Dentists from Across Asia Pacific Gathered at First-Ever Dental Aesthetics Meeting in Asia (DAMA)

The inaugural meeting of the Dental Aesthetics Meeting in Asia (DAMA) took place over the weekend of 28 – 29 September 2018 at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. A total of 454 attendees gathered for two days to learn about the latest developments in aesthetic dentistry. After the overall success of the first edition, DAMA is set to return for a second round in 2020.

The excellent turnout of attendees from the region came together to learn from a total of 15 expert speakers including keynotes Stefen Koubi, Frank Milnar, and Hilal Kuday. The needs of both novice and veteran dental professionals were addressed as a wide range of topics were discussed from pink aesthetics, direct and indirect aesthetic restorations, worn dentition and more. DAMA 2018 also hosted 5 hands-on pre– and post– congress workshops giving participants the opportunity to focus on practical skills such as veneer placement, managing the worn dentition and anterior and posterior restorations.

"We are humbled and heartened by the overwhelming support received for the first edition of DAMA. Besides attracting local attendees, we also saw a positive international response with participants coming from as many as 21 countries including Indonesia, Philippines and South Korea. The overall outcome reaffirms the need for a conference and exhibition focused in the area of practice of aesthetic dentistry." said Dr. Jeffrey Seow, Chairperson, the Dental Aesthetics Meeting in Asia (DAMA) 2018.

Held alongside the conference, the exhibition saw 21 exhibitors and over 40 brands being represented. Besides showcasing their latest innovations and solutions, participating exhibitors also conducted on-floor presentations and demonstrations. Networking programmes such as the exhibition networking reception held on the first day also presented delegates and exhibitors the opportunity to socialize.

Attended by the regional members of the Asian Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry (AAAD) executive committee, DAMA 2018 also played host to the 15th biennial meeting of the AAAD, where the new president, Dr. Kim Myung Jin from South Korea was inaugurated. "DAMA 2018 not only contributes to the knowledge development of the dental aesthetics industry in Asia, but also celebrates the momentous occasion of a new President being inaugurated. Coinciding the meeting with DAMA was a calculated and purposeful move to ensure that our members were able to maximise their time in Singapore through an insightful and rewarding conference while attending a meeting of great importance," shared Dr. Ronnie Yap, Immediate Past-President, Asian Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry.

"The success of DAMA 2018 highlights and reemphasizes the need to address the knowledge gap of Asian dentists, who are interested in the area of practice of aesthetic dentistry. With an increasing number of dentists diving in, it is imperative that DAMA address their concerns and challenges by bringing in renowned speakers and deliver world-class content. With DAMA planned to return in 2020, we hope to attract and bring together more dental professionals to focus on this niche and make the second edition a bigger success." said Dr. Anthony Tay, President, Aesthetic Dentistry Society, Singapore.

The Dental Aesthetics Meeting in Asia (DAMA) will return for its next edition in 2020.

About the Aesthetic Dentistry Society, Singapore

The ADSS (Aesthetic Dentistry Society, Singapore) is a group of like-minded dentists who seek to promote the understanding, practice and appreciation of procedures and materials that can be used to improve the appearance of their patients The ADSS organizes regular meetings, lectures and symposiums to enhance the awareness of Aesthetic Dentistry in Singapore.

About the Asian Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry

The Asian Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry (AAAD) was founded in 1989 by the member countries of Japan, Korea and Singapore. Its membership numbers have since grown to more than 10 Asian country members. AAAD strives to continue its mission to popularize and advance the science and practice of aesthetic dentistry in Asia. The key to improvement of standards, lies in continual learning and education at the highest level. With stronger collaboration with dental associations and societies, we have a strong pipeline of co-joint meetings with our institutional and country members, such as the 15th Asian Congress of Aesthetic Dentistry (ACAD).