PDTMA cancels dental conference segment, PDA welcomes the move

LAHORE: The Pakistan Dental Traders and Manufacturers Associates (PDTMA) has decided to withdraw its plans to include a dental conference segment in the upcoming PDTMA International Dental Expo & Conference 2025 after objections from the Pakistan Dental Association (PDA). The event, set to take place from May 2 to 4, 2025, at the Expo Center Lahore, will now focus solely on showcasing the latest dental products and innovations, with no scientific sessions included.

Controversy and PDA's intervention

The controversy emerged when various branches of the Pakistan Dental Association raised concerns about the inclusion of scientific sessions within commercial exhibitions. Following consultations with stakeholders, PDTMA's Senior Vice President, Rashid Chughtai, confirmed that the exhibition would remain dedicated exclusively to commercial showcases without the inclusion of any scientific content.

PDA emphasizes the need for academic settings for scientific sessions

The Pakistan Dental Association raised concerns regarding the integration of scientific sessions into a commercial exhibition format, emphasizing the potential confusion it could cause regarding the credibility of content and the qualifications of speakers. The PDA stressed that scientific discussions should only occur in academic settings that maintain high professional standards and are endorsed by relevant regulatory bodies.

PDA representatives emphasized that such sessions should be conducted in environments where dental professionals can present research and exchange knowledge without the distractions of commercial interests. The association also pointed out that promoting scientific content within a commercial event could lead to a conflict of interest, undermining the trust placed in dental education and industry advancements.

PDTMA's response and clarification

After receiving feedback from the PDA, Rashid Chughtai met with Dr. Tahir Mehmood, President of PDA Lahore Chapter, who represented senior dental community and PDA Central Council President. During their discussion, Mr. Chughtai clarified that the PDTMA International Dental Expo & Conference 2025 would proceed exclusively as a commercial exhibition, focusing on dental technologies and products.

He assured the dental community that no scientific conference would be part of the event and that PDTMA valued the role of the Pakistan Dental Association in maintaining the integrity of dental education. Mr. Chughtai also extended a warm invitation to dental professionals and enthusiasts to attend the exhibition and explore the latest innovations in dental care.

Dr. Khurshid Ahmed, President of the Pakistan Dental Association (PDA) Central Council, speaking to Dental News, welcomed PDTMA's decision to exclude the dental conference from the upcoming exhibition. He wished PDTMA the best for a successful commercial exhibition. Dr. Ahmed reiterated that the PDA's objection stemmed from the belief that academic activities fall within the PDA’s domain and should therefore be conducted under its auspices to ensure the highest standards of professional integrity and credibility.

A clear focus on innovation at the upcoming expo

With the exclusion of scientific sessions, the PDTMA International Dental Expo 2025 will focus solely on commercial exhibitions, featuring the latest dental technologies and products. This change ensures that the event will remain aligned with industry standards while avoiding any confusion over the blending of commercial and scientific content.