October e-News
The 30th IAPD Congress in Cape Town: A Celebration of Global Unity
For the first time in IAPD history, the Congress was hosted on African soil, and it was a resounding success! Delegates from over 50 countries gathered in Cape Town, South Africa, for an unforgettable experience of science, culture, and connection.
This milestone event brought to life the true spirit of Ubuntu – “I am because we are”, as participants returned home inspired by the warmth, diversity, and unity that defined this Congress.
The IAPD Board of Directors extends heartfelt appreciation to the Local Organising Committee, the Scientific Committee, and the Professional Congress Organiser, whose tireless work ensured the flawless execution of this landmark event.
Official Congress Photos will soon be available on the IAPD Website, but here is a sneak peek!
Celebrating Achievement |IAPD Fellows of 2025
A highlight of the Opening Ceremony was the presentation of certificates and pins to the newly inducted IAPD Fellows of 2025. These distinguished professionals join a growing network of global leaders committed to excellence in paediatric dentistry.
The celebrations continued with the first-ever IAPD Fellowship Luncheon, offering Fellows a special opportunity to connect, share experiences, and celebrate their contributions to our profession.
IAPD Welcomes 7 New National-Member Societies!
The IAPD’s Secretary General, Dr. Anna Maria Vierrou, conducted the time-honoured roll call at the commencement of the Congress Opening Ceremony, this year represented by the smiling faces of children brushing their teeth. Each country’s presence was greeted with resounding applause from the members present, celebrating the global representation within the IAPD community. After ratification at the Council meeting, the IAPD proudly welcomed seven new additions to its family of National-Member Societies:
🇬🇭 Association of Paediatric Dentists of Ghana
🇱🇻 Latvian Association of Paediatric Dentists
🇱🇹 Lithuanian Society of Paediatric Dentists
🇳🇴 Norwegian Society for Paediatric Dentistry
🇸🇬 Society for Paediatric Dentistry Singapore
🇸🇰 Slovak Association of Paediatric Dentistry
🇻🇳 Vietnam Association of Paediatric Dentistry
The IAPD proudly welcomes these societies to our global community, working together to improve children’s oral health everywhere.
Advancing Knowledge, Inspiring Renewal
Centred around the theme “Refresh, Refocus, Renew,” the scientific programme featured four days of cutting-edge sessions and engaging discussions, complemented by pre-congress workshops that set the tone for an exceptional learning experience.
Speakers from across the globe shared groundbreaking research and practical insights, sparking collaboration and innovation in paediatric oral health. Each day’s programme was thoughtfully designed to leave attendees refreshed, refocused, and renewed to continue advancing children’s oral care worldwide.
We congratulate our Award Winners:
Bright Smiles, Bright Futures Award by Colgate
BSBF Award Winner:
Londiwe Sibisi-Maboye (South Africa)
Project title: Saving Smiles in Africa: A Community-Based Initiative Advancing Access to Paediatric Dental Care
BSBF Award Finalists:
Narmin Huseynova (Türkiye)
Project title: The PaFein+Project: Exploring Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices regarding Pain-Free Dentistry among Pediatric Dentists
Hafizah Mohammad (Malaysia)
Project Title: Refresh, Refocus, Renew: A Collaborative Oral Health Program for Children with Cerebral Palsy in Malaysia
IAPD Caries Management Case Report and Research Awards
IAPD Caries Management Research Awards.
Winner:
Ani Belcheva (Bulgaria)
Title: A Clinical Study of CPP-ACFP, SAP P11-4 and Caries Infiltration for the Treatment of Initial Carious Lesions on Smooth Surfaces.
Runner up:
Abel Emanuel Moca (Romania)
Title: Smart Profiling of Parents Using AI to Prevent Early Childhood Caries
IAPD Caries Management Case Report Awards.
Winners:
Sanchit Paul (India)
Title: Minimally Invasive with Maximal Success: A 4-year case report on the successful long-term management of a high-caries-risk child using Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)
Debarchhana Jena (India)
Title: Amalgamation of Non-Restorative & Restorative Caries Management of Severe Early Childhood Caries (S-ECC) in an Infant: A 12-month follow-up Case Report
IAPD Case Report and Research Awards
IAPD Research Awards.
Winner:
Sharath Asokan (India)
Title: Prediction and Profiling of Behavior in Children During Their First Dental Visit: A Cross-sectional Study
Runner up:
Maria Julia Gallo (Brazil)
Title: Minimally Invasive Treatment of MIH in Children Reduces Bullying and Improves Oral Health-Related Quality of Life
IAPD Case Report Awards.
Winner:
Lisa Bowdin (Australia)
Title: Comprehensive Long-Term Management of Regional Odontodysplasia: A Case Report
Runner up:
Nabihah Dziaruddin (Malaysia)
Title: Conservative Management of Ameloblastoma in an 11-Year-Old Using the Dredging Technique: A Case Report
Bengt Magnusson Award
Winner:
Diana Monica Preda (Romania)
Title: From Scars to Seamless Smiles: How PRP is Changing the Game in Cleft Reconstruction
Runner up:
Elif Sepet (Türkiye)
Title: Comparative Evaluation of Children With and Without Speech Disorders Utilizing the Nordic Orofacial Test-Screening and Kotlow’s Classification System
Jens O. Anderson Award
Winner:
Senem Selvi Kuvvetli (Türkiye)
Title: Long-term Follow-Up of a Complicated Crown-Root Fracture in a Young Patient With Dravet Syndrome
Runner up:
Hortense Perpetue Mengong Moneboulou (Cameroon)
Title: Bioconservation of Avulsed Immature Permanent Teeth: Effectiveness of Aloe schweinfurthii Gel as a Natural Medium for Periodontal Cellular Preservation
Sam Harris Travel Bursary
Sam Harris Travel Bursary Recipients:
Nour Wahba (Egypt)
Title: Investigating the Bactericidal Effect of Oral Probiotics on Chromogenic Bacteria in Children
An In-vivo and In-vitro Study
Bikash Chaurasia (Malaysia)
Title: Piaget’s Cognitive Traits and Their Relationship with Dental Treatment Outcomes in Malaysian Children Aged 3–11: A Cross-sectional Study
Rana Yalçınkaya (Türkiye)
Title: Performance Comparison of YOLOv5 Models for the Detection of Mesiodens and Supernumerary Teeth in Paediatric Panoramic Radiographs: A Pilot Study
Paediatric Dentistry Working Group Bursary
Paediatric Dentistry Working Group Bursary Recipients:
Zipporah Rop (Kenya)
Title: Caries Risk Profile and Associated Factors Among Children Attending Well Child Clinics in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya
Jacqueline Michèle Lowe (Cameroon)
Title: The Impact of Oral Health Conditions on the Quality of Life of Children Affected by Sickle Cell Disease in Yaoundé
Governance in Action
The IAPD Board of Directors Meeting on 21 October 2025 focused on advancing the Association’s mission through careful planning and strategic decision-making. Members contributed their expertise to strengthen the organisation’s long-term vision and global impact.
Following this, the IAPD Council Meeting convened on 22 October, bringing together 44 country representatives and reaffirming the importance of active member participation in shaping the future direction of the Association. The Council deliberated and voted on several key matters.
Spreading Smiles in Cape Town
For the first time in the history of the IAPD, a special outreach event was held as part of the IAPD Congress, a remarkable milestone that brought global collaboration to the heart of a local community in Cape Town, South Africa.
Hosted by the South African Association of Paediatric Dentistry (SAAPD), this inspiring initiative took place at a local school, where volunteers dedicated their time and expertise to improving children’s oral health.
More than 75 volunteers joined forces in a spirit of unity, compassion, and South African warmth, coming together to treat and educate hundreds of children. The day was filled with energy, smiles, and a shared sense of purpose; a true embodiment of the IAPD’s mission to promote oral health for children everywhere.
Building a Collaborative Future: Refresh, Refocus, and Renew in Paediatric Dentistry
On Saturday, 25 October 2025, the Global Leaders Forum took centre stage at the 30th IAPD Congress in Cape Town, bringing together representatives from leading paediatric dentistry organizations around the world — the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD), the Paediatric Dentistry Association of Asia (PDAA), and the South African Association of Paediatric Dentistry (SAAPD).
Representatives Dr. Thomas G. Ison (AAPD), Dr. Tina Lambrinaki (EAPD), Dr. Kitae Park (PDAA), and Dr. Tshepiso Mfolo (SAAPD) participated in this forum, moderated by Prof. Dr. Figen Seymen.
This high-level session, titled “Building a Collaborative Future: Refresh, Refocus, and Renew in Paediatric Dentistry,” served as a dynamic platform for global dialogue on innovation, access, and the shared responsibility to shape the future of paediatric oral health.
Unforgettable Social Events – Memories to Last a Lifetime
The Gala Dinner at Groot Constantia, the oldest wine estate in South Africa, provided an elegant and memorable evening. Delegates were welcomed to Simon’s Restaurant, where they enjoyed exquisite cuisine paired with world-class wines from the historic Constantia region — a true taste of South African heritage.
The Farewell Party at Nikkei Restaurant was a vibrant finale to the week, with delegates dancing late into the night as the DJ filled the floor with energy and joy. The laughter, music, and camaraderie captured the perfect ending to a remarkable Congress.
A Taste of Japan, Looking Ahead to Osaka 2027
The Japanese Evening had everyone excited for the next IAPD Congress in Osaka, Japan 2027! Guests were treated to an enchanting Koto performance by Nora van Tonder, who demonstrated the instrument’s unique sound and even invited a lucky attendee on stage to try it.
From the exceptional sake to the lively quiz on Japanese culture, the evening was a joyful celebration of tradition and anticipation. It was the perfect “Arigatō” to Cape Town and a warm “Kanpai!” to Osaka 2027!
ISPPD selected to Host the 2029 IAPD Congress in New Delhi, India
Introducing the IAPD Board 2025-2027
We are thrilled to announce and extend our heartfelt welcome to the newly appointed IAPD Board of Directors for the term 2025-2027. Thank you to each and every volunteer and Board Member who contributes to the success of the association.
A special thanks to Dr. Jorge Castillo who completed his term as Immediate Past President (2023 – 2025).
Meet The Fluoriders, IAPD’s Global Brushing Movement!
Watch this space for exciting content and join in on the fun!
For the very first time, the IAPD is reaching out directly to the children of the world with an engaging and educational new initiative; The Fluoriders!
Together, we can spread healthy habits across the globe, helping every child, everywhere, to enjoy brushing their teeth and protecting their smiles for life. Because we all know that brushing with fluoridated toothpaste is the best!
To bring this message to life, the IAPD has assembled a team of little heroes of healthy smiles – THE FLUORIDERS!
Let’s inspire children worldwide to brush twice a day, have fun doing it, and feel proud of their sparkling smiles.
Get ready for videos, challenges, and creative content that make oral health education exciting, empowering, and truly global.
Join the movement, make your own video, and keep the wave of smiles rolling with #TheFluoriders!
Let’s show the world that brushing can be fun, powerful, and universal!
Save the date for the 4th IAPD Global Summit!
Get ready for the 4th IAPD Global Summit, taking place in Spain 13–15 November 2026!
Connect with global experts and delve into the theme:
“Early Orthodontics Anchored in Evidence: Integrating Paediatric and Orthodontic Care.”
We look forward to sharing more details soon!
IAPD Honors Two Distinguished Leaders in Paediatric Dentistry
The International Association of Paediatric Dentistry is proud to announce that Prof. Richard Widmer and Dr. Ari Kupietzky have been awarded Honorary Membership.
Their honorary memberships were ratified during the Council Meeting at the 30th IAPD Congress in Cape Town, South Africa, in recognition of their exceptional contributions to paediatric dentistry and to the advancement of the IAPD’s mission worldwide.
Prof. Widmer and Dr. Kupietzky have each demonstrated remarkable dedication to children’s oral health, education, and professional development, inspiring generations of clinicians and researchers across the globe. Their leadership and long-standing service to the IAPD community have left a lasting impact on the field.
Both honorees will be formally presented with their honorary memberships at the upcoming 31st IAPD Congress in Osaka, Japan, where the Association looks forward to celebrating their achievements in person.
The IAPD extends heartfelt congratulations and appreciation to Prof. Widmer and Dr. Kupietzky for their outstanding commitment to paediatric dentistry and to the global child health community.
Next IAPD Webinar
On 9 November, the IAPD will be hosting a webinar, sponsored by DMG ! This Webinar will be presented by Prof. Katrin Bekes.
Important Note: IAPD live Webinars are exclusively available on Zoom, with no live streaming on social media. Don’t miss out – secure your spot today!
IAPD Members not only have the opportunity to actively participate but are also eligible to receive a certificate of attendance. Plus, you can revisit the recorded lectures at your convenience in the IAPD Video Lecture Centre. Being an IAPD Member comes with great perks!
Join IAPD today and make the most of these exclusive benefits.
NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE 🌎
🔉National Member Society | NEWS
Did you know:
As an IAPD National-Member Society, you can showcase your event on our website! Drop us the details below.
Upcoming National-Member Society Events
Showcase your event on our website!
Indian Society of Pedodontics & Preventive Dentistry (ISPPD)| Website: https://pedodham2025.com/ | Registration: https://pedodham2025.com/Registration.aspx | Language: English