The 4th Global IAPD Summit to Convene in Barcelona, Focusing on Early Orthodontics and Paediatric Dentistry Advancements
Barcelona, Spain – The International Association of Paediatric Dentistry (IAPD) is set to host its highly anticipated 4th Global IAPD Summit in the vibrant city of Barcelona from November 13-15, 2026. This premier scientific event will bring together a global community of dental professionals, researchers, and educators under the theme "Early Orthodontics Anchored in Evidence: An Integration Between Paediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics." The summit promises a dynamic and interactive forum designed to foster collaboration, challenge existing paradigms, and contribute to the development of consensus-driven publications that will shape clinical practice worldwide.
Barcelona, renowned for its stunning Mediterranean allure, architectural marvels, rich cultural heritage, and energetic atmosphere, provides an inspiring backdrop for this significant gathering. The IAPD Global Summit distinguishes itself from conventional congresses by emphasizing active participation and shared learning. Leading experts will engage in in-depth discussions, prompting critical thinking and collective problem-solving. This collaborative approach is central to the summit’s mission: to advance the field of paediatric dentistry through shared knowledge and evidence-based practices.
The overarching goal of the 4th Global IAPD Summit is to explore the critical intersection of early orthodontic interventions and the broader scope of paediatric dentistry. Experts will delve into the latest research, clinical techniques, and emerging trends that underscore the importance of evidence-based approaches in managing children’s oral health from the earliest stages. This focus aims to equip practitioners with the knowledge and tools necessary to provide comprehensive care, ensuring optimal long-term oral health outcomes for children.
Call for Early-Career Investigators and Postgraduate Students: JSPD Travel Award
In a move to support emerging talent and foster global participation, the IAPD is actively inviting Early-Career Investigators and Postgraduate Students from developing countries to submit poster presentations for consideration for the prestigious Japanese Society of Pediatric Dentistry (JSPD) Travel Award. This award represents a significant opportunity for promising young researchers to gain international exposure, present their groundbreaking work, and connect with leading figures in paediatric dentistry.
The JSPD Travel Award is designed to facilitate the attendance and presentation of exceptional research at the upcoming IAPD Congress. It serves as a testament to the IAPD’s commitment to nurturing innovation and scientific excellence, particularly among those dedicated to improving children’s oral health worldwide. By supporting these researchers, the award aims to recognize their dedication and encourage their continued contributions to the field. Eligible applicants are strongly encouraged to seize this valuable chance to showcase their research on a global platform, network with international peers, and become integral to the future of paediatric dentistry. The deadline for submissions and further details on eligibility and the application process can be found on the IAPD website.
Launch of the Enhanced IAPD Consensus Recommendations Hub
The IAPD is proud to announce the official launch of its newly updated and significantly more user-friendly Consensus Recommendations page on its website. This enhancement is a direct response to the organization’s commitment to making critical evidence-based guidance readily accessible to its members and the wider oral health community.
The refreshed platform offers an improved navigation experience, allowing professionals to more easily explore the latest recommendations developed by leading international experts in paediatric dentistry. These recommendations cover a wide spectrum of essential topics, including preventive care strategies, the appropriate use of fluoride, the management of early childhood caries, and established clinical best practices. The aim is to empower clinicians with the most current, evidence-based resources to support informed decision-making and ensure the delivery of high-quality care to children globally. The new design facilitates seamless browsing, downloading, and sharing of key consensus documents, ensuring that vital guidance remains readily available to all practitioners. The IAPD warmly invites all members and oral health professionals to visit the updated page, delve into the recommendations, and leverage these crucial resources in their daily practice, reinforcing the collective effort towards achieving optimal oral health for every child.
New Resource for Dental Professionals: "Fluoriders for Professionals"
Recognizing the pivotal role of effective communication in dental care, the IAPD has launched a new dedicated section within its Fluoriders Corner, specifically designed for dental professionals. Titled "For Professionals," this initiative aims to equip practitioners with the skills and confidence needed to engage in clear, effective, and informative conversations with parents about fluoride.
The "For Professionals" page is structured around eight practical communication principles. These principles are designed to translate complex scientific evidence into easily understandable and actionable advice for everyday clinical discussions. The focus is on providing guidance on what to say, how to articulate it, and how to address common parental questions or concerns regarding fluoride. Each principle is presented as a standalone, easily applicable tool that can be implemented immediately in clinical settings. Whether the objective is to address parental hesitation, build trust, or reinforce preventive strategies, these resources are engineered to enhance the effectiveness of crucial conversations, ultimately contributing to healthier smiles for children. The IAPD encourages dental professionals to explore this new resource and discover practical ways to strengthen their communication strategies and support the oral health of young patients.
Celebrating IAPD Fellows and Encouraging Future Applications
The IAPD extends its sincere congratulations to all the fellows who successfully completed their examinations in 2025. This achievement marks a significant milestone in their professional journeys, reflecting their dedication to advanced learning and commitment to excellence in paediatric dentistry. The IAPD is thrilled to celebrate these accomplishments, recognizing the hard work and perseverance that led to this esteemed designation.
Furthermore, the IAPD is pleased to announce that applications for the 2027 Examination are now open. This presents another valuable opportunity for qualified individuals to pursue fellowship within the IAPD, further enhancing their expertise and contributing to the global advancement of paediatric dental care. Aspiring fellows are encouraged to visit the IAPD website for detailed information regarding the application process, eligibility criteria, and examination timelines.
DMG Sponsors IAPD Research & Case Report Awards
The IAPD is delighted to announce that DMG, a leading dental materials company, will be sponsoring the IAPD Research & Case Report Awards. DMG has a long-standing commitment to advancing dentistry, with a history dating back to 1963. This family-owned company has consistently been at the forefront of developing cutting-edge solutions and fostering trusted partnerships within the dental community.
DMG’s high-quality dental materials and treatment concepts are utilized in over 80 countries, playing a significant role in shaping the future of dental care globally. Their dedication to innovation is evident in their diverse product portfolio, which ranges from micro-invasive caries treatments that eschew drilling to state-of-the-art 3D printing workflows. DMG’s commitment extends to research and development, with 20% of their workforce dedicated to this crucial area, driving progress in prevention, digitalization, and modern restorative dentistry. The sponsorship of the IAPD Research & Case Report Awards underscores DMG’s dedication to supporting dental progress and fostering collaborative advancements in the field. Their motto, "Let’s drive dental progress as partners – together a smile ahead!" encapsulates their vision for a future where innovation and collaboration lead to better patient outcomes.
Successful "Teach the Teachers" Educational Workshop in Manila
The IAPD, in collaboration with the Philippine Pediatric Dental Society, Inc. (PPDSI), successfully hosted the "Teach the Teachers" Educational Workshop (TTEW) in Manila on April 25-26, 2026. This significant event marked the return of the TTEW after several years and was met with immense enthusiasm, proving to be a resounding success and offering attendees an invaluable educational and professional development experience.
The workshop was meticulously structured to provide comprehensive learning opportunities. Day one featured a series of engaging and insightful lectures delivered by distinguished experts, covering critical aspects of paediatric dentistry. Day two transitioned to practical, hands-on workshops, allowing participants to directly apply the knowledge gained in an interactive and stimulating learning environment. This dual approach ensured a well-rounded educational experience, catering to diverse learning styles and reinforcing key concepts.
The event underscored the vital importance of collaboration in advancing paediatric dental education. The IAPD and PPDSI worked in close synergy to deliver a program that was both meaningful and impactful, demonstrating the power of international and local partnerships in achieving shared educational goals.
Key IAPD representatives who led the educational sessions included Dr. Anna Maria Vierrou, IAPD Secretary General; Dr. Soni Stephen, IAPD President; and Dr. Marina Papachroni, IAPD Board Member. Their expertise, dedication, and leadership were instrumental in the workshop’s success, contributing significantly to the quality of the content and the overall participant experience.
The TTEW was generously powered by Ultradent Products, Inc. and SDI Limited. Their invaluable support was crucial in making this important initiative possible, highlighting the collaborative spirit within the dental industry to advance education and improve children’s oral health.
A particularly memorable moment of the workshop was a vibrant "Fluoriders" segment. Participants in Manila became the very first National-Member Society to collectively dance to the "Happy Teeth Song" at an official IAPD event. Their infectious energy, unwavering enthusiasm, and strong team spirit brought the Fluoriders message to life in a joyous and unforgettable way, powerfully illustrating that the promotion of healthy smiles can be both educational and immensely fun. The IAPD commends the dedicated Fluoriders in the Philippines for their pioneering spirit and for leading the way in such an engaging manner.
Upcoming IAPD Webinars: Expanding Knowledge Through Online Learning
The IAPD continues its commitment to accessible professional development through a series of upcoming webinars. These online sessions are designed to provide valuable insights and practical knowledge to dental professionals worldwide.
On May 31st, Dr. Tetiana Peshko will present a webinar, generously sponsored by Ultradent, on the timely topic of "Integrative Approach in Caries Prevention." This session is expected to delve into comprehensive strategies for preventing dental caries, a pervasive issue in paediatric dentistry.
Following this, on June 14th, Dr. Juan Fernando Yepes will lead a webinar focused on "Radiology in the Paediatric Patient." This presentation will address the critical aspects of radiographic interpretation and application in the diagnosis and management of dental conditions in children, emphasizing safety and efficacy.
Registration for these webinars is available through dedicated Zoom links provided on the IAPD website. A crucial note for participants: IAPD live webinars are exclusively hosted on Zoom and are not streamed on social media platforms. Securing a spot in advance is highly recommended to avoid missing these valuable learning opportunities.
For IAPD Members, participation in these live webinars offers additional benefits, including the opportunity for active engagement and the eligibility to receive a certificate of attendance. Furthermore, recorded lectures are made available in the IAPD Video Lecture Centre, allowing members to revisit the content at their convenience. These perks underscore the significant advantages of IAPD membership, reinforcing the organization’s dedication to providing continuous learning and professional growth opportunities. Individuals interested in accessing these exclusive benefits are encouraged to join the IAPD today.
News from Around the Globe: Upcoming IAPD National-Member Society Events
The IAPD actively supports and promotes events organized by its National-Member Societies, fostering a sense of global community and shared progress. As an IAPD National-Member Society, organizations have the valuable opportunity to showcase their upcoming events on the official IAPD website. This platform serves as a central hub for disseminating information about regional and national conferences, workshops, and other professional gatherings, thereby increasing visibility and encouraging broader participation. The IAPD encourages all National-Member Societies to leverage this resource to share their event calendars and connect with a wider audience of dental professionals. This collaborative approach ensures that the advancements and activities within the paediatric dentistry community are widely recognized and accessible.
