Should I Attend ISDH in Dublin in August?

Dear Colleagues;

The invasion in Ukraine has affected everyone profoundly and our thoughts are now with the people in Ukraine. Due to this situation, I know that many of you are wondering whether to attend our International Symposium on Dental Hygiene (ISDH 2022) in Dublin in August…

We, the board of IFDH, have had many discussions with the Irish Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and its PCO (Professional Conference Organizer) over the past two years. First, it was about Covid and its effect, and then, once that situation improved globally and travel to Ireland now being safe, the crisis in Ukraine started and has continued.

What others say about this situation
In a recent HQ Magazine article interview of association executives with international conferences in Europe in 2022, they shared their thoughts on how the current crisis in Ukraine may affect their upcoming events.

“As a PCO working with various associations, many of which are medical associations, at this moment noted that “We are monitoring the situation, but neither we, nor our association clients, see a reason to move their educational events from Europe,” said the Marcom Director at Kenes Group.

The Executive Officer at World Customs Organization, based in Brussels, responded: “We don’t see an issue about having an event in Europe. As a matter of fact, we are having our next event in Maastricht, The Netherlands, in October.”

On behalf of the AIPC – International Association of Convention Centres – its CEO, also addressed the issue: “The war will not prevent international associations to come to Europe. Yes, there will be some travel trepidation, having a limited impact on delegate numbers. But I believe this will be offset by the number of people wanting to meet in person after two years of digital meetings. We really should not underestimate the negative impact the last two years have had when it comes to collaboration, trade and innovation. People not only want but need to come together again, because it is a key requirement for building our future.”

Look What We Have Planned for You
At ISDH in Dublin, we have a 3-day, interesting scientific program scheduled with keynote speakers from 19 different countries*) and a multitude of sponsors and exhibitors attending. The Conference Party at the Guinness Storehouse and Brewery will be an event never to forget! Aer Lingus offers ISDH 2022 participants from UK, Europe and North American gateways a promotional discount code for their flights to Dublin this August.

The HoD Business Meeting, in the waterfront town of Malahide prior to the Symposium, is an opportunity for our Key Opinion Leaders (House of Delegates) from 35 countries to share their opinions, learn from their colleagues from around the world and make some decisions for the future of IFDH. We will have a workshop on Leadership & the IFDH Delegate, along with a seminar on Sustainability and the Dental Hygienist. And of course, a fun night of Irish food and entertainment at a nearby tavern.

Should I, or Shouldn’t I?
Even though we already have over 500 registrants for ISDH, I do understand your hesitation in making the final decision to attend. But, after two difficult years, we all need to get out, network with our global colleagues and continue to learn more about the latest developments in the field of dental hygiene and improving oral health.

I am very much looking forward to meeting you in Dublin, Ireland in August 2022!

Thank you!

Corrie Jongbloed,
President IFDH