Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Faculty of Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry will hold a joint conference entitled ‘Same Problems New Directions’ taking place today and tomorrow in RCSI.

The conference will bring together experts from around the world to discuss dental issues in paediatric dentistry. This will include the latest in the management of tooth decay, scientific advancement in prevention and treatment, wellness and contemporary approaches to quality total patient care.

The landmark Edward Leo Sheridan Lecture will address the past, present and future of paediatric dentistry. 

The conference also highlights the issues of dental workforce shortages around the globe and in Ireland and how innovative changes in dental education will result in enhanced dental care for both the children and adults of Ireland.

Professor Albert Leung, Dean, Faculty of Dentistry, RCSI, said: "We need a step change in dental education in Ireland. The availability of licensed dentists per capita in Ireland has not increased in over 15 years, while it has grown by approximately 20% in other countries.

"We now need an urgent change in the provision of dental education in Ireland by increasing the capacity and number of dentistry programmes and also to train dentists in a primary care environment to best serve the local population, particularly in area of high dental needs."

Find further information and how to register for the conference here.