FDI 2017 - Annual World Dental Congress

In 2017, FDI returns to Spain to hold its World Dental Congress (WDC). It is an exciting prospect to be hosted by a founder member and enthusiastic and active supporter of FDI: the Spanish Dental Association (Consejo General de Colegios Odontólogos y Estomatólogos de España). 

Madrid has already played host to three WDC, including one of the earliest Annual Sessions1 in 1903, on the invitation of Dr Florestan Aguilar of Spain. He was an FDI founding father, former President and Secretary-General, and towering presence for over 30 years in our federation’s early work. 

Madrid is also an exciting prospect for exhibitors to display their equipment, products and services in a mature and growing oral health market. According to 2016 statistics by Eurostat, of the just-under 330,000 practising dentists in Europe, nearly one-tenth are in Spain (32,429), making it the continent’s fourth largest dental market. Annual sales of dental equipment are well in excess of EUR 65 million, while growth in the dental market is estimated at 2% per year. 

FDI’s World Dental Congress is one of the world’s oldest international events under the name of one of the world’s oldest medical-sector organizations. It is the ‘must-attend’ international meeting point for sharing policy, information and ideas on dentistry and oral health. It is also a highly reputable source of continuing education allowing dentists and other oral health practitioners to stay abreast of the latest technology and practices. It regularly offering courses by speakers from over 30 countries. Other congress features include the World Oral Health Forum, which provides an opportunity to debate hot topics in oral health and related issues. 

The World Dental Exhibition has been an integral part of the WDC ever since 1929, when an Oral Health Exhibition first took place in association with the 23rd FDI Annual Session in Utrecht (Netherlands). The dental profession and the dental industry are essential partners in delivering oral health to populations around the world. Their symbiotic relationship is even more important today as new materials and technology are developed rapidly to accommodate the latest treatment philosophies. 

The renowned IFEMA Feria de Madrid is a prime event venue and clear benchmark in the international show and conference sector. With some 500 events organized annually, it plays a vital role in the local and national economy as a key vector for promoting Madrid, hence Spain. 

The city of Madrid, the capital of Spain, with a population of just over 3 million, is one of the world’s leading conference and tourism destinations. It is famous for its rich cultural heritage, baroque architecture, elegant boulevards, beautifully-landscaped parks as well as its starred restaurants and bustling night-life. 

We look forward to seeing you in Madrid, 29 August -1 September 2017, for the FDI World Dental Congress and international dental exhibition.

Dr. Patrick Hescot 
President of FDI World Dental Federation