The 94th World Military Dental Congress was held in Xi’an, Shaanxi province in Northwest China, from September 5th to 8th. Under the guidance of Medical Service Bureau of the Logistics Department of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force, the conference was hosted by Air Force Medical University (AFMU) and organized by its Third Affiliated Hospital (Stomatological Hospital).

The conference, themed “Inheritance and Development of World Military Dental Services”, attracted more than 200 military dental experts, service command officers, and frontline military medical delegates, representing 23 countries and regions such as the Netherlands, Singapore, and Kenya.

The Section of Defense Forces Dental Services (SDFDS) of the World Dental Federation (FDI) was established in 1904, with the aim of promoting cooperation and progress relevant to dentistry in the defense forces. With a history of over 120 years, it has grown into the largest and most influential international military oral medicine exchange platform today.

As an important birthplace and innovation center of Chinese military dentistry, the Stomatological Hospital of AFMU, located in Xi’an, has consistently dedicated itself to the research and practice of military dentistry, earning widespread recognition from the international military medical community.

The Stomatological Hospital of AFMU shares a profound connection with the conference, having successfully hosted the World Military Dental Congress in 2006 and 2012. Professor Zhao Yimin from the hospital has also been elected twice as the Chairman of the SDFDS Executive Committee of the World Dental Federation, highlighting the significant contributions of the Chinese military in the international military dental community.

This conference serves not only as a “window” for Chinese military dentistry to expand its global presence, but also as an “accelerator” to drive technological innovation, talent cultivation, and international cooperation. From breakthroughs in addressing global challenges such as maxillofacial deformity repair, pulp regeneration, and trauma treatment, to a notable rise in public awareness of oral health, China is leveraging this platform to pursue a new era of high-quality, leapfrog development.

Nanda van de Kraats-van Klink, Chair of the SDFDS Executive Committee from the Netherlands, said that the conference was well-organized, the atmosphere was solemn and warm, and the academic exchanges were fruitful, fully demonstrating the professional strength of Chinese military dentistry and their hospitality.

Leaders from Air Force Medical University stated that this conference provided a valuable platform for military dental professionals from various countries to exchange ideas, as well as an important opportunity to advance the development of international dental services.

During the conference, over 30 academic presentations were organized by various parties on four key topics: practical military dentistry, optimization of clinical diagnosis and treatment efficiency, innovation in military dental research, and planning of medical support combat capabilities.

In addition, discussions and exchanges were conducted through various forms such as special sessions, poster displays, on-site observations, and hands-on experiences.

During the conference, the delegates also visited the Stomatological Hospital of Air Force Medical University, and exchanged ideas on high-level research support platforms, such as the National Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial System Reconstruction and Regeneration, the National Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center, the International Museum of Stomatology, and the Digital Stomatology Center.

A special seminar is held during the conference.

The Stomatological Hospital showcases the intelligent oral treatment equipment during the conference.