HELSINKI, Finland: From 30 June to 4 July, representatives from over 40 dental schools gathered in Helsinki for the 2025 Dental Education Summit to explore the future of dental education. Returning for its second edition, the two-part event brought together more than 100 participants. Organised by Planmeca Group companies, including Planmeca, KaVo Dental, HeySmile and LM-Dental, in collaboration with BWT, GC, Melag and SIMtoCARE, the summit featured insightful keynote presentations, engaging discussions and hands-on workshops, all designed to foster knowledge exchange and elevate the global standard of dental education.
Distinguished speakers delivered thought-provoking keynote speeches on integrating technology into education, promoting a more adaptive and future-ready approach to dental training. Prof. Barry Quinn, honorary consultant in restorative dentistry at the University of Liverpool in England, examined the level of realism required in dental simulation. Meanwhile, Dr Angelo Putignano, professor of restorative dentistry in the dental school of Marche Polytechnic University in Italy, offered a broader perspective on the future potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in dentistry. Moreover, Dr Antti Kämppi, associate professor in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases of the University of Helsinki, discussed the opportunities of digital technologies and AI in dental education.
In addition to exploring educational innovation, the keynote speeches delved into timely developments in clinical dentistry, sparking dialogue and encouraging new approaches to teaching and practice. Dr Ivo Krejci, professor emeritus in Section of Dental Medicine at the University of Geneva in Switzerland, presented modern methods for digital caries diagnostics in subclinical treatments. Prof. Hesham Marei, vice chancellor for academics and dean of the College of Dentistry at Gulf Medical University in Ajman in the UAE, discussed the cognitive science underlying virtual simulation. Dr Eija Säilynoja, adjunct professor in the Department of Biomaterials Science at the University of Turku in Finland, and Dr Roosa Prinssi, professional services manager at GC Nordic, offered theoretical and clinical perspectives on reinforcing large posterior composite restorations with glass fibre. Dr Junnu Leikola from the Helsinki University Hospital Cleft and Craniofacial Centre introduced the use of low-dose CBCT in virtual surgical planning and the creation of patient-specific implants.
Participants also engaged in interactive sessions at Planmeca’s newly completed showroom, gaining hands-on experience with cutting-edge dental technologies and educational tools. Highlights included applications of virtual and augmented reality, AI and big data—all showcasing how these advancements can meaningfully enhance teaching and learning in academic settings.
In addition, the summit offered a range of networking opportunities, encouraging collaboration and the formation of new partnerships among attendees. The event concluded with a shared commitment to furthering dental education through continued cooperation and innovation.
Reflecting on the event’s success, Jussi Ylisaari, vice president for institutional accounts at Planmeca, stated: “This year’s Dental Education Summit was once again a tremendous success, with a record number of participants joining us here in Helsinki. The diverse keynote presentations, interactive discussions and hands-on sessions offered exactly the kind of active exchange that is essential for driving dental education forward.”
“For us in the industry, it is especially valuable to gain first-hand feedback on developments in academia and education. These insights are vital in helping us shape our product development and strengthen our collaboration with dental schools and universities. Preparations for the next summit are already well underway, with the aim of keeping the conversation and development in motion—continuously advancing innovative and forward-thinking dental education,” he concluded.
More information about Planmeca can be found here.
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