Why going to an Australian Dental Congress matters

Attending an Australian Dental Congress comes with myriad benefits. 

Whether it’s soaking up the wealth of knowledge available through the Main Scientific Program and associated learning opportunities, speaking face-to-face with industry representatives at the Exhibition about what’s new in dental products and services or networking with friends and colleagues at social events, there’s a great deal to experience, and to allow you to grow and develop.

The Australian Dental Congress 2025 (ADC2025), to be held 8-10 May in beautiful Perth, WA will be no different and so, in anticipation of what we fully expect to be the premier dental event of 2025, we asked three prominent ADA member dentists: What are the main things you value most about going to Congress and why do they matter to you?

Dr Mohammed El-Hakim

Clinical practice educator and member of ADC2025 National Organising Committee

What are the main things you value most about going to Congress and why do they matter to you?

1. One of the main reasons I attend Congress is to stay informed about the latest advancements in dentistry. Congress offers a wealth of up-to-date information, including new technologies, techniques, and research findings. This allows me to bring fresh ideas back to my practice and continuously improve patient care. It’s a rare opportunity to learn from experts who share practical tips and innovative approaches that I can directly apply. Staying current in this fast-evolving field is critical for maintaining a high standard of care, and Congress provides the perfect platform for that.

2. Another key aspect of Congress that I truly value is the sense of collegiality. Being around other dental professionals from all over the country (and sometimes the world) provides a great chance to share experiences, challenges, and successes. These conversations are often inspiring and offer new perspectives that I can incorporate into my own work. Meeting others who are passionate about dentistry strengthens my professional network, and the connections made at Congress often lead to long-lasting relationships and potential collaborations. It’s this sense of community that makes the event more than just an educational experience, it’s an opportunity to grow within the profession.

3. Congress is also a fantastic way to earn a significant number of CPD points in just a few days. The variety of sessions, workshops, and presentations means that you can cover a broad range of topics and gain valuable knowledge in a short time. The CPD points accumulated during Congress not only help meet regulatory requirements but also ensure that I continue to evolve as a practitioner. It’s a highly efficient way to stay on top of professional development while gaining new skills and insights that directly benefit my patients.

4. Lastly, the exhibition at Congress is something I always look forward to. It’s a chance to explore the latest dental products and technologies under one roof, and in many cases, even try them out. The ability to compare different products side by side, speak directly to vendors, and score great deals on equipment is invaluable. Whether it’s testing out a new piece of equipment or learning about a product that can improve workflow in my clinic, the exhibition makes it easy to stay informed. For me, it’s like dentistry in a nutshell: everything you need in one place, offering a hands-on way to assess what’s best for your practice.

What value do you think going to a Congress brings to a member?

For members, attending Congress offers unmatched value. It’s not just about earning CPD points, though that’s certainly a benefit. It’s about staying current with the latest developments, making connections with fellow professionals, and exploring innovations that can transform the way we work. Congress provides a platform for growth, both personally and professionally, making it an essential event for any dental practitioner.

Dr Amanda Phoon-Nguyen

Oral medicine specialist

I have always enjoyed attending Congress, even as a dental student. In fact, I just found today some CDs I kept, of Congress lectures from Brisbane 2011! They used to have them available for purchase at the conference. The education available at Congress has always been varied and of high quality.

What are the main things you value most about going to Congress and why do they matter to you?

1. The educational sessions and workshops offered at the Australian Dental Congress are a crucial aspect that I greatly value. These sessions typically feature renowned speakers, industry experts, and/or cutting-edge research, providing a platform for continuous learning and professional development. Even if not always relevant to my day-to-day work as an Oral Medicine specialist, attending these sessions allows me to stay abreast of the latest dentistry advancements, techniques, and best practices, which is important to me. The knowledge gained from these educational opportunities can significantly impact my practice by improving patient care, supporting a holistic view of dentistry and practice management, enhancing clinical skills, and staying competitive in the field.

2. Having worked and studied in multiple places around Australia, Congress is one of the best opportunities to catch up with old colleagues and friends. I also value attending Congress as an opportunity to network with experts, sponsors and peers within the dental industry. Networking provides an invaluable platform to exchange ideas, experiences, and knowledge, fostering collaboration and growth. Connecting with like-minded individuals at the Congress can open doors to new partnerships, mentorship opportunities, and innovative solutions that can enhance my practice and career. Networking at such events can also (and has for me) led to meaningful relationships that last well beyond the Congress itself. It helps create and foster a supportive community of colleagues who can offer insight and support in the ever-evolving field of dentistry.

3. The Exhibition at Congress offers a great opportunity to explore the latest dental equipment, technologies, and products from industry-leading suppliers and manufacturers. This aspect is valuable to me as it allows me to discover new technology, compare different products, and make informed decisions on integrating new tools or technologies into my practice. The exhibition also provides a platform to interact directly with representatives, ask questions, and gain a deeper understanding of the features and benefits of various products. By staying informed about the latest advancements in dental products and technologies, I can enhance the quality of care provided to my patients, optimise practice efficiency, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving dental landscape.

Q: What value do you think going to a Congress brings to a member?

Congress really is a one-stop shop for dental CPD, social and product needs. I find attending Congress brings great value to its members by offering a unique platform for professional growth, networking, and knowledge exchange. Attendees have the opportunity to engage with industry leaders, experts and peers, and can also make new friends or catch up with old acquaintances at Congress. This can ultimately foster meaningful connections and collaborations. Not to mention the range of educational sessions, workshops, and presentations which provide attendees with access to knowledge that can fulfill scientific CPD requirements, can enhance their clinical skills, and ultimately impact patient care. The tradeshow too is an excellent opportunity to explore new technologies, products, and services that can evolve the way dental professionals practise.

The next Congress is in Perth WA, my hometown. Come and check out a beautiful part of Australia while attending this premier conference!

Dr Andrew Gikas

Honorary Clinical Associate
Professor and ADA Board Director

What are the main things you value most about going to Congress and why do they matter to you?

1. The opportunity to stroll into one place that has a scientific and clinical program which covers every field of dentistry. The combined volume, quality and accessibility of the CPD that is on offer is unsurpassed, world class and all at your fingertips. Online CPD is cool and abundant, but there is nothing like the lights and action that comes with the ‘theatrical’ format of a live Congress. I also retain more and probably learn better when I see an entertaining presenter commanding the stage, especially one with a foreign accent!

2.The opportunity to talk to other dentists in the trade hall about the scientific program, especially immediately after the lecture, delving into the topics, the techniques and the theories that were just presented. The opportunity then to debate about how they do it, what they thought of the evidence, what materials, instruments and techniques they would use in their own practice. Once talking I really enjoy finding out how people’s careers, practices and life in general are going. We all have busy and productive lives and events like these give an opportunity to pause, take a deep breath and get some perspective on our dental lives.

3. The opportunity to network with suppliers is valuable. There are those I know and those that I have just met, all helpful to an idea of what has changed with regards to the materials and equipment. Standing around looking at dental stuff, you don’t need to check Google reviews when you can ask a respected colleague about their experience with a certain material or product. And then to be able to tie it all with a shopping deal or a great discount is always a buzz.

What value do you think going to a Congress brings to a member?
A few days away from regular work, to refresh, recharge and bring back some new drive to the working day the next Monday morning. The networking opportunities beyond the main program and the ability to attend satellite events including many of the ADA affiliate events all in the one city on the one trip.

We would like to acknowledge Business Events Perth and Tourism Western Australia for their assistance in the preparation of this article.