Monday, July 6th (1 pm – 4 pm)

(at the HoD Business Meeting)

There will be two exciting, 90-minute sessions and it will provide you with 3 CE credits!

The Intelligent Hygienist and Therapist:
Using AI to Elevate Care, Careers, and Clinical Impact

Innovation in dentistry is accelerating—and dental hygienists and dental therapists are at the center of a shift toward intelligent, preventive healthcare. This 90-minute program provides a practical overview of how AI and technology are used throughout the patient journey—from assessment and clinical decision support to patient education, compliance, and practice growth. Participants will gain clear insight into what these tools actually do, where they create value, and how to apply them responsibly in real-world practice. The session also explores how innovation is elevating the roles of dental hygienists and dental therapists as leaders, educators, and advisors in a prevention-focused future—empowering them to work smarter, influence care models, and help shape the next era of oral and systemic health.

Panel Discussion:

Beyond the Basics:
The Scope, Skills, and Service of our Therapist Colleagues

The 2024 HoD meeting in Seoul was special for many reasons. At this meeting, we voted to welcome colleagues in dental therapy, oral therapy, and oral health therapy to join us in the IFDH. There was much discussion about this, mostly focused on potential differences between us. This workshop aims to highlight our similarities and offers the opportunity to learn more about the work of these colleagues. We have invited a panel of your peers to explain their roles and responsibilities and to give you the opportunity to ask them questions. The intent is to learn more about how we can celebrate our differences, recognize our commonalities, and how this diversity within the Federation can only make us stronger together as we strive Upward!

Panel Members:
Cole Gilbert, S. Africa
Jinous Eighani-Roushani, Australia
Simone Ruzario, UK