Korea: The Korean Dental Hygienist Association has announced the upcoming 45th Comprehensive Academic Conference and 22nd Dental Hygienists’ Day (KDHEX) will take place on July 15-16 at the COEX Grand Ballroom and ASEM Ballroom. 

This year’s event is especially significant as it combines the Comprehensive Academic Conference and KDHEX, a dental equipment exhibition that has been on hold for the past three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The conference aims to bring together dental hygienists for a grand celebration, featuring academic lectures, exhibitions, and various supplementary events.

Lectures Highlighting Dental Hygienists 

The Comprehensive Academic Conference will present 32 lectures under the theme of “Dental Hygienists, the Center of Oral Health.” The program will focus on specialization, globalization, new technologies, and collaboration. 

Specialized topics will cover areas such as elderly and disabled oral care, counseling skills, and the latest clinical practices. Globalization will be explored through discussions on international trends, foreign dental hygiene societies, and research advancements. Lectures on new technologies will delve into the utilization of dental digital equipment and the application of digital technology in dental treatments. Additionally, the conference will feature lectures on general culture-related topics to enrich the program.

KDHEX, the dental equipment exhibition, will make its comeback after a hiatus since 2019. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the latest dental equipment and oral care products from various exhibitors. Notably, participating companies will organize technical and product-related academic lecture sessions, offering hands-on experiences and opportunities to earn continuing education credits.

Easy Registration and Various Activities

For convenience, the registration and attendance system will be improved with the introduction of a new electronic attendance system. Participants will be able to register and record attendance using a QR code, eliminating the need for separate membership cards. The system is also expected to simplify the on-site registration process.

In addition to the main events, various supplementary activities will be organized to encourage active participation. Participants can take part in blindfolded identification activities, where they have to identify dental instruments and materials through touch. Winners will have a chance to win exciting prizes. 

Goods featuring the official character of oral health, ‘Teerong-i,’ will be sold, and the proceeds will be donated to vulnerable populations. There will also be a prize draw event, offering participants the opportunity to win prizes such as a Dyson Airwrap, Apple AirPods, department store gift certificates, and coffee coupons.

“We will make every effort to make this conference a grand festival for all dental hygienists by providing high-quality academic lectures befitting the title of the largest dental hygiene academic event and fostering our academic capabilities.” said Park Jung-ran, the chairperson of the organizing committee.

At a glance

What: 45th Comprehensive Academic Conference and 22nd Dental Hygienists’ Day (KDHEX).

Where: COEX Grand Ballroom and ASEM Ballroom, Seoul, South Korea.

When: July 15 – 16, 2023.