Malaysian Dental Association’s 80th Annual General Meeting (AGM)

The Malaysian Dental Association’s 80th Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held successfully in the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on 18th June 2023. This meeting would also mark the end of term for the current MDA Council (2021/2023) and alongside the general meeting an election for the new Council Members (2023/2025) was conducted accordingly. A total of 182 MDA members turned up for the event.

The event officially started at 9.00 am with a lecture series by Dr Nurul Syakirin binti Abdul Shukor on “CPD – A Regulatory Requirement for Application of Practicing Certificate”, followed by Dr Neoh Leong Seng on “Mind the Gap – Interdisciplinary Management of Edentulous Gaps in Partially Dentate Patients”.

The highlight of the meeting, being the general election saw competition for the following positions:

1. President Elect Position

2. Honorary Publication Secretary

3. Elected Council Member

4. MDA Board of Trustees

Congratulations to all the new council members and thank you to the other members that provided valuable input for the benefit of the association.

Malaysia International Dental Exhibition and Conference 2023

The Malaysia International Dental Exhibition & Conference (MIDEC) 2023 took place from August 4th to 6th at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). This prestigious event brought together dental professionals, researchers, educators, and industry leaders from around the world to exchange knowledge, showcase innovations, and discuss the latest trends in the field of dentistry. The conference aimed to provide a platform for networking, education, and collaboration within the dental community.

This year, MIDEC 2023 received an overwhelming response with almost 2700 registered delegates and an additional 2100 (non-delegates) trade visitors. There were 248 trade booths, representing 105 participating companies. The exhibition hall featured an impressive array of booths from dental equipment manufacturers,
suppliers, pharmaceutical companies, technology and education providers, as well as other organisations related to dental practice. Attendees had the opportunity to explore the latest dental products, technologies, and services available in the market, as well as participated in interactive mini lectures and demonstrations conducted at the booths.

MIDEC 2023 featured 37 speakers (14 overseas) from various dental disciplines, as well as our colleagues from medical and law fields. This year, we are honoured to have renown speakers from the UK, Australia, Italy, Brazil, Spain, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, China, Thailand, Vietnam, and many other esteemed experts locally and from around this region. The conference program was diverse and comprehensive, covering a wide range of topics including updates on clinical procedures, dental innovations, research findings, educational advancements and practice management. Renowned speakers from the global dental community delivered insightful presentations and engaged in panel discussions.

In addition, five workshops and hands-on sessions were conducted during and post-congress, to provide a practical dimension to the theoretical knowledge shared during the conference. These workshops were delivered by Professor Shanon Patel, Professor Igor Blum, Professor Simone Grandini and Associate Professor Dr Michael Stubbs, who are all world renown experts in their respective areas. Four forums were conducted, discussing issues relating to mental health and harassment in clinical practice, business development strategies, professional indemnity and dental protection, as well as the Code of Professional Conduct.

MIDEC 2023 also provided researchers, academics and clinicians with the opportunity to present their latest research findings through oral presentations, fostering the exchange of cutting-edge knowledge in the field. 33 presentations were observed for oral scientific competition, divided into two categories- original research and case presentation. There were also 20 presentations for MIDEC-MADPHS Community Engagement competition- all who were shortlisted from a total of 34 entries representing various sectors, including universities, Ministry of Health and non-governmental organisations.

Installation of MDA Council and Committee of the 2023/2025 session took place during the Gala Dinner. Invited guests were entertained by singing, instrumental and stand-up comedy performances, and enjoyed a video to celebrate 85 years anniversary of MDA.

MDA wishes to thank our Guest of Honour, the Principal Director of Oral Health, Dr Noormi binti Othman, who was represented by Dr Chia Jit Chie, the Director of Oral Health Policy and Strategic Planning Division. Our sincere gratutide goes to the main sponsor, Haleon; Platinum sponsor, Dentium Malaysia; as well as silver sponsors, Shofu Dental Asia Pacific, Southern Lion Sdn Bhd, Medical Protection Society and AON Insurance Brokers Sdn Bhd for your support in MIDEC 2023. Last but not least, MDA would also like to thank all who have contributed as members of the organising committee, as well as speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, supporters, judges, moderators, assistants, volunteers, and of course the participants of this scientific program and trade exhibition.

Assoc Prof Dr Mas Suryalis Ahmad
Chairperson, MIDEC 2023