Hands-on learning takes center stage at PDA operative dentistry workshop

What set the workshop apart was its unapologetically practical format. Rather than relying on slide-based lectures, facilitators Dr Jazib Memon and Dr Marhaba Sheikh structured the day around live demonstrations and immediate hands-on application. This allowed participants to observe technique execution in real time and then replicate those steps under expert supervision, creating a direct bridge between theory and practice.

The clinical content reflected contemporary operative dentistry workflows. Demonstrations included DME simplified protocols inspired by Styloitaliano, precise isolation and contouring using Teflon floss and double matrix systems, and aesthetic-driven concepts such as Essential Lines (Pizza Technique) and the Centripetal Technique. The inclusion of micro-abrasion for intrinsic stain management on live patients added a layer of realism that resonated strongly with attendees.

Live patient work proved to be a defining element. Seeing treatment planning, execution, and outcome management unfold in real clinical settings helped participants appreciate subtle but critical factors that are often lost in simulated environments. For many, this reinforced confidence in adopting these techniques immediately into daily practice.

Interest in the workshop was swift and decisive. All 22 available seats were taken within 72 hours, reflecting a growing appetite within Pakistan’s dental community for skill-based, outcome-oriented education backed by reputable professional bodies. The strong response highlighted a shift in expectations, with clinicians increasingly prioritizing training that delivers tangible improvements in patient care.

The smooth flow of the session owed much to the organizational efforts of Dr Imran Nasir, Dr Shahrukh Lodhi, and Dr Sana Rasheed, whose coordination ensured that both academic content and logistics remained seamless throughout the day.

As Pakistan’s dental education landscape continues to mature, this workshop demonstrated how focused, hands-on learning models can effectively bridge global clinical concepts with local practice realities. The PDA pre-conference session not only enriched participants’ skillsets but also offered a glimpse into the evolving direction of professional dental training in the country.