IDS will feature an attractive supporting programme for all target groups

From 12th to 16th March 2013 the international dental world will come together at the International Dental Show in Cologne for the 35th time. That's when more than 1,950 exhibitors from over 55 countries will present the newest innovations, products, procedures and services from the dental sector. In addition to the products on display at the exhibitors stands, the supporting programme will present exciting information for all visitor target groups. There will be something for everyone, from the Speaker's Corner to the presentations of the German Dental Association (BZAK). In connection the 14th Gysi Prize competition, awards will also be presented in a festive awards ceremony. The prize honours work performed by apprentices in the dental technologist trade.

Speakers' Corner: the forum for the newest trends, products and methods
This year, the Speakers' Corner in Hall 3.1 will once again present a diverse programme on all five days of the fair. Between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., experts will give half-hour talks presenting the latest trends, innovations, products and methods from the research laboratories and ideas workshops of various exhibitors. The forum's schedule includes themes such as prophylactic care, CAD/CAM, radio diagnostics, implant dentistry, dental anaesthesia and reports on experiences with the GOZ 2012 (statutory fee catalogue for dental services updated in 2012).

Focusing on dentists
In collaboration with partner organizations, the German Dental Association (BZAK) will not only present information about a number of diverse themes that are of relevance to dentists; it will also organize panel discussions on these topics. At its stand in Hall 11.2, the German Dental Association will be joined by representatives of the German Society for Dentistry, Oral Hygiene and Orthodontia (DGZMK), the Association of Dentists in the Statutory Health Insurance System (KZBV), the Institute of German Dentists/ Agency for Quality in Dentistry (IDZ/ZZQ), the trade publication Zahnarztliche Mitteilungen (zm), the Stiftung Hilfswerk Deutscher Zahnarzte fur Lepra- und Notgebiete (German dentists' foundation that provides emergency aid and treatment for leprosy) (HDZ), the Dentista Club, the Federal Association of Dentistry Students in Germany (BdZM), the Federal Association of Dental Assistants & Alumni (BdZA), the Young Dentists Worldwide (YDW), the Verein fur Zahnhygiene (dental hygiene association) (VfZ) and a campaign called "Aktion zahnfreundlich".

The BZAK and its partners focus on points such as "the fee catalogue for dentists", the "Patient's Rights Act", "Hygiene management in the dentist's surgery", "Quality improvement", "the electronic healthcare professional ID card for dentists", "Preventive oral care the regard to cancer, smoking and oral health", "profits training based on GOZ calculations" and "GOZmobil - the new GOZ app". In addition, the BZAK will answer question about the cooperation between the BZAK and the German Bone Marrow Donor Centre (DKMS). Specialist consultations on the themes of "Social media" and "The barrier-free dentist's surgery" will be offered and there will be a health policy panel discussion on the theme "Setting up a practice or seeking employment at an institution?".

Awards ceremony for the 14th Gysi Prize
On 14th March, the coveted gold, silver and bronze medals and the official certificates of the 14th Gysi Prize competition will be handed out to the winners in a festive awards ceremony. The prestigious competition for new talent is sponsored by the Association of German Dental Technicians' Guilds (VDZI) and honours the best dental-technical work performed by apprentices in the dental technician trade. The prize-winning works will be exhibited on the intermediate level between Halls 10 and 11 during the entire trade fair. Additionally, at its stand in Hall 11.2, the VDZI will be available to provide dental technicians with information about its professional policy work, the sector specific quality assurance concept "QS-Dental", the BEB Zahntechnik and other themes.

Generations Lounge
With the Generations Lounge in Passage 4/5, the Federal Association of Dental Assistants & Alumni in Germany(BdZA) will be represented at IDS for the first time. Under the motto "What advice can generations give to one another?" the BdZA will be calling on all dentists to share their ideas and experiences across generational boundaries. The Generations Lounge will not only serve as a meeting place for sharing experiences but also provide a forum for exciting themes such as "The role played by modern media in dental medicine".

Initiative proDente
This joint initiative of the German dental sector, dentists, dental technicians, the specialist dental trade and the dental industry will award the proDente Journalist Prize "Abdruck 2013" ("Impression 2013") in the Congress Centre East at 12 noon on 13th March.