in order to reduce the spread of disease and the consequences of its harmful side effects," she said.

Princess Basma added that efforts must be focused on developing methods to educate children in a manner that engages them and positively influences them to reach the highest possible standards to protect themselves against various illnesses.

Amongst them are dental diseases, whose treatment costs constitute a huge burden on families and the government, according to the princess.

"I would like here to highlight the role played by the [National] Goodwill Campaign, which I have had the privileged to work with for several years," she said, indicating that a wide spectrum of specialists and doctors, including dentists, are working to provide free medical services under the campaign.

The dentists provide comprehensive treatment using a mobile dental clinic equipped with the latest technology, while visits are paid to local communities to provide free treatment and simple operations, particularly for low-income individuals who cannot afford medical insurance, according to the princess.

"Doctors who have volunteered in the campaign have noticed that 80 per cent of patients, in various locations, from the elderly to the youth, all suffer from tooth decay and gum diseases which lead to tooth loss," she said, citing a recent campaign in the Kafrain area two days ago to distribute toothbrushes and paste, and provide fluoride treatment.

Participants from 22 countries are holding 22 workshops and 14 lectures within the conference, while taking part in an exhibition to showcase the latest dental equipment and technologies.

Conference President Ibrahim Tarawneh stressed the importance of the event as an attempt to develop the sector and engage dentists in the innovation and modernisation journey the Jordan Dental Association (JDA) is embarking on.

Tarawneh, who is also president of the association, noted that the JDA is cooperating with the Education Ministry to provide better dental services to students in primary and secondary schools.

At the end of the opening ceremony, Princess Basma presented stakeholders with plaques in recognition of their efforts to advance the sector.