This year’s International Symposium on Dental Hygiene (ISDH), which took place over 23-25 June 2016 in Basel, Switzerland, has been heralded as a great success!
With 1,700 participants, more than 60 exhibitors, numerous oral presentations and 81 posters, the 30th anniversary ISDH was the biggest to date.
According to the International Federation of Dental Hygienists (IFDH), the feedback from participants, exhibitors and sponsors was very positive. The IFDH gave thanks to the Swiss organising committee for presenting such a professional symposium and social activities that were enjoyed by all.
Seoul, Korea will host the next symposium in 2019, after which the ISDH will take place every two years under the auspices of the International Federation of Dental Hygienists (IFDH) to provide a forum for the understanding and discussion of issues pertaining to dental hygiene.
It was announced during this year’s ISDH that the Irish Dental Hygienists Association (IDHA) has won the bid to host the event in 2021 in Dublin.
Louise Fleming, IDHA president, said: ‘We have worked hard over the last six years to bring this prestigious conference to Ireland, which will give the IDHA international exposure, and an opportunity to attract a great host of national and international speakers to Dublin.
‘We have highlighted the big impact a small group of like-minded professionals can achieve. We are ecstatic!’
Barbara Derham and Louise Fleming presented the bid to the House of Delegates prior to the symposium, working with conference organiser Keynote PCO and Fáilte Ireland.
Louise adds that preparation will start ‘immediately’ and hopes to work closely with the dental industry over the next five years.
IFDH goals
The IFDH goals for 2016-19 include:
- Promote oral health
- Increase member benefits
- Promote leadership development and advocacy within the dental hygiene and allied associations
- Promote international networking
- Promote social responsibility programs
- Strengthen and increase corporate partnerships
- Build relationships with interdisciplinary associations
- Develop a strategic plan
- Support the development of the dental hygiene profession, and the dental hygiene undergraduate and postgraduate education internationally.
