Schedule

Abstract: Digital technology has transformed many aspects of dentistry. One focus of this transformation has been on maxillofacial prosthodontics. This discipline of prosthodontics is generally characterized by its uncomfortable procedures and need for high level of experience to tackle the various issues related to design and fabrication. Digital technology using scanners and CAD/CAM technology has allowed for increased options and more control during the various issues including for removable and facial prosthesis as well as implant placement. This presentation will discuss various examples of use of such technology and the workflow involved.

Dr. Abdullah Barazanchi Senior Lecturer in Prosthodontics | Interprofessional Learning Lead

Non-infectious granulomatous disease comprises a large group of rare entities, which often do not only affect one, but several organs and therefore cause considerable morbidity and increase mortality in these mostly middle-aged to older patients. Children are even more rarely affected. Earlier diagnosis, appropriate immunosuppression and reduced cortison therapy can mitigate symptoms. Findings are often uncharacteristic, rarely show necrosis and are often associated with vasculitis. Therefore, interdisciplinary cooperation is mandatory to draw the right conclusions. The aim of this lecture is to highlight the potential of X-ray, ultrasound, CT and MRI and show hints, which can make one’s thoughts go into the direction of non-infectious granulomatous disease, such as necrosis of turbinates and nasal septum, three-layer-sclertic thickeing of paranasal sinus walls,pattern of involved intra-orbital muscles and other soft tissues, bilateral facial nerve paralysis, laterality, fat-density goiter, soft tissue calcifications and especially involvement of other organs. Taking the whole history of the patient into account helps to exclude other diseases and come closer to the correct diagnosis after thorough interdisciplinary cooperation

Prof. Dr. Soraya Robinson Professor of Radiology | President, European Society of Head and Neck Radiology (ESHNR)

Early detection remains the most important determinant of survival in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Traditionally, diagnosis has relied on clinical examination followed by biopsy and histopathological confirmation, with surgical excision as the cornerstone of treatment. However, recent advances in diagnostic technologies and therapeutic strategies suggest a potential paradigm shift in the management of early oral cancer. Minimally invasive approaches such as sentinel lymph node biopsy and personalised treatment strategies are reshaping management and reducing treatment-related morbidity. This presentation will review current evidence on evolving diagnostic and therapeutic approaches and critically evaluate whether these innovations represent a true paradigm shift in early oral cancer detection and management or an incremental refinement of existing practices.

Dr. Sataksi Chatterjee Consultant Head & Neck Surgeon

Tobacco control and cessation efforts aim to reduce tobacco use and support individuals in quitting both smoking and smokeless tobacco. The ultimate goal is to decrease the burden of oral cancer and associated mortality. These objectives can be achieved through dedicated tobacco control and cessation centres that provide structured counselling and pharmacotherapy, including nicotine replacement therapies, to assist users in quitting. Although awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco is widespread, education alone has not been sufficient to significantly reduce usage. More proactive interventions, particularly behavioural counselling combined with medical support, are essential for successful cessation. Tobacco control is not solely the responsibility of healthcare professionals. It requires collective social commitment, as individuals can contribute by quitting themselves or by supporting others in their efforts to quit. Even modest involvement can produce substantial public health benefits. This lecture will discuss practical approaches to tobacco control and cessation and encourage active participation in reducing tobacco-related disease.

Dr. Abhay Suresh Kulkarni Reader, Oral Medicine and Radiology

LIVE ONLY LECTURE

Prof. Dr. Saman Warnakulasuriya OBE Emeritus Professor of Oral Medicine and Experimental Pathology

Oral microbiology and pathology are entering a transformative era shaped by multi omics technologies, artificial intelligence, and the emerging science of the exposome. Moving beyond culture-based diagnostics and morphology alone, contemporary approaches integrate microbial ecology, host response, environmental exposures, and computational analytics to redefine disease detection and risk prediction. This lecture explores how dysbiosis, functional microbiomics, digital pathology, and AI-driven modeling are reshaping the diagnosis of caries, periodontitis, and oral cancer. Emphasis will be placed on exposome–microbiome interactions and the development of predictive, precision oral medicine, positioning academic oral pathology at the forefront of data-driven diagnostic innovation.

Professor Lakshman Samaranayake Professor Emeritus of Oral Microbiology | Editor-in-Chief, International Dental Journal

Destruction of the TMJ has many reasons. Trauma, inflammatory disease, and tumors are the main reasons for the often painful but also functional debilitation process that may have a profound psychological influence on a patient, mostly due to chronic pain, limiting the joy of eating, and the prolonged process before functional rehabilitation can take place. The reason for the destructive process, as well as the functional disturbance, dictates the process of conservative management, minimally invasive surgery, as well as more invasive reconstructive interventions. Conservative management, where possible, should be the first line of treatment in cases where ablative surgery is not indicated. Too early an intervention and too many surgical interventions may be detrimental to the healing process and may accelerate the destructive process with an increase in chronic pain. When this line of treatment has been exhausted, depending on the functional and structural deficit, reconstructive procedures can be considered. When the condyle could be stabilised, rather than use it as a base to correct the occlusion by orthognathic surgery procedures, or even utilize osseodistraction. When ablative surgery is indicated or if the measures mentioned before have failed, consideration should be given to more definitive reconstructive options like free bone transplants, free vascular tissue transfer, or, as a last option, total joint replacement. It is imperative to consider all treatment options, based on the underlying pathology, structures that may still be utilized, and the influence of previous and future treatment that may influence your reconstructive efforts. This presentation will walk you through the minefield of the destructed TMJ, giving guidelines based on the literature and a wide base of experience and case presentations.

Dr. Marius Bredell Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon | Head and Neck Surgery & Reconstruction

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming dental radiology by enhancing image interpretation, improving diagnostic accuracy, and supporting clinical decision-making. This lecture will provide an overview of current AI applications in panoramic radiography, cephalometric analysis, and CBCT imaging, highlighting advances in automated tooth detection, anatomical landmark identification, lesion characterization, and pathology segmentation. Integrating machine learning and deep learning methodologies, AI-powered radiological workflows offer improved consistency, reduced interpretation time, and enhanced early detection of dental and maxillofacial conditions. The session will also touch upon the future outlook of AI-driven multimodal imaging, including its potential role in MRI-based dental diagnostics and cross-modality fusion. Practical examples from recent clinical and research studies will be presented to demonstrate how AI is shaping the next generation of radiological diagnostics in dentistry.

Prof. Dr. Kaan Orhan Dean and a Professor of DentoMaxilloFacial Radiology

Chronic mechanical irritation (CMI) of the oral mucosa is defined as “the result or effect of repeated mechanical irritating action of an intraoral agent” and includes fixed, removable, and functional traumatic factors such as sharp teeth, defective prostheses, and parafunctional habits. In recent decades, an increasing percentage of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) not related to tobacco or alcohol have been recorded, so other risk factors are being studied. Epidemiological data show that no single risk factor is necessary or sufficient for OSCC, and that the accumulation of multiple factors increases risk. Case-control studies show that CMI increases the risk of OSCC, and even acts synergistically with tobacco and alcohol. Experimental animal models consistently confirm that chronic traumatic ulcer (a prototypical CMI lesion) act as tumor promoter, increasing OSCC frequency, aggressiveness, and reducing latency. However, epidemiological evidence is limited, not only in quantity, but also because cohort studies in humans are not ethically feasible. Therefore, the study of carcinogenesis biomarkers in CMI lesions is the most reasonable option to address the resolution of this discussion. Biological mechanisms proposed include chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, impaired DNA repair, apoptosis inhibition, angiogenesis, and epigenetic alterations. Although causality is not fully established, CMI may play a role in promoting and/or progressing oral carcinogenesis. Consequently, implementing anti-trauma protocols could reduce the incidence and morbidity of OSCC.

Prof. Dr. Eduardo David Piemonte Associate Professor of Oral Medicine