DentaInnovate 2024 celebrates talent, innovation in dentistry

KARACHI: The three-day DentaInnovate 2024 held recently at the Healthcare Expo by the Liaquat College of Medicine and Dentistry (LCMD), in collaboration with Bhitai Dental College, gathered dental professionals from across the country, besides featuring various contests where the participants displayed their talent and innovation in the field of dentistry.

Led by Prof. Dr. Navid Rashid Qureshi, Principal and Chief Organizer, along with Secretary Prof. Dr. Tahera Ayub and Co-Secretary Dr. Rizwan Hassan, DentaInnovate 2024 set a new standard for excellence and innovation in dentistry.

The inaugural day featured poster, e-poster, and Table Clinic competitions, showcasing the ingenuity and talent in Pakistan's dental community.

In the e-poster competition, with 26 entries from around the globe, Dr. Samreen Malik from LMCD stood first, followed by Syeda Abeera Tanweer and Fakeha Azhar from Aga Khan University second, and Hafsa Sheikh and Dr. Junaid Lakhani from Jinnah Medical and Dental College, along with Muhamad Saud Qazi from Dow University of Health Sciences, sharing third place.

In the poster contest featuring 86 posters from dental institutions nationwide, Dr. Ushnah Imran from Baqai Dental College stood first, with Dr. Mariyah Fasih from Dow International Dental College and Zahra Ahmed Qazi from Aga Khan University securing second and third places, respectively.

The Table Clinic Competition, which displayed 70 practical dental techniques and innovations was one by Dr. Mehwish Shah and Dr. Eman Munaf from Ziauddin University, while Yusra, Warda, and Eman from Isra University got second position, and Maham Asif and Nidda Jaffar from Hamdard College of Medicine and Dentistry remained third.

The second day was dedicated to scientific sessions and a thrilling Quiz Competition, fostering intellectual engagement among the contestants.

Renowned speakers, including Prof. Dr. Arshad Hassan, Prof. Dr. Navid Rashid Qureshi, and Dr. Sameer Qureshi, led enlightening sessions on cutting-edge advancements in dentistry. CME-accredited workshops provided practical experience and continuing medical education credits, enhancing the skills and knowledge of dental professionals.

The DentaInnovate Healthcare Expo '24 was the brainchild of Prof. Dr. Navid Rashid Qureshi and was organized by Dr. Amna Rehman, Assistant Professor in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

The Scientific Session featured distinguished speakers who shed light on the latest advancements in dentistry. It was divided into four segments, and each one was dedicated to a luminary in the field. The session began with a tribute to Dr. Arif Alvi, followed by lectures delivered by guests like Dr. Abdul Mudassir and Dr. Junaid Lakhani. Dr. Arshad Hassan's lecture on "Mastering Minimally Invasive Endodontics" emphasized precision in modern dental practices.

The second segment honored Prof. Dr. Riaz Warraich, with contributions from Mr Tauqir and Prof. Dr. Feroze Kalhoro. Dr. Rashna Hoshang Sukhia and Dr. Salman Shafique discussed the transformative potential of AI in orthodontics and diagnostic processes.

The third segment celebrated Prof. Dr. Nazia Yazdaani, with insights from Dr. Imtiaz Lone and Prof. Dr. Kashif Naqvi. Dr. Sameer Quraeshi and Dr. Fahad Umer, who highlighted the revolutionary impact of 3D printing and AI in dentistry.

The final segment honored Dr. Pervaiz Iqbal, with contributions from Dr. Altaf Hussain Pabaney and Dr. Sheraz Hussain. Dr. Ashar Jamelle and Dr. Sana Mirza concluded the session with discussions on advancements in periodontology and innovative uses of lasers in dentistry.

The keynote lectures were complemented by six free paper presentations, showcasing research by emerging talents. The event saw a remarkable turnout, with notable figures like Dr. Feroz Jehangir, Dr. Mustafa Butt, and Dr. Ali Maqbool further enhancing its significance.

Organized by Dr. Tazeen Zehra and her team, the Quiz Competition was participated by 16 colleges. Hamdard College of Medicine and Dentistry won the contest, followed by Bahria University Dental College in second place, and Fatima Jinnah Dental College and LCMD sharing third place.

The third day featured launch of the inaugural Dental Film Fest, that screened 48 short films and 50 reels on dental themes.

Organized by Dr. Rizwan, Prof. Dr. Uzma Zareef, Dr. Saba, Dr. Dua, Dr. Maryam, and Dr. Ashad, the film fest entries were judged by known figures from media and healthcare, including Dr. Shaista Lodhi, Dr. Awab Alvi, and Dr. Azmat Khan.

Malik Mehroz Saqib from Baqai Dental College and Umaid Noor from Liaquat College of Medicine and Dentistry had a tie for the first position in the short film competition. Hiba Kaukab from Fatima Jinnah Dental College won second place, and Dr. Rabail Khero from LCMD secured third place.

In the reels contest, Fasih Zafar from LCMD bagged first place, followed by Bibi Esha and Yumna Zubair in second and third places, respectively. The Audience Choice Award went to Hania Amir from Ziauddin University.

DentalInnovate 2024 celebrated the achievements of dental professionals by awarding the top performers grand cash prizes, certificates, and e-certificates, recognizing their outstanding contributions.