IAPD Gears Up for Transformative 4th Global Summit in Barcelona, Focusing on Early Orthodontics and Advancing Pediatric Dental Education

The International Association of Pediatric Dentistry (IAPD) is poised to convene its highly anticipated 4th Global Summit, an event designed to foster collaboration and drive innovation in the field of pediatric dentistry. Scheduled to take place from November 13-15, 2026, in the vibrant and culturally rich city of Barcelona, Spain, this summit promises to be a pivotal gathering for dental professionals worldwide. The overarching theme, "Early Orthodontics Anchored in Evidence: An Integration Between Paediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics," underscores the growing recognition of the critical link between early dental interventions and long-term oral health outcomes. This year’s summit builds upon the success of previous gatherings, which have established a unique precedent for interactive dialogue and the creation of consensus-driven publications that directly influence global clinical practice.

Barcelona, a city renowned for its architectural marvels, Mediterranean allure, and dynamic cultural scene, provides an inspiring backdrop for what is expected to be a significant scientific exchange. Unlike conventional conferences that often follow a lecture-centric format, the IAPD Global Summit is deliberately crafted as an interactive and collaborative forum. This approach encourages leading experts and participants to engage in in-depth discussions, challenge existing perspectives, and collectively contribute to the development of evidence-based guidelines. The ultimate aim is to produce a consensus-driven publication that will serve as a cornerstone for shaping clinical practices on a global scale, thereby enhancing the quality of care delivered to children. The organizing committee has expressed enthusiasm for hosting the international community in Barcelona, emphasizing the city’s capacity to inspire creativity and collaboration.

A Platform for Emerging Talent: The JSPD Travel Award

In a move to nurture and support the next generation of dental researchers, the IAPD, in conjunction with the Japanese Society of Pediatric Dentistry (JSPD), is extending an invitation for poster presentations to be considered for the prestigious JSPD Travel Award. This award is specifically designed to empower Early-Career Investigators and Postgraduate Students from developing countries. It offers a valuable opportunity to gain international exposure for their research and to foster connections within the global pediatric dentistry community. The award not only provides financial assistance for travel to the IAPD Congress but also serves as a recognition of innovation, scientific rigor, and a commitment to advancing children’s oral health worldwide. By supporting these promising young researchers, the IAPD and JSPD aim to catalyze new discoveries and drive progress in the field. The application process is expected to attract a diverse range of innovative research, highlighting the dedication of these individuals to improving oral health outcomes for children in diverse socioeconomic settings.

Enhancing Accessibility: The Revitalized IAPD Consensus Recommendations Hub

A significant development announced by the IAPD is the launch of a newly updated and significantly more user-friendly IAPD Consensus Recommendations Hub on their official website. This initiative reflects the organization’s commitment to making crucial, evidence-based information readily accessible to its members and the broader oral health professional community. The revamped platform is designed to streamline navigation, allowing users to more efficiently explore the latest recommendations developed by international experts in pediatric dentistry. These recommendations cover a wide spectrum of critical areas, including preventive care strategies, the judicious use of fluoride, the management of early childhood caries, and other essential clinical best practices. The updated layout is intended to simplify the process of browsing, downloading, and sharing key consensus documents, ensuring that vital guidance is always within easy reach for practitioners worldwide. The IAPD emphasizes that this resource is a testament to their ongoing efforts to support informed decision-making and promote the delivery of high-quality oral healthcare for children across the globe.

Empowering Professionals: The New ‘Fluoriders for Professionals’ Resource

Recognizing the paramount importance of effective communication in clinical practice, the IAPD has launched a new dedicated section within the "Fluoriders Corner" titled "For Professionals." This initiative aims to equip dental professionals with the tools and confidence needed to engage in clear, effective, and reassuring conversations with parents regarding fluoride. The resource is structured around eight practical communication principles, designed to translate complex scientific evidence into actionable advice for everyday clinical scenarios. It focuses on providing guidance on what to say, how to deliver the message effectively, and how to address common parental questions and concerns with clarity and empathy. Each principle is presented as a standalone, practical guide that can be immediately implemented in clinical settings, whether the goal is to alleviate hesitancy, build trust, or reinforce preventive strategies. The IAPD believes this new resource will significantly enhance the ability of dental professionals to advocate for optimal fluoride use and promote healthier smiles for children.

Celebrating Excellence: IAPD Fellows and Research Awards

The IAPD is also taking this opportunity to celebrate the remarkable achievements of its fellows who successfully completed their examinations in 2025. This milestone underscores their dedication to continuous professional development and their commitment to advancing the field of pediatric dentistry. The organization has also opened applications for the 2027 Examination, signaling a forward-looking approach to fostering expertise.

Furthermore, the IAPD Research & Case Report Awards, proudly sponsored by DMG, are set to recognize outstanding contributions to the field. DMG, a family-owned company with a legacy dating back to 1963, has established itself as a leader in dental innovation. Their commitment to research and development, with 20% of their workforce dedicated to this area, aligns perfectly with the IAPD’s mission to drive dental progress. DMG’s focus on micro-invasive caries treatments, advanced 3D printing workflows, and their leadership in prevention, digitalization, and modern restorative concepts resonates with the evolving landscape of pediatric dentistry. The partnership with DMG for these awards highlights a shared vision for advancing dental care through cutting-edge solutions and collaborative efforts.

Global Reach and Educational Impact: Teach the Teachers Workshop in Manila

The IAPD, in close collaboration with the Philippine Pediatric Dental Society, Inc. (PPDSI), recently concluded a highly successful Teach the Teachers Educational Workshop (TTEW) held in Manila from April 25-26, 2026. This event marked a significant return for the TTEW program after several years, and its revival was met with considerable enthusiasm, providing attendees with an invaluable educational and professional experience. The workshop featured two days of intensive learning, with Day 1 dedicated to insightful lectures delivered by esteemed experts, followed by Day 2 which offered practical, hands-on workshops. This format allowed participants to actively engage with the material and apply their newly acquired knowledge in an interactive learning environment.

The success of the TTEW in Manila underscores the vital role of collaboration in advancing pediatric dental education. The IAPD and PPDSI worked in synergy to deliver a program that was both meaningful and impactful. Leading the educational sessions were prominent IAPD figures, including Dr. Anna Maria Vierrou, IAPD Secretary General; Dr. Soni Stephen, IAPD President; and Dr. Marina Papachroni, IAPD Board Member. Their expertise and dedication were instrumental in the workshop’s success. The TTEW was generously powered by Ultradent Products, Inc. and SDI Limited, whose support was crucial in making this important educational initiative a reality.

A particularly memorable moment during the workshop was a unique "Fluoriders" event, where participants became the first National-Member Society to collectively dance to the "Happy Teeth Song" at an official event. This energetic and spirited demonstration beautifully encapsulated the Fluoriders message, showcasing how promoting healthy smiles can be both educational and joyfully engaging. The IAPD lauded the "Fluoriders" in the Philippines for their leadership in this innovative approach to health promotion.

Continuing Education Through Webinars

The IAPD is actively promoting continuous learning through a series of upcoming webinars. On May 31, Dr. Tetiana Peshko will present a webinar, sponsored by Ultradent, on the topic of "Integrative Approach in Caries Prevention." This will be followed by a webinar on June 14, featuring Dr. Juan Fernando Yepes, who will discuss "Radiology in the Paediatric Patient." These webinars are exclusively available on Zoom, with no live streaming on social media platforms. IAPD members have the added benefit of being eligible for certificates of attendance and can access recorded lectures in the IAPD Video Lecture Centre. The organization strongly encourages professionals to join IAPD to take advantage of these exclusive educational opportunities.

Global Updates and Member Society Engagement

Under the banner of "NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE," the IAPD also highlights upcoming events from its National-Member Societies. The organization actively encourages its member societies to showcase their events on the IAPD website, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose in advancing pediatric dental health across different regions. This platform serves as a valuable resource for professionals seeking to connect with local and regional initiatives and to stay informed about the diverse activities taking place within the IAPD network. The ongoing exchange of information and collaborative spirit are central to the IAPD’s mission of fostering a global community dedicated to the oral health of children.