Pune: The Department of Dental Surgery & Oral Health Sciences at Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune, organized the 14th National Dental Sciences Update on October 7-8, 2024.

The event, themed 'Emerging Challenges in Contemporary Dental Practice: Current Update and Future Prospects,' brought together experts from the Armed Forces and civilian institutions to discuss the latest developments in the field.

The update was inaugurated by Lt Gen Vineet Sharma, VSM, Director General of Dental Services & Col Commandant, Army Dental Corps. During his inaugural address, he commended Brig M Viswambaran, Professor & Head of the Department, and his team for successfully hosting the event after a three-year hiatus.

Lt Gen Sharma emphasized the importance of staying abreast of new technologies and the challenges posed by rapid innovations such as artificial intelligence in modern dental practice.

Distinguished dignitaries, including Lt Gen Sandeep Thareja, SM, VSM**, Director & Commandant, and Maj Gen Giriraj Singh, Dean & Deputy Commandant of AFMC, Pune, attended the event, along with senior officials from the Armed Forces.

The event featured comprehensive discussions on contemporary topics in dentistry, with notable speakers of national and international repute. Dr. TV Padmanabhan, Senior Implantologist, Prosthodontist, and Chairman of the Indian Board of Prosthodontists, delivered the keynote address.

A significant part of the update was a panel discussion on 'The Future of Dentistry with Artificial Intelligence: A Blessing or Curse?' Additionally, a postgraduate symposium titled 'Dental Sciences in 2040' allowed aspiring specialists to present their insights. More than 200 students from dental colleges across the Pune region actively participated in the two-day event.