The Indian Society of Periodontology (ISP), the only official specialty organisation of Periodontology in India, held its 48th Annual National Conference at Kala Academy, Panaji recently. This is the first time in 33 years that this conference was organised in Goa since 1991; and received overwhelming response from the stakeholders from all over the country.
The conference included 17 keynote lectures by international as well as national speakers of repute. In addition to this, more than 200 delegates presented scientific research papers and more than 700 delegates delivered poster presentations with diverse topics of research in the field of Periodontology and Implantology. Facial aesthetics, ‘all on four’ implants, applications of lasers and soft tissue grafting around teeth and implants, microsurgery related to teeth and implants, maxillary sinus grafting surgeries and corticobasal implants were among the six clinically oriented preconference courses conducted by the faculties. The scientific deliberations included current status of periodontal diseases and treatment, dental implants, management of peri-implant diseases, bone regeneration and use of innovative, cutting-edge, technologically advanced novel treatment strategies such as use of microsurgery and lasers.
Dr. Harilal B. Menon, Vice Chancellor of Goa University, was the Chief guest for the inaugural ceremony of the four-day conference. Dr. Nitin Dani, Conference Secretary, Dr. D. Gopalakrishnan, President ISP, Dr. Ashish Jain, Secretary ISP, Dr. Anil Melath, Organising Chairman and Dr. Gurparkash Singh Chahal, Organizing Secretary, were also present along with Dr. Sandeep Lawande, periodontist and implantologist from Goa, – the local coordinator and Joint Organising Secretary for this national conference spotlighting Periodontology – the dental specialty which deals with the prevention, diagnosis of gum diseases and their treatment along with maintenance of oral hygiene.
In his speech, Dr. Menon appreciated the efforts put in by the national organisation in promoting and enhancing the knowledge and science of Periodontology in the country through awareness about gum diseases and their prevention among the general population and stressed on the crucial need to save natural teeth.
A special supplement of the Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology titled ‘Good clinical practice recommendations for peri-implant care’ was released at the inaugural function of this landmark event.
More than 1200 delegates from across the country attended the conference including the local delegates from Goa. The delegates included academicians from government and private dental institutions, research scholars, private dental practitioners and postgraduate students.
For the first time, this conference included joint scientific sessions with International Periodontology and Implantology Societies such as from British Society of Periodontology, International Academy of Periodontology, Malaysian Society of Periodontology and Armenian Periodontist’s Association.
One of the major attractions of the conference included the trade fair which included exhibition by reputed companies showcasing their latest state-of-the art dental equipments and materials.
The awardees for the best scientific papers and posters were felicitated at the valedictory function. For the first time, research grants were issued by the ISP for dissertations on implantology and the recipients were also felicitated.
