Karachi- The three-day 6th Annual Conference of Pak Association of Dental Research (IADR Pakistan Section) was organized at the Dow Dental College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, from October 4th to 6th. Influential national and international speakers presented at the event. Dr Inayatullah Padhiar (Sitara-e-Imtiaz) was invited as the Guest of Honour.
In her opening address, Chief Guest Prof. Zarnaz Wahid, Pro – VC DUHS, explained the importance of oral hygiene. She emphasized on the fact that oral health is not related to oral cavity alone, but it also has a significant effect on the whole body. She said that in the field of medicine the number of quacks surpassed that of qualified professionals. She assured that Dow University is focusing on increasing the number of qualified professionals. Patron PADR and, Dean Faculty of Dentistry Dow University of Health Sciences, Prof. Shahjahan Katpar said that the major cause of oral cancer is widespread use of pan, gutka and beetle nut in Pakistan especially in Karachi. Later, President PADR Prof. Dr Shazia Akbar welcomed the participants and highlighted the importance of this year’s theme of the conference: “Emerging Trends in Dental Research”.
Guest of Honor Dr Inayat ullah Padhiyar (S.I.) in his speech talked about his struggle, along with Dr Arif Alvi and other fellows, in 1984, to publish the Journal of Pakistan Dental Association (JPDA). Dr Ayyaz Ali and Dr Sohail Azfar were among other keynote speakers.
The 8 scientific session covered general topics, and topics related to Prosthodontics, Operative Dentistry, Orthodontics, Oral Pathology, Dental Materials, Community Dentistry, Periodontology, Oral Biology, respectively, and stretched over the first two days.
Day two was also marked by oral presentations by residents from various dental departments, and poster presentations by undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Six workshops were also conducted by various prominent researchers and clinicians.
The concluding ceremony was held after the closing of all sessions. Prof. Dr Shahjahan Katpar in the end thanked the speakers and the audience for their participation in the conference. Key note speaker from IMU Malaysia, Dr Umer Daood thanked the organizing committee for inviting him and congratulated everyone upon successful completion of the conference. Prof. Dr Shazia Akbar also thanked all the speakers their contribution and congratulated the PADR committee on conducting the conference. In the end, prizes were distributed among the winners of poster and oral presentations.
