On behalf of the International Association of Paediatric Dentistry (IAPD) and the South African Association of Paediatric Dentistry (SAAPD), we take great pleasure in inviting you to join us for the 30th IAPD Congress - taking place for the first time on the African continent - from 22-25 October 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa.
We're immensely excited to host you in our beautiful country, as we explore new frontiers in Paediatric Dentistry under the theme "Refresh - Refocus - Renew"
Refresh - Refocus - Renew Paediatric Dentistry as part of holistic, patient-centred health care.
The golden thread through this congress theme and slogan is how we as paediatric dentists should refresh, refocus and renew our approach to providing patient-centred, holistic oral health care. This theme also links to focused research in Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) which is a multi-dimensional construct that includes a subjective evaluation of the individual's oral health, functional well-being, emotional well-being, expectations and satisfaction with care and sense of self.
Especially in children, impaired oral health and function can affect growth and development- not only physical but also emotional, social and psychological. Decisions made and treatment done on a child can have life-long consequences.
It is, therefore, our duty to step up to the challenges of paediatric dentistry, to consult and collaborate with each other, different specialists and medical professionals to make sure we care for the 'whole child' and not only the child's teeth. The 3-day scientific program will be comprehensive, catering for all special interests pertaining to paediatric dentistry:
Day 1, focusing on Diagnosis & Behaviour Management will Refresh your knowledge on the aetiology and diagnosis of disease and pathology, Refocus you on the well-being of your patient and yourself through behaviour management techniques, and Renew your approach to providing inter- or multidisciplinary oral health care.
Day 2, with a special focus on Holistic Oral Health care, will Refresh your understanding of caries, Refocus your care plans on holistic health care and Renew your approach to patient-specific oral rehabilitation with the newest technology and advances.
Day 3 will Refresh your knowledge of modern dentistry and available technology, Refocus on tooth preservation and Renew your approach to providing care as a paediatric dentist.
Paediatric dentistry requires a balance of knowledge, skills, patience and personality! The social program will create opportunities for interaction, relaxation, collaboration and just some plain African fun under the African sun!
The ultimate goal is for each attendee to leave feeling "refreshed, refocused and renewed" in order to support each other, across local and International borders, in making paediatric dentistry a cornerstone of providing holistic healthcare to our children.
We can't wait to see you in Cape Town!