Thank you Hong Kong for the 100th FDI AWDC!

September 4, 2012

多謝香港舉行第一百屆FDl世界牙醫聯盟週年會議。

It is now more than one month since the 100th FDI Annual World Dental Congress drew to a close in Hong Kong: I would like to take this opportunity to look back and draw some conclusions and share my thoughts on where FDI is headed during the coming years.

A little bit of FDI history by the occasion of the 100th congress in Hong Kong.

“The dentist is a little like the sentinel at the door of the human citadel, part of its defence with physicians and surgeons; often it is he who sounds the first alarm the the whole organism is in danger. He protects the region he is charged to guard against disease. If it is destroyed he restores it and re-establishes it to such a degree as to restore a physiological function believed lost. (…) So it can be said that dentistry is the most specialized, the most distinctive and the most autonomous among the medical sciences.”, FDI President, Charles Godon, inaugurating the founding of FDI (in 1900).

Opening ceremony entrance.

Opening ceremony entrance.

Group photo with local authorities, FDI officers and local organizing committee before the ceremony.

Group photo with local authorities, FDI officers and local organizing committee before the ceremony.

With Leung Chun-ying, Hong Kong prime minister.

With Leung Chun-ying, Hong Kong prime minister.

Formal opening of the ceremony.

Formal opening of the ceremony.

Recognition by the World Health Organization: In a recorded address, to the FDI 2012 Hong Kong Welcome Ceremony, WHO Director-General, Dr. Margaret Chan, paid tribute to the dental profession as a pioneer in the concept of preventive medicine—bearing in mind that prevention is cited as the main weapon in the fight against NCDs—and highlighted to role and outreach of specific projects such as Live.Learn.Laugh.


A message from Margaret Chan, general director of WHO

Political visibility: FDI managed to attain a high level of political visibility among the authorities of both the People’s Republic of China and its Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong. This was especially apparent at the Welcome Ceremony, held in the presence of the Chief Executive of Hong Kong and the Chinese Minister of Health. FDI awarded the latter a special Award for his contribution to oral health in China.

Awarding Chen Zhu, Chinese Minister of Health.

Awarding Chen Zhu, Chinese Minister of Health.

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From left to right, Sigmund Leung, president of HKDA and chairperson of the local organising committee, Leung Chun-ying, Hong Kong prime minister, Chen Zhu, China Health Minister, me and Jean-Luc Eiselé.

From left to right, Sigmund Leung, president of HKDA and chairperson of the local organising committee, Leung Chun-ying, Hong Kong prime minister, Chen Zhu, China Health Minister, me and Jean-Luc Eiselé.

Roll call of nations.

Roll call of nations.

Audience from all over the world.

Audience from all over the world.

Good luck...

Good luck…

Vision 2020: A high level of consensus was in evidence among the 300 or so General Assembly delegates at Vision 2020’s first reading. But it also generated a lively discussion on the role of the profession and it was an opportunity to reinforce our vision of the dentist as the leader of the dental team: Delegation – Yes; Substitution – No. Bearing in mind that the document was drafted, debated by all our members and committees, revised, and presented in something less than a year, this is quite an achievement. The dental profession worldwide now has an overarching vision of its future and can set about designing the policies and strategies that will get us where we want to be by 2020.

FDI Vision 2020 press conference.

FDI Vision 2020 press conference. From left to right, Stanley M. Bergman, chairman and CEO of Henry Schein Inc, Tao Xu, Professor and Dean, School of Stomatology Peking University (China), myself, Michael Glick, chair of the Vision 2020 Task Team, Analia Mendez, global director of Health Programmes & Partnerships for Oral Care and Household Care categories in Unilever.

Local and international media at the press conference.

Local and international media at the press conference.

Forum Session 1 - Vision 2020.

Forum Session 1 – Vision 2020.

These are just a few examples of how FDI has made and is making its voice heard through advocacy for better oral health at a global level. Its impact is also felt through global channels of social communication as well as reports from Hong Kong in the world media such as China Daily and the New York Times, among others. Our aim is to pursue this strategy, in line with the requirements and resolutions of the General Assembly.

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World Oral Health Forum: the inaugural edition of this new and innovative FDI event provided a real opportunity for a number of FDI stakeholders, including the dental industry, to freely discuss issues of concern. The presentations took place within the context of the General Assembly—i.e. we were taking advantage of the presence of a significant number of member national dental associations—but outside its political ramifications, that is, interventions were on a personal level and did not reflect a ‘national approach’. The event’s format proved a huge success for future congresses.

Forum Session 2 - Caries, a silent epidemic.

Forum Session 2 – Caries, a silent epidemic.

Forum Session 3 - Sustainable Development and Green Dentistry.

Forum Session 3 – Sustainable Development and Green Dentistry.

Addressing the General Assembly A.

Addressing the General Assembly A.

Delegates at the General Assembly.

Delegates at the General Assembly.

With Mitsuo Okubo, president of the Japan Dental Association.

With Mitsuo Okubo, president of the Japan Dental Association.

Portuguese Dental Association delegation.

Portuguese Dental Association delegation.

Highly participated discussion.

Highly participated discussion.

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome new FDI member associations from Argentina, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Georgia, Germany, Mozambique, and the United Kingdom. I would also like to congratulate all individuals working within FDI who were elected to posts of responsibility during the 2012 General Assembly.

With Silvio Cecchetto, president of the Brazilian Association of Dentists, ABCD.

With Silvio Cecchetto, president of the Brazilian Association of Dentists, ABCD.

FDI staff.

FDI staff.

Young Dentist Worldwide forum.

Young Dentist Worldwide forum.

Me, FDI president-elect, TC Wong, and executive director, Jean-Luc Eiselé, among young dentists.

Me, FDI president-elect, TC Wong, and executive director, Jean-Luc Eiselé, among young dentists.

Colgate media briefing "Bright Smiles, Bright Futures" Oral Health Education Program.

Colgate media briefing “Bright Smiles, Bright Futures” Oral Health Education Program.

Group photo at the Unilever booth.

Group photo at the Unilever booth.

Congress participants.

Congress participants.

Scientific posters.

Scientific posters.

Scientific session.

Scientific session.

Now we can look forward to moving onwards and upwards at our 101st Annual World Dental Congress, to be held in Istanbul from 28 to 31 August 2013, under the brand name FDI 2013 Istanbul and theme ‘Bridging Continents for Oral Health’.

Taner Yücel, president of the Turkish Dental Association presenting the 101st FDI AWDC in Istanbul, 2013.

Taner Yücel, president of the Turkish Dental Association presenting the 101st FDI AWDC in Istanbul, 2013.

From Hong Kong to Istanbul. Sigmund Leung, myself and Taner Yücel.

From Hong Kong to Istanbul. Sigmund Leung, myself and Taner Yücel.

From 28 to 31 August 2013.

From 28 to 31 August 2013.


Vision 2020: a vision for young dentists

August 21, 2012

“The main goal of IADS always has been to unite the world’s dental students, to give them the opportunity to meet and discuss about their education, their profession and their future as a dentist.”

I was present at their 59th Annual Meeting

During my address to the delegates at the IADS & IDW Meeting, where I introduced FDI Vision 2020, and maybe due to the enthusiasm felt by those young dentists, I realized: young dentists worldwide will make it happen! They will be the responsible to continue it and to measure the impact after 2020. Young dentists were always a personal concern. I admire their ambitions and willingness to learn and improve skills.

With Ionut Luchian, IADS (International Association of Dental Students) immediate past president, and Stefánia Zsuzsanna Radó, president.

With the Portuguese delegation dental students at the IADS Meeting.


BRASIL SORRIDENTE (Smiling Brazil)

July 31, 2012

FDI Vision 2020 was official presented in Brazil. Under the invitation of the Brazilian Federal Government I was invited to present the program of the FDI VISION 2020, last 1st August, in Rio de Janeiro.

The program “Brasil Sorridente” this year under the theme “Primary Care: Universalization with Quality” is a Federal Government policy aiming to expand and improve Oral Health in Brazil. The 6th edition of this seminar had more than 1300 participants and 200 speakers.

I believe that it was a good beginning to introduce and spread Vision 2020. It was well received with a great will to go forward with it.

A smiling Vision 2020 has began!

Gilberto Pucca, national coordinator of ‘Smiling Brazil’, outlines the challenge of providing oral health care to the entire population within the context of primary health care.

You can download the event schedule in English or Portuguese (pdf).


Labai ačiū Lietuvos Odontologų rūmų tarybai (Many thanks Lithuania Dental Council!)

June 15, 2012

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A typical Lithuanian architecture style on my way to Druskininkai.

A typical Lithuanian architecture style on my way to Druskininkai.

A toast at a very warm welcome reception.

A toast at a very warm welcome reception.

The Lithuanian Dental Chamber president, Anastazija Tutkuvienė, acknowledging the Council by the end of her mandate.

The Lithuanian Dental Chamber president, Anastazija Tutkuvienė, acknowledging the Council by the end of her mandate.

At my “Oral Health Policy” presentation. Moderators were Edmondas Ratkus (left) and Prof. Balciuniene (right).

At my “Oral Health Policy” presentation. Moderators were Edmondas Ratkus (left) and Prof. Balciuniene (right).

Opening ceremony and elections for the new the Lithuanian Dental Camber. A. Šeikus was elected as president, A. Tutkuvienė, the current president, and P. Ralys became vice-presidents. Congratulations and wishes to all the elected a very prosperous mandate.

Opening ceremony and elections for the new the Lithuanian Dental Camber. A. Šeikus was elected as president, A. Tutkuvienė, the current president, and P. Ralys became vice-presidents. Congratulations and wishes to all the elected a very prosperous mandate.

At my left, Anastazija Tutkuvienė, former Lithuanian Dental Chamber president (2004-2012). On the right, the new president, Alvydas Šeikus.

At my left, Anastazija Tutkuvienė, former Lithuanian Dental Chamber president (2004-2012). On the right, the new president, Alvydas Šeikus.

Round table "Baltic Oral Health Strategy 2012-2020", with representatives of Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia.

Round table “Baltic Oral Health Strategy 2012-2020”, with representatives of Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia.

Lithuanian vice minister of Health, Audrius Klišonis.

Lithuanian vice minister of Health, Audrius Klišonis.

On the left, Nerija Stasiulienė, Head of Departament of Justice.

On the left, Nerija Stasiulienė, Head of Departament of Justice.

Jonas Bartlingas, Head of the Healh Care Resources, Ministry of Health.

Jonas Bartlingas, Head of the Healh Care Resources, Ministry of Health.

Group photo after the round table.

Group photo after the round table.

Lithuania delegation.

Lithuania delegation.

Estonia delegation.

Estonia delegation.

Latvia delegation.

Latvia delegation.

With new and past Lithuanian Dental Chamber presidents.

With new and past Lithuanian Dental Chamber presidents.

Congress exposition.

Congress exposition.

It was my second visit to Lithuania. One thing I’m sure: I will be back again!

 

Please, you can also check some external pages about my visit to Lithuania:


با تشکر از شما ایرانیان عزیز! (Thank you Iran)

May 16, 2012

This trip for me illustrates more than any other done so far the ‘quiet’ force of FDI, uniting people in a common cause, oral health, transcending borders and transcending politics.

Azadi Monument, in Tehran.

Azadi Monument, in Tehran.

Read the rest of this entry »


Cпасибо! Thank you! FDI in Russia…

April 30, 2012
At the restaurant museum Turandot.

At the restaurant museum Turandot.

Greatness!

Greatness!

With Ludmila Maximovskaya, vice-president of Russia Dental Association.

With Ludmila Maximovskaya, vice-president of Russia Dental Association.

With Oleg O. Janushevich, rector of Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, and with Kremlin in the back.

With Oleg O. Janushevich, rector of Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, and with Kremlin in the back.

Meeting with Russian Dental Council.

Meeting with Russian Dental Council.

Opening of the meeting of Russian Dental Association Council. Representatives of the profession from all Russia.

Opening of the meeting of Russian Dental Association Council. Representatives of the profession from all Russia.

Opening of the scientific conference from Moscow DentalExpo. From left, Vladimir Vagner, president of Russian Dental Association. me, and António Cláudio, interpreter.

Opening of the scientific conference from Moscow DentalExpo. From left, Vladimir Vagner, president of Russian Dental Association. me, and António Cláudio, interpreter.

Iosif Bochjovskiy, president of Russian Dental Industry.

Iosif Bochjovskiy, president of Russian Dental Industry.

Attendence photo. At the front, Ludmila Maximovskaya, vice-president of the Russian Dental Association, and Ilya Brodeskiy, DentalExpo managing director.

Attendence photo. At the front, Ludmila Maximovskaya, vice-president of the Russian Dental Association, and Ilya Brodeskiy, DentalExpo managing director.

Scientific conference at the exhibition.

Scientific conference at the exhibition.

Official opening of Moscow DentalExpo, at Crocus-Expo.

Official opening of Moscow DentalExpo, at Crocus-Expo.

Monument at entrance of Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry.

Monument at entrance of Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry.

From left to right, António Cláudio, Elena Ivanova, professor from ERO/FDI Working Group Academic/Professional Relations, Solomon A. Rabinovich, professor and vice rector for academic activities and international affairs, Me and Alexandr V. Konarev, editor in chief of Stomatology International Dental Review.

From left to right, António Cláudio, Elena Ivanova, professor from ERO/FDI Working Group Academic/Professional Relations, Solomon A. Rabinovich, professor and vice rector for academic activities and international affairs, Me and Alexandr V. Konarev, editor in chief of Stomatology International Dental Review.

Visit to Center research Institute and Maxillofacial Surgery. With Elena Verbo, chief of the Department of Reconstructive Surgery and Microsurgery, and Ramaz Sh. Gvetadze, Deputy director for science and medical work.

Porto, my city, is everywhere… Ristorante Porto Maltese in Moscow.

Meeting at Russia Dental Industry headoffice.

At Russia Dental Industry headoffice. From left, Ludmila Maximovskaya, Vladimir Vagner, Me and Iosif Bochjovskiy, president of Russian Dental Industry.

At Russia Dental Industry headoffice. From left, Ludmila Maximovskaya, Vladimir Vagner, Me and Iosif Bochjovskiy, president of Russian Dental Industry.

With Iosif Bochjovskiy, at the Russia Dental Industry headoffice.


Singapore IDEM

April 27, 2012
Singapore Ministry of Health, Gan Kim Yong, addressing at the opening. My speech is below.

Singapore Ministry of Health, Gan Kim Yong, addressing at the opening. My speech is below.

Opening ceremony - IDEM Singapore 2012 at Suntec. Me, Singapore Ministry of Health, Gan Kim Yong, Michael Dreyer, managing director, and Philip Goh, president of the Singapore Dental Association (SDA).

The IDEM/SDA exhibition, in co-operation with FDI World, was a huge success with 20% more attendants than the last edition.

The IDEM/SDA exhibition, in co-operation with FDI World, was a huge success with 20% more attendants than the last edition.

Giving an example of FDI publication Oral Health Atlas to Singapore Ministry of Health.

Giving an example of FDI publication Oral Health Atlas to Singapore Ministry of Health.

I was moderator of the "FDI Lecture: Pathogenesis and Management of Periodontal Disease – Changing Concepts" by Connie Drisko, from USA.

I was moderator of the "FDI Lecture: Pathogenesis and Management of Periodontal Disease – Changing Concepts" by Connie Drisko, from USA.


Obrigado Lisboa! Lisbon hosted the FDI Mid Year Council Meetings

March 20, 2012

By FDI executive director proposal, the FDI council assented to hold the Mid Year Council and Committees Meetings in Lisbon. It was the first time that those meetings were out of the FDI head office.

Me and Jean-Luc Eisele, FDI Executive Director.

Me and Jean-Luc Eisele, FDI Executive Director.

Plenary working session Council and all participants at the FDI committee meetings.

Council meeting.

Council meeting.

Remuneration Committee meeting.

Remuneration Committee meeting.

Communications & Members Support Committee meeting.

Communications & Members Support Committee meeting.

Dental Practice Committee meeting.

Dental Practice Committee meeting.

Colleagues at a small break of the Committee meetings.

Colleagues at a small break of the Committee meetings.

On Tuesday, March 13 all of we were invited for a dinner sponsored by Unilever. It took place at the Tivoli Theater, located at the heart of Avenida da Liberdade a cosmopolitan and big avenue, in Lisbon.

With Monica Carlile, regional marketing manager for Unilever Oral Care Europe.

With Monica Carlile, regional marketing manager for Unilever Oral Care Europe.

At Unilever dinner.

At Unilever dinner.

I wanted to present my colleagues from the five continents with a taste of Portuguese tradition. Here it is the famous “Pastéis de Belém”.

I wanted to present my colleagues from the five continents with a taste of Portuguese tradition. Here it is the famous “Pastéis de Belém”.

World Dental Development & Health Promotion (public health) meeting.

World Dental Development & Health Promotion (public health) meeting.

Dental Practice Committee.

Dental Practice Committee.

Portuguese night at the Restaurant “Clube de Fado”. The sound of a Portuguese Guitar with Portuguese traditional cooking (codfish was the dish choosen) at the ancient Lisbon, in Alfama, gave a different color!

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Fado singer Cuca Roseta ended the night.

Fado singer Cuca Roseta ended the night.

I believe that everyone enjoyed Lisbon. I was very pleased how things went. The meetings were extensive but fruitful. In several aspects FDI won with this decision on organizing the meetings in Lisbon. Thank you Lisbon!


Live. Learn. Laugh

February 20, 2012

As FDI President, I am proud to be associated with a project that is contributing so much to oral health all over the world.

Me with Monica Carlile, Regional Professional Marketing Manager for Europe, on my right, Virginie Horn, FDI World Education and Development Manager at my left, and local Unilever representatives.

Me with Monica Carlile, Regional Professional Marketing Manager for Europe, on my right, Virginie Horn, FDI World Education and Development Manager at my left, and local Unilever representatives.

Press conference

Press conference


FDI President Speaks About Oral Care (CNN Turk)

Unilever LLL workshop

Unilever LLL workshop

With Tri Erri Astoeti, from Indonesia Dental Association

Farewell dinner

Farewell dinner


AEEDC Dubai 2012

February 4, 2012

At the Annual Arab-Asian-African-American Scientific Dental Alliance Meeting. From left to right, Mohammed Jafar Abedin, me, Adbul Salam Al Madani, Adbullah Al Shammery, Tariq Khoory, Nasser Al Malik and Robert Edwab.

At the opening ceremony I highlighted the importance and value for AEEDC, to integrate European dental medicine organisations. This suggestion was accepted by the Alliance.

At the opening ceremony I highlighted the importance and value for AEEDC, to integrate European dental medicine organisations. This suggestion was accepted by the Alliance.

FDI booth at the AEEDC Dubai, with Neil Kirkman.

Dubai real states is booming and there is a lot of opportunities for dentists. See you in 2013!

Dubai real states is booming and there is a lot of opportunities for dentists. See you in 2013!