The Department of Dental Laboratory Technology (DDLT) at the Antonine University (UA) Faculty of Public Health (FPH) recently hosted a groundbreaking event in collaboration with the Lebanese Society of Prosthodontics (LSP) and the French Dental Association (ADF). The Scientific Congress and Exhibition 2024 (SCE’24), centered around the theme of “Digital Innovations,” took place on April 26 and 27, 2024. This 2-day event offered a comprehensive scientific program that enabled participants to gain new insights, refine their daily practices, and exchange knowledge and experiences.

The opening ceremony welcomed distinguished guests, including Fr. Michel Sagbiny, UA’s Rector; Mr. Rene-Paul Amery, Austrian Ambassador to Lebanon; Prof. Ronald Younes, President of the Lebanese Dental Association; Mr. Rabih Hamouche, President of the Lebanese Dental Laboratories Association; Ms. Maya Nohra, Head of the DDLT; and representatives from various Lebanese universities, alongside dentists and industry experts.

In his address, Fr. Sagbiny underscored the significance of scientific conferences and continuous curriculum updates, which lie at the heart of UA’s mission. The University strives to serve a new generation and foster a society that not only celebrates modern technologies but also embodies ethics and citizenship. He expressed, “We do not boast of our scientific knowledge, no matter how deep and advanced it may be. Instead, we appreciate and respect the progress made by others in our nation within the same domains. A truly optimal society flourishes and achieves greatness through the collective efforts of all its members, working together for the common good.”

Ms. Nohra highlighted that the conference’s focus on digital innovation in dentistry seeks to advance the field through collaboration between dentists and dental lab technicians. She underlined that in the landscape of digital dentistry, innovation is not merely an option but a necessity. Collaboration between dental specialists and lab technicians is essential, as it leads to ideal outcomes for patients. She concluded by asserting that digital technology should enhance and augment human expertise, rather than replace it.

Furthermore, Dr. Pierre Khoury, President of the LSP, and Dr. Marwan Daas, a representative of the ADF in Lebanon, stressed the conference’s significance and the value of successful partnerships in broadening new horizons and amplifying impact on both national and international scales.

Given the complex challenges and continuous disruptions characterizing our world, the organization of this event holds great importance. The closing remarks affirmed that “together, we have the power to turn challenges into opportunities and obstacles into catalysts for progress.”

The conference brought together national and international experts in the field for engaging lectures, hands-on workshops, meet-the-speakers sessions, and meet-the-sponsors breaks.