Digital Dentistry Society - STATE OF THE ART CONFERENCE 2026

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DDS 2026
STATE OF THE ART CONFERENCE

About the Conference

DIGITAL DENTISTRY UNLOCKED

Digital Dentistry Unlocked: this edition of the Digital Dentistry Society State of the Art Conference – the world’s largest scientific event among the digital dentistry community – will feature leading clinical experts and researchers who will discuss the most innovative digital technologies and established clinical procedures.

Meet the Speakers

The State of the Art Conference 2026 brings together renowned international experts and visionary leaders in the field: this premier event features world-class speakers who are shaping the future of digital workflows, innovation, and clinical excellence in dentistry. Join leading voices from around the globe as they share insights, research, and transformative strategies driving the evolution of digital dentistry.

Topics & Scientific Program

AI-based Dental Imaging
Unlocked

Radiological imaging is still playing a key role in the diagnosis and planning of modern dental treatments. Artificial intelligent imaging is rapidly shaping clinical diagnosis in oral healthcare. The use of AI can be related to optimisation of radiological imaging in the context of radiation protection, by reducing or correction image artefacts and by radiation dose reduction for patients and professionals. At the same time this lecture will focus on how to allow for optimal use of radiographic images in relation to correct diagnostics in the context of targeted treatment.

Goal: to understand limitations, ethical aspects and radiation protection benefits of dental AI and to use AI tools for optimal radiological diagnostics with reduced radiation doses.

Speakers: Erwin Berkhout, Reinhilde Jacobs

Digital Endodontics
Unlocked

In this session 4 endodontic specialists working clinically and academically across Europe, will lecture and discuss all aspects of contemporary endodontic treatments with a focus on digital solutions for specialistic endodontic care, based on image-guided solutions for diagnosis and treatment. A number of clinical cases will be introduced to demonstrate when and how digital endodontic workflows may help the specialist to provide the best possible care, even in complex and/or therapy resistant cases.

Goal: to demonstrate the possibilities and limitations of digitalisation for diagnosis and treatment of clinical endodontic problems.

Speakers: Roberto Aza, Roberto Fornara, Andrés Torres, Paul Lambrechts

Digital Orthodontics
Unlocked

In this session orthodontic specialists working clinically and academically across Europe, will lecture and discuss all aspects of contemporary orthodontic treatments with a focus on digital solutions for specialistic orthodontic care, based on image-guided solutions for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment. At the same time, the orthodontists will also focus on the possibilities and limitations of using orthodontic treatment and aligners in relation to support restorative treatment demands, by interaction with a specialist in restorative dentistry. A number of clinical cases will be introduced to demonstrate when and how digital orthodontic workflows may help the specialist to provide the best possible care, even in complex and/or therapy resistant cases.

Goal: to demonstrate the possibilities and limitations of digitalisation for diagnosis and treatment of clinical orthodontic problems.

Speakers: Flavia Preda, Isabelle Savoye, Stefania Perrotta, Ellen Cloet

Digital Multidisciplinary Implant Workflow

n this session 2 restorative specialists will interact with a surgeon to allow offering multidisciplinary treatment by applying digital implant workflows for challenging cases needing oral rehabilitation. A number of clinical cases will be introduced to demonstrate when and how digital workflows may aid the multidisciplinary treatment to provide the best possible care in complex cases needing bone grafting and implant treatment for oral rehabilitation.

Goal: to demonstrate the possibilities and limitations of digitalisation for oral rehabilitation by clinical multidisciplinary implant workflows.

Speakers: Jan Meeus, Ellen Wouters, Lieven Barbier

Digital Workflow in Children: Towards Tooth Biofabrication

In this session, specialists in pediatric dentistry and periodontal surgery will focus on digital workflows for treatment planning and solutions for challenging clinical cases and the specific limitations in relation to pediatric patients. One of the limitations is the fact that dental implant treatment cannot be used in growing children in case of tooth loss. Therefore the speakers will illustrate solutions from using a digital workflow for tooth autotransplantation to the pathway towards tooth root biofabrication.

Goal: to demonstrate the possibilities and limitations of using digital workflows for treatment of pediatric patients, with a focus on treatment solutions for tooth loss in pediatric patients.

Speakers: Alina Paganini, Mostafa Ezeldeen, Pierre Lahoud

Bioprinting in Medicine
Unlocked

3D bioprinting enables the creation of complex 3D structures using living cells and biomaterials (called bioinks), with potential applications in regenerative medicine, in vitro models for drug discovery and cultivated meat. This technology is a rapidly evolving field that could revolutionize healthcare and biomedical research. Although its feasibility is already proven, significant challenges need to be addressed before its translation to clinical applications. In this lecture, Prof Moroni will introduce us in the field of bioprinting, explaining the technological challenges and potential clinic applications.

Goal: to explain the technological challenges and potential clinic applications in the field of medical and dental bioprinting.

Speakers: Lorenzo Moroni

At the end of the day, a joint questions and discussion panel will be held, offering participants the opportunity to engage directly with the speakers and explore key themes in greater depth.

Implant Surgery
Unlocked

This interactive lecture focuses on advanced surgical techniques for dental implant placement in complex clinical scenarios. Case selection criteria and risk assessment for compromised anatomy will be illustrated by a series of case presentation. Strategies for immediate implant placement in compromised bone will be presented. Furthermore, soft tissue management and techniques to optimize optimised aesthetic outcomes will be emphasized.

Goal: to explain dentists how to handle complex cases for implant placement centring on digital planning tools and guided surgery protocols.

Speakers: Jaafar Mouhyi, Umberto Zanetti, Bassem El-Fahl

Implant Prosthetics
Unlocked

This interactive lecture will present a comprehensive overview of digital workflows in implant-related prosthodontics. It will outline the integration of intraoral scanning, CBCT imaging, and digital treatment planning software. It will be shown how prosthetically driven implant planning may improve accuracy and aesthetic outcomes. Guided surgery protocols and coordination between surgical and prosthetic phases will be discussed. Workflow efficiency, accuracy, and communication with dental laboratories are also emphasized. The session is highlighting how digital workflows enhance predictability, precision, and patient-centered care in implant prosthodontics.

Goal: to explain dentists how to handle oral rehabilitation based on implant placement centring on digital workflows for implant prosthodontics.

Speakers: Henriette Lerner, Miodrag Šćepanović, Grzegorz Wasiluk

Impresión 3D Clínica
al Descubierto

This interactive lecture by 3 renowned specialists will discuss 3D printing solutions in oral healthcare. 3D printing in dentistry is a transformative digital technology allowing for in-office or lab production of dental models, surgical guides, night guards, orthodontic appliances, temporary crowns and dentures using a wide variety of technologies. It enhances efficiency by replacing traditional, time-consuming methods, reducing costs, meanwhile enabling highly personalized care and reducing the number of visits to the dentist considering chairside possibilities. The revolution of digital workflows, the introduction of new printing technologies and the wide variety of printing materials may further expand the possibilities of 3D dental printings.

Goal: to illustrate the advantages, limitations, applications and indications of current 3D printing technologies

Speakers: Ziad Salameh, Gülce Çakmak, Wally Renne

This final session will be followed by a combined questions and discussion forum, creating space for reflection, exchange of expertise, and dialogue on future developments in digital dentistry, and by the DDS Awards cerimonial.

Gala Dinner

The evening gala at Grand Café Horta will take place on Friday, October 16^th, and will be one of the highlights of the upcoming digital dentistry conference. Set in the stunning Art Nouveau hall of this iconic Antwerp venue—featuring original iron structures designed by Victor Horta—the gala promises to be an exclusive and memorable experience, blending architectural heritage with contemporary elegance. As a cherished tradition of the Digital Dentistry Society, this refined dinner will bring together international attendees for an inspiring evening of celebration, networking, and connection, making it a distinguished and exciting part of the two-day event.

Early bird tickets are available at €210, with regular pricing of €250 starting from 1 June. As places are limited, advance reservation is required to secure your seat.

Join us for an unforgettable night where innovation meets elegance—reserve your place at this exclusive celebration!!

A stylish dinner

A stylish dinner environment, with live show performances and music, will be accompanying some great dishes and wine.

Elegant, relaxing evening

It will be an elegant relaxing occasion for networking and confrontation with all the participant.

VENUE

Hilton Old Town

Situated in the heart of Antwerp, overlooking the Cathedral of Our Lady and the Old Town square, the Hilton Old Town is the perfect venue for our event thanks to its comfortable accommodation, technological infrastructure, professional service, and impressive setting.