Text by Charmaine A. Lingdas
Photos by Sarah Hazel Moces S. Pulumbarit
Global dental experts come together at the UPCD International Oral Health Summit 2025, marking a momentous gathering of knowledge, innovation, and collaboration in the future of dentistry.
As part of its 110th founding anniversary, the College of Dentistry (CD) hosted the International Oral Health Summit 2025 themed Advancements, Innovations, and Collaborations: The Future of Dentistry on Feb. 5 and 6, 2025. The two-day event, held at The Manila Hotel’s Maynila Ballroom, featured in-depth discussions on groundbreaking advancements and the evolving role of dentistry.
“For over a century, the college has nurtured generations of professionals who have made significant contributions to oral healthcare in the country and beyond. Today, we take pride in this legacy while embracing the opportunities that advancements, innovations, and collaborations bring to the field ” declared Dr. Vivien Fe Fadrilan-Camacho, director of the Office of International and Local Linkages.
She continued, “This celebration is a testament to the University of the Philippines’ vision as a national institution with an international perspective and distinction, fostering transnational academic and research cooperation for the greater good. It aligns with UP’s internationalization mandate and its commitment to contributing to national development.”
CD Dean Michelle Sunico-Segarra asserted that “This summit inspires us to embark on a path of discovery and innovation, to continuously pursue lifelong learning, and to forge partnerships in pursuit of our shared goal: better oral health for all,” as she stated that the summit brought together fourteen world-renowned experts in oral health from ten top-ranking dental schools across eight countries in Asia and the USA.
Revolutionizing Restorative Practices and Digital Dentistry
The summit kicked off with the first session on Advances in Restorative and Esthetic Dentistry, with Dr. Junji Tagami from Chulalongkorn University, Thailand and the Institute of Science in Tokyo, Japan, presenting “Advanced MID with Evolved Direct Composite Restoration.” He focused on minimal invasive dentistry (MID) techniques, emphasizing evolving composite resins that provide durable, esthetic restorations while preserving natural tooth structure. Dr. Yasushi Shimada, also from the Institute of Science Tokyo, followed with a presentation on “Management of Dental Caries Using Minimal Invasive Therapy,” which highlighted less-invasive approaches to managing caries with a focus on early detection and prevention. Dr. Daniel C.N. Chan from the University of Washington, USA, explored “Non-Peroxide Bleaching Agents,” showcasing new whitening products that are gentler on enamel.
The second session, The Here, Now, and Future of Biomaterials in Dentistry, featured Dr. Thanaphum Osathanon from Chulalongkorn University, who discussed the “Development of Biomaterials for Periodontal and Bone Regeneration,” emphasizing new biomaterials designed to regenerate periodontal tissue and bone. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Noor Azlin Yahya from the University of Malaya, Malaysia, presented on “Advances in Bioactive Dental Materials: Are We There Yet?”, which explored the progress in bioactive materials that restore teeth while promoting healing and integration with natural tissues.
The final session of the day, Transforming Dentistry in the Age of IR5, featured Dr. Hsuan Chen from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taiwan, who presented “Controlling Esthetic Outcome of Veneers with Digital Chairside Restoration.” He discussed how digital technology has revolutionized veneer creation, providing precision and customization for each patient. Dr. Ding Hang Wang, also from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, followed with a talk on “Artificial Intelligence, Extended Reality, and Microbiota Platforms: Embracing Digital Platforms for a Smarter Future in Dental Education and Oral Healthcare,” exploring the integration of AI and extended reality in dental education and clinical practice.
Pioneering Pathways in Oral Health and Global Care
Day 2 began with a session on Current Advances in Oral Potentially Malignant Pathologies and the Oral Microbiome. Dr. Oranart Matangkasombut from Chulalongkorn University discussed “Oral Microbiome and Oral Health: How Microbiome Research Could Advance Clinical Dentistry,” highlighting the role of the oral microbiome in maintaining oral health and its potential to revolutionize treatment protocols. Dr. Ajiravudh Subarnbhesaj from Khon Kaen University, Thailand, presented “Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders: Non-invasive and Invasive Techniques for Detection and Diagnosis,” deliberating on various diagnostic methods for detecting oral cancer and other potentially malignant conditions.
The second session, Towards an Inclusive and Resilient Oral Health Care for All, featured Dr. Hiroshi Ogawa from Niigata University, Japan and WHO Collaborating Center, who explored “What is the Optimal Oral Health for Older People? Towards Healthy Aging.” He addressed the significance of oral health for the aging population and strategies for improving their care. Dr. Jun Aida from the Institute of Science Tokyo discussed “Dental Care in Universal Health Coverage: Lessons from Japan’s Universal Health Care Insurance,” sharing insights from Japan’s national health insurance program and its integration of dental care.
In the third session, Evolving Frontiers in Orthodontics, Dr. Zamri Radzi from the University of Malaya, Malaysia, presented “Transforming Orthodontics: The Evolution and Impact of Clear Aligners,” discussing the growing role of clear aligners in orthodontics and their future potential. Dr. Anand Marya from the University of Puthisastra, Cambodia, explored “Artificial Intelligence in Orthodontics: Current Uses, Reliability, and Future Scope,” highlighting AI’s expanding role in orthodontic treatment planning and diagnosis.
The summit concluded with the final session, Integrating Dental Esthetics and Conservatism in Contemporary Restorative Management, where Dr. Maxstein Abuzaid from the University of Hong Kong discussed “Balancing Beauty and Conservation: The Art of Today’s Restorative and Aesthetic Dentistry.” He explored the delicate balance between modern restorative techniques and the need to preserve natural tooth structure.
A Platform for Future Dental Innovations
The UPCD International Oral Health Summit 2025 marked a significant step toward advancing the field of dentistry, highlighting the collaborative efforts required to drive global oral health forward.
“We are at the beginning of a new era in oral healthcare,” said Dr. Bernadette Heizel Reyes, vice chancellor for Academic Affairs. “It is essential to recognize that dental health is an integral part of overall well-being. Just as we affirm that there is no health without mental health, we must also acknowledge that there is no health without oral health.”
Dr. Reyes emphasized that the summit is more than just a platform for sharing knowledge—it is a call to action. It urges us to engage, inspire one another, and create pathways for the future of oral health. “Oral health is not a privilege; it is a universal right,” she declared.#
