Pakistan dental conference calls for National Oral Health Policy as AI, research take focus

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's dental research community has been urged to develop a comprehensive National Oral Health Policy, as researchers, clinicians, academics and students gathered in Islamabad for a major international conference focused on artificial intelligence, digital dentistry, research innovation and the future of dental education.

The call was made by Federal Minister for Planning and Development Prof. Ahsan Iqbal at the 1st SOD SZABMU International Dental Conference 2026 and the 9th Annual Conference of the Pak Association for Dental Research (IADR Pakistan Section).

The two-day conference, held at the Pak-China Friendship Center, was jointly organised by the IADR Pakistan Section and the School of Dentistry at Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABMU), Islamabad.

More than 1,000 participants from Pakistan and abroad attended the conference, which was held under the theme, “Innovations in Dental Research: Bridging Knowledge, Clinical Practice, and Education.”

Addressing the gathering as chief guest, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal stressed the importance of advanced education, research, artificial intelligence and digitalisation in preparing Pakistan's young professionals for rapidly changing technologies.

He called on the IADR Pakistan Section to develop a comprehensive National Oral Health Policy and highlighted the role of scientific research in addressing healthcare challenges and supporting evidence-based planning.

The minister encouraged young dental professionals to develop advanced skills, embrace innovation and contribute to research and technological development.

The conference brought together academics, clinicians, researchers and students from across Pakistan, while international speakers from the United States, United Kingdom, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia participated in the scientific programme.

The event was chaired by Prof. Abdul Samad Khan, Founding Member and former President of the IADR Pakistan Section, while SZABMU Vice Chancellor Prof. Tanvir Khaliq (T.I.) served as Patron-in-Chief.

Prof. Bilal Ahmad (T.I.), Principal of the School of Dentistry, Islamabad, and Prof. Saroosh Ehsan, President of PADR/IADR Pakistan Section, were among the patrons of the conference.

In his keynote address, Prof. Abdul Samad Khan emphasised the importance of research in sustainable development and said investment in scientific research was essential for developing indigenous solutions, strengthening healthcare and supporting evidence-based policymaking.

He also highlighted the role of basic sciences in clinical innovation and encouraged researchers to develop multidisciplinary collaborations and translate laboratory findings into clinically relevant solutions.

Artificial intelligence and digital dentistry featured prominently in the scientific programme, which included 14 sessions covering dental materials, basic sciences research, comprehensive care dentistry, prosthodontics, operative dentistry, endodontics, paediatric dentistry, medical education and emerging AI applications in dental research and education.

The programme also included sessions on digital approaches in clinical practice, workload management and professional career pathways.

A session led by Dr. Khalid Chaudhry, President of Dental APPNA, USA, focused on professional pathways to the United States and provided participants with information about international career opportunities.

The conference also featured oral and poster presentation competitions aimed at promoting research among postgraduate and undergraduate students.

In the Dentists Poster Presentation Competition, Manahil Niazi of BMY Health, Pakistan, won for her research on learning preferences and styles of Generation Z dental and medical students.

The PG Oral Presentation Competition and Research Excellence Award was won by Dr. Amna Rajpoot of Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore, for research involving antimicrobial agents and 3D-printed heterogeneous scaffolds for bone-related applications.

Dr. Tooba Siddiqi of Bahria University Medical and Dental College, Karachi, was runner-up for a study comparing the diagnostic accuracy of AI models and orthodontists in dental and skeletal stage estimation.

In the postgraduate poster competition, Kinza Iftikhar of HITEC Institute of Medical Sciences Dental College, Taxila, won for research comparing regenerative endodontic treatment using platelet-rich plasma with conventional root canal treatment.

Rashmi of the School of Dentistry, SZABMU, Islamabad, was runner-up for research examining barriers and future preparedness related to digital prosthodontic competency among prosthodontic residents.

The undergraduate Rising Scholar Award was won by Immad Ahmad of University College of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Lahore, for research comparing pomegranate extract mouthwashes with chlorhexidine.

Taha Kashif Rana of de’Montmorency College of Dentistry, Lahore, was recognised for research on public awareness of oral potentially malignant disorders, while Nimra Shah of Hamdard College of Dentistry, North Nazimabad, was recognised for research examining awareness of dental erosion associated with commonly consumed beverages.

The Students' Quiz Competition was won by the School of Dentistry, Islamabad, while HITEC Institute of Medical Sciences Dental College secured second position.

A trade exhibition held alongside the scientific sessions featured dental companies displaying equipment, materials, instruments and technologies, providing participants with an opportunity to explore developments in modern dental practice.

Prof. Nazia Yazdani also presented a historical and professional perspective on the development of Prosthodontics in Pakistan.

The conference was supported by organising teams from the University of Lahore, School of Dentistry SZABMU and the IADR Pakistan Section. Prof. Muhammad Imran Rahbar, Prof. Khalid Mahmood Siddiqi, Dr. Maria Shakoor, Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Owais Nasim and Dr. Aqsa Arfi were among those involved in organising the event.

The conference concluded with renewed emphasis on strengthening dental research, education and innovation in Pakistan.

The call for a National Oral Health Policy emerged as one of the key outcomes of the gathering, placing renewed focus on the role of dental researchers and professional institutions in translating scientific evidence into policies aimed at improving oral healthcare across the country.