DT News - Pakistan - 2nd International Conference on Oral Implantology

Newsdesk

Tue. 8 April 2014

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Dr Irfan Qureshi, president of the FIDP, a well known figure in Pakistan for oral implantology and the main driving force behind the FIDP gave an account of the preparations behind this second international conference held in Karachi.

The Federation of Implant Dentistry Pakistan (FIDP) held its second international conference in Karachi from 21st to 23rd of march 2014. As expected, it was a high quality meeting with world class speakers from all over the world and once again the FIDP proved its commitment and class by pulling off an event at the picturesque DHA Golf and Country Club, attended by more than 500 delegates.

The speakers at the event were Dr Jin Kim (USA), Dr Henrietter Lerner (Germany), Dr Aldo Vicari (Venezuela), Dr Marwan Qasem (Palestine) and Dr Mohammad Assaf (Palestine). The event was impeccably organised and the arrangements, attention to detail and extraordinary ambience was evident. All in attendance were impressed with what was on display and most in the audience agreed that such ambience and atmosphere at a dental conference was unprecedented.

Dr Irfan Qureshi, president of the FIDP, a well known figure in Pakistan for oral implantology and the main driving force behind the FIDP gave an account of the preparations behind this second international conference held in Karachi. Dr Qureshi was quoted as saying, “It took us two years to arrange the second event, and it would be an understatement to say that the odds were highly stacked against us. Pakistan is a small Implantology market, and it was very difficult to get local implant dealers to come out as sponsors for this event which had a budget in excess of 50 lac rupees. Noone was willing to come forward and help us with a substantial sponsorship, I was working non stop, talking to everyone from pharmaceutical companies to implant dealers, and though I wasnt ready to lose hope, the response was disappointing. Then a friend, and a long term supporter of Continuing education in Pakistan, came forward and pledged sponsorship. I must thank Mr Leon Beaulieu, Vice President International Marketing for Biohorizons Implant System, who despite a last minute notice, gave platinum sponsorship for this event. and really that was the lifeline we needed. Mr Danish Sheikh from Sirsyed College of Medicine and Dentistry also came out fiercely in our support which gave renewed our self belief. Many other companies, such as 3M, ICS group (Gold Sponsors), Western (Tiologic Implants), Neobiotech, Novabone, Pfizer, World Group, Herrani Pharma, IBS implants and DIO implants joined in as well. And by the grace of Allah, the FIDP pulled off another memmorable event.”

“Sponsorships were not the only problem in this event..” Dr Qureshi adds, “One of our speakers from USA had his Pakistan visa rejected and we were informed at the last minute that the Pakistan embassy in Venezuela closed down more than a year ago. Getting visas for these speakers was the next challenge that stared us in the face, and I must thank Mr Hashim Hasan, owner and CEO of dental news, who with his his vigilant, prompt and unconditional support was instrumental in acquiring visas for our speakers. I must mention Mr Shahid Qureshi here too, who played a vital role in negotiating with the visa authorities to make them realise the importance of these speakers` presence in Pakistan and getting them to grant visas. Allah was truly on our side and our hardwork paid off. I was told after the first conference, that it would be difficult for us to emulate an event like the first conference again which was world class. I am proud to say that every person in audience believed we exceeded all expectation and raised the bar yet again. For the first time in Pakistan in a dental conference, we used an SMD 12 by 14 feet display screen. A professional was hired for the stage design and audiovisual and the superior quality was on display for all to see. Ms Sanam Agha, Nasreen Bokutz and Issac did an immaculate job with the audiovisual and the stage.”

What were the other factors that contributed in the FIDPs success? Dr Irfan adds, “We had a lot of youthful energy this time. Dr Sidra Khan, the latest addition to the FIDP core committee as the official Coordinator, did a wonderful job and showed organisation and maturity beyond her years. She handled a large volunteer team, print campaign, website, registrations and did so with efficiency. Dr Sidra Khan and Dr Maimoona Khan are the latest addition to the FIDP and together, they also ensured successful conduction of pre and post conference workshops. I must mention all the volunteers here, they are too many to name, but all the volunteers from several colleges, really added a youthful energy and enthusiasm to this event. These youngsters from Baqai Dental College, Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine, Sir Syed College of Medicine and Dentistry, Fatima Jinnah Dental College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Isra Dental College Hyderabad, Jinnah Medical and Dental College, Karachi Medical and Dental College, Liaquat College of Medicine and Dentistry all worked very very hard to ensure a successful event, and I am thankful to each and every one of them. I could see the enthusiasm on their faces and sense the inspiration they felt and as their teacher and colleague I feel proud of them. Without the help of these youngsters, this memorable event would not have been possible.”

As expected, the lectures given by all the speakers, were of top international standard, covered topics ranging from aesthetics, bone grafting, socket augmentation, implant complications and sinus grafting. It was a real treat for the audience to witness such lectures at a meagre registration fee of Rs 3500, right here in Pakistan.

As for the pre and post symposium workshops, this was another unprecedented step in implant dentistry education in Pakistan. On the 21st, 4 workshops ran simultaneously at different satellite venues which were dental clinics and 2 workshops were conducted post symposium as well. 4 of these 6 workshops, included implant placement on patients under direct supervision by participants, the patients, instruments, implants and ofcourse the training were all provided by the FIDP. Dr Irfan says, this is the best form of all learning involving direct patient contact. All workshop participants left satisfied. The workshops also involved advanced technques such as sinus grafting, PRF, and bone grafting. In particular, Dr Mohammad Assaf conducted workshops on soft tissue grafting and these periosurgery workshops were highly appreciated. The FIDP realises the need for periodontology training for clinicians, given the dearth of qualified periodontists in the country.

Dr Irfan also thanked the Pakistan Dental Association. “ The PDA and its president, Professor Saqib Rashid, were kind to grant us their patronage and their sponsorship. The FIDP is a testament to the new, dynamic leadership of the PDA, and its commitment to supporting dental professional and dentistry across the county.”

“Last but not the least, I must thank my brothers, who has stood by me in this endeavour and have always offered unconditional support” Dr Irfan said this of the core committee and founding members of the FIDP: Dr Yawar Abidi (Vice President), Dr Sameer Quraishi (Finance Secretary), Dr Murtuza Kazmi (General Secretary), Dr Mehmood Hussain (Joint Secretary). Every single one of these individuals, is a renowned mentor and clinician with his own following and the FIDP would not be where it is today without these brothers of mine as its pillars.

Dr Irfan also thanked Dr Marwan from Palestine, “ Marwan is my brother and all it has ever taken for him to throw his weight behind me is one phone call. He played an instrumental role in this event too, and is loved and adored by all that know him in Pakistan.”

The Federation of Implant Dentistry Pakistan is now becoming symbolic as a group that organises high quality, world class educational events. What is it that drives this dynamic organisation with passion? Dr Irfan says:

“On a personal note, I have always been perturbed at the way the world perceives the people of Pakistan, which I have noticed among people during my travels (specially on immigration counters) and I believe that professional excellence along with commitment to continued progress and growth is just one way to improve Pakistan`s image in the world. My dream is that one day, clinicians from around the world will seek to come to Pakistan and train under the FIDPs faculty to achieve excellence in Oral Implantology. All the international speakers that visit Pakistan, to lecture for us, take back with them, fond memories and a positive impression of our hospitality and commitment to progress. I consider this, a small victory for Pakistan, as it battles to improve its image in the global community.”

Dr Irfan Qureshi can be reached at drirfanqureshikcl@gmail.com