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How fast two years pass, since our last meeting in Malahide, Ireland! It was nice seeing so many familiar faces, along with many new ones!
The week started off with 2 days of meetings for the Board of Directors, discussing the final details for the House of Delegates meeting, the Leadership Workshop, the ISDH Opening Ceremonies, the Global Oral Health Summit, the Social Responsibility Workshop, the Closing Ceremonies and so much more!
The delegate events kicked off with a Leadership Workshop on Monday afternoon, July the 8th in the city of Songdo, an hour from Seoul. Two of our own exciting speakers Tammy Filipiak (USA) and Ondina Love (Canada), provided the delegates with much knowledge on “Advocating for Change” and “ Association Leadership for the Future”. This was followed by a Welcome Reception to allow everyone to meet and catch up with some new and familiar faces.
After much research over the last two years, the major topic discussed and approved, was to allow national organizations comprising dental therapists, oral therapists and/or oral health therapists to join! This category was also approved for Individual Membership in IFDH.
In total, 20 countries were represented at the House of Delegates Business meeting and events. There are 30 country members in the IFDH, with some repeat delegates and many attending for the first time. Once the meeting starts, it finds its rhythm and business was completed in one and a half days with efficiency and good humor, with the board, staff and all members taking an active part in the proceedings.
President Wanda Fedora presided over the meeting. Significant highlights included reports from each country member, committees and board members, voting for the new board members 2024-2026, a look into the IFDH future from newly-elected President Jill Rethman (USA), and an exciting update from Italy on plans for the 2026 ISDH in Milan. There were two bid presentations for the location of the 2030 International Symposium, with Rotterdam, Netherlands being selected!
After much research over the last two years, the major topic discussed and approved, was to allow organizations comprising dental therapists, oral therapists and/or oral health therapists to join! This category was also approved for Individual Membership in IFDH.
Tuesday evening started with a short bus ride for Delegates, Observers and guests to Gyeongwonjae, for a unique experience of traditional Korea architecture, amidst a grand forest of ultra-modern skyscrapers, along with Korean entertainment and a wealth of Korean foods! This was another chance to socialize with the delegates and enjoy some festive Korean food and music.
On Wednesday, business was completed, along with a morning meeting of the new committees of choice by delegates. They discussed strategies to reach the goals as set out by newly elected President Rethman. Our President Wanda announced winners of the IFDH Impact Awards for best country member programs – given to The Netherlands, Italy and Israel. Thank you to Colgate for this program.
And of course, an emotional send-off and thank you to outgoing President Wanda Fedora, for not only her ground-breaking term as President, but her commitment of 13 years on the IFDH Board of Directors!
Wow what a jam-packed 2.5 days of IFDH business, education, networking and fun! Then, on to the bus to Seoul for our 14th International Symposium on Dental Hygiene, since 1986!
With over 1,300 participants from 34 countries, numerous oral presentations and posters from around the world, the 2024 International Symposium on Dental Hygiene in Seoul S. Korea was a great success! South Korea, known for its captivating natural landscapes, rich history, and cultural heritage, offered an ideal setting for this remarkable event.
Our Local Organizing Committee, the Korean Dental Hygienist Association (KDHA) worked with IFDH to create an exceptional symposium bringing together dental hygienists, and other oral health professionals, from around the globe. It provided an important forum for the sharing of knowledge, leading-edge research, technological advancements, and the discussion of issues related to oral health.
As always, the Opening Ceremonies, with its parade of flags presentation, similar to the Olympics, was an awe-inspiring event and even more so with the high-tech opening combination video and dancers. What a way to start the symposium!
The feedback from participants, exhibitors and sponsors has been very positive with many delegates commenting “the quality of lectures was extremely high and clinically relevant”, all around the theme “Dental Hygienists, the Center of Oral Health,” the symposium emphasizes the pivotal role dental hygienists play in optimizing oral health outcomes.
Throughout ISDH 2024, there was an exploration into various dimensions of dental hygienists’ responsibilities, with a focused exploration of “Collaboration, Optimization, Reimagination, and Equality.”
The goal of the symposium was to uncover the vital role dental hygienists play as primary healthcare providers through the exploration of evidence-based and innovative approaches. 
This was achieved through the presentation of 88 oral sessions and over 100 posters; selected from over 400 submissions!
There were 19 countries represented by speakers from Australia, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, South Africa, Sweden, United Kingdom and the United States.
Not only did the symposium deliver on scientific content but networking opportunities were also highly rated. Sponsors and exhibitors played a huge role in making the event a success with over 55 exciting and informative trade displays. We thank our major sponsors (shown at the bottom) and many exhibitors for their support.
IFDH continued its successful Global Oral Health Summit (premiering virtually in 2021). A panel of four leaders in dental hygiene and dentistry (pictured at right) were asked riveting questions by IFDH Vice President Fouzieh Eliassy. We thank our sponsors Colgate, DentsplySirona and P & G, for their key involvement.
One of our regular events, the announcement of the World Dental Hygienist Awards (pictured at right with check), took a new turn this year. Along with our partner Sunstar Foundation, IFDH President Elect Jill Rethman, introduced the awardees and asked them informative questions in front of the large audience. Also included was an audience participation element via cell phone survey response – providing some quick feedback from our global audience.
IFDH presented a Social Responsibility Workshop on Saturday. Details of the three winning social responsibility programs from Australia, Canada and Israel were presented to the enjoyment of the attendees, many seeking ideas for their own countries. A huge thank you to the generosity of our sponsor DentsplySirona, for their key involvement and making the recognition of these outstanding projects possible.
Normally at ISDH, there is a gala dinner. What a fun night of quality food, wine and fashion! Our first Fashion Awards show kept the crowd fixated on the range of fashions and personalities. Then, since the COEX is located in the Gangnam part of Seoul, the crowd of 600 was surprised to be entertained with the world-famous song “Gangnam Style!” This brought throngs of hygienists to the dance floor. What a night!
At the Closing Ceremony, IFDH President Fedora highlighted the award winners from IFDH programs, including Research Grant recipients, Impact Awards for best country member programs from The Netherlands, Italy and Israel. Wanda also thanked deserving sponsor Haleon, along with the Organizing Committee and Scientific Committee, all who contributed to the IFDH in the past two years.
The new IFDH Board of Directors (2024-2026) were installed and outgoing President Fedora presented newly-elected President Jill Rethman the inaugural President’s pin and the IFDH gavel for her term. Jill gave thanks to Wanda, while presenting her with the Past President’s pin and gave an exciting outlook into the future of IFDH.
The IFDH Board of Directors thanks the Local Organizing Committee from the Korean Dental Hygienist Association for presenting such a professional symposium and social activities that were enjoyed by all.
IFDH looks forward to its next International Symposium on Dental Hygiene in Milan, Italy, July 2026. See you there!
International Federation of Dental Hygienists
100 South Washington Street, Rockville MD 20850, USA | Tel: +1 (240) 778-6790
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