Knowledge, inspiration and career direction: The ADC2025 Scientific Program

The heart and soul of any Congress is the groundbreaking material and impressive learnings that delegates can take away with them to not only improve their knowledge and practice but provide fresh inspiration and even career direction. This May, an innovative and international-level Scientific Program is set to do just that in Perth, Western Australia.

Focusing on the theme ‘Educating for Dental Excellence’, the Australian Dental Congress 2025 (ADC2025) will deliver 30+ hours of potential learning opportunities providing the perfect opportunity for attending dentists to accrue their 60 hours of CPD for the current cycle, which finishes on 30 November 2025.

Dr Hugo Sachs is a past President of the ADA, current Chair of the Australian Dental Research Foundation (ADRF) and the Scientific Program Coordinator for ADC2025. This respected veteran of past Congresses brings his excitement to this year’s event as well.

“I’m an old broken-down general practitioner and getting excited about things could be fatal!” he jokes, but adds that if this really were the case, there is plenty of risk to his health in the innovative program. “Yes, the program is full of diamonds, but if pushed, I would say Jason Smithson and Victor Clavijo’s presentations interest me from my personal practice position.

“I wish I could say don’t miss any of it, but that is not achievable. Our four internationals, I believe, are must sees: they bring a wealth of information and having them all in Perth at the one event is an amazing opportunity for members. I do enjoy the symposia, as these provide a diverse discussion on topics of interest and rarely do you get experts in a field coming together for frank and open discussion with the ability to ask questions. I also have a soft spot for our oral medicine specialists like Sue-Ching Yeoh and Tami Yap. I think Tami Yap’s presentation on AI in oral medicine will be intriguing.”

A giant job

The intelligently curated mix of subject matter speaks to the expertise of Dr Sachs and his colleagues in pulling together an event like this; the big names and international representation show the length and breadth of their established network. But what is the overarching philosophy guiding the curation of a Program like this?

“If there is a philosophy,” he answers, “it hinges on bringing subjects of current interest and innovation as well as those that are tried and true and have relevance in everyday practice. Presenters are selected based on their expertise and experience, though there is an effort to support up and coming presenters. The ADA gathers attendance rates per lecture at each of its congresses and this includes the past two World Dental Congresses that the ADA hosted. A core group of lead educators that are well connected internationally and locally provide input and the program is then developed from that intelligence base. Unfortunately, we only have three days with a maximum of 63 formal presentations, though there is a plethora of ‘Lunch & Learn’ opportunities as well as add-on courses pre and post event.

“There are many aspects to what we wish to achieve in an ADC,” he continues. “The first is a program in dental
education excellence, that cannot be replicated. Secondly, diversity in the program so it covers a broad range of subjects that are pertinent to general practitioners and a program of interest for our staff. There is a broad spectrum of topics, some very new arenas in the profession, like artificial intelligence and issues of health and wellness which are now very significant in practice life. The other thing which does not necessarily relate to the program, is collegiality and the ability to converse with colleagues in a forum that does not come along regularly.”

Perfect timing

As most ADA members will know, this year marks the final year of the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) cycle for practitioners in the dental profession, and this is the kind of event that can make all the difference in your CPD logbook.

“Absolutely,” says Dr Sachs. “ADC 2025 provides you with the opportunity to ensure you get over the line with the statutory requirement of education hours. Attending the add-on courses further enhances that ability, but
importantly, you have to be a registered delegate to gain access. Don’t risk fate and not comply, as there are random audits of your registration declarations in regards to CE!”