06-05-2025
IDAK's scientific symposium ‘DentEdge' concludes
Indian Dentists' Alliance in Kuwait (IDAK), in association with Kuwait Dental Association (KDA), held its prestigious 5th International Scientific Symposium (ISS) at the Al-Hashmi Ballroom, Radisson Blu Hotel on April 25, 2025. The event was accredited for 8 CME points with Kuwait Institute for Medical Specializations (KIMS). The symposium, titled DentEdge: Current Paradigms in Dentistry, brought together over 300 practicing dentists in Kuwait.
Dr Jagan Kumar Baskaradoss, the chairman of the Scientific Committee, welcomed the speakers, dignitaries, and participants to the event and officially inaugurated it. The full-day event featured three prominent international speakers – Prof Dr Monty Duggal, Prof Dr Gunaseelan Rajan and Dr Siju Jacob - and a local speaker, Dr Manal Abu AlMelh.
Prof Dr Monty Duggal, the Dean of College of Dentistry, Qatar University is a world-renowned pediatric dentist, started the event with an excellent presentation on Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH). His presentation comprehensively covered the topic, including the clinical characteristics, etiology, and management of MIH patients. Dr Gunaseelan Rajan, a trailblazer in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Director of Rajan's Institute in Chennai, India, spoke about zygomatic implants, presenting clinical cases managed in his clinic, which captivated the audience and left everyone spellbound.
Dr Siju Jacob, Director of The Microscope Training Center in Bangalore & New Delhi, India, showcased how microscopes could be part of everyday general dental practice. Dr Jacob captivated the audience with his enchanting presentation skills. Lastly, Dr Manal Abu Al-Melh, Associate Professor in College of Dentistry at Kuwait University, presented on the topic of 'painless orthodontics,' effortlessly combining her personal experiences with evidence-based research findings into clinical practice.
The 1st Dr David Gnanashekar Oration, in memory of the Founding President of IDAK, was delivered by Dr Monty Duggal, who spoke about managing long-term complications of severe dento-alveolar trauma in adolescents using bone augmentation and auto-transplantation. His lecture helped raise awareness about this relatively new technique to replace missing teeth.
The chief guest for the felicitation ceremony was Dr Jaber Al-Taqi, Director of Dental Administration, Ministry of Health. Dr Fahad Al-Zoubi, Chair of the Faculty of Dentistry, Kuwait Institute for Medical Specializations (KIMS), and Dr Adel Al-Asfour, Former Dean and Chairman of the Department of Surgical Sciences, College of Dentistry, Kuwait University, were the 'Guests of Honor' for the event. Dr. George P Alex, President of IDAK, welcomed the dignitaries and the audience and outlined IDAK's achievements in past symposiums.
The Scientific Committee chairman Dr Jagan Kumar Baskaradoss, introduced the speakers and session chairpersons to the dignitaries and highlighted the importance of this symposium. Dr Fahad appreciated IDAK for successfully conducting the symposium, which he believes helps to disseminate knowledge to busy dental practitioners in the country. He also spoke about his close links with India and Indian colleagues in his address. He expressed his happiness over the high standard of the symposium.
IDAKonnect, a members directory edited by the membership committee headed by Dr Tiny Elsa Thomas, was released during the function by Dr Jaber Al Taqi, who handed the first copy to Dr Fahad Al-Zoubi. President Dr George P Alex complimented the membership committee for bringing out the members directory, the first in the last 12 years, and said it would enable the members to stay connected more meaningfully.
