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SEAADE 2023 – Co-Creating Dental Education for Tomorrow
Against a backdrop of new technologies, emerging teaching and learning innovations, and evolving population demographics, dental education has undergone significant transformation in recent years. In light of this, the South East Asia Association for Dental Education (SEAADE) and NUS Faculty of Dentistry jointly organised the 34th Annual Scientific Conference from 20 to 21 November 2023, bringing together dental educators, education experts and professionals from across the region to collaboratively exchange ideas to co-create dental education for tomorrow.
President of SEAADE Council, Associate Professor Sri Angky Soekanto, giving the Welcome Address.
Dean of NUS Dentistry, Professor Chris Peck, delivering the Opening Lecture.
Held at NUS University Town, the Conference brought participants through an inspiring journey on the ever-evolving landscape of dental education. Through a series of lectures and workshops, participants had the opportunity to explore current and relevant topics, such as the use of generative artificial intelligence in teaching and learning, applications of learning analytics, the move towards Entrustable Professional Activities in dental education, delivery of effective clinical feedback, building Communities of Practice, teaching dental students empathy as well as the integration of Special Care Dentistry in the dental curriculum in Southeast Asia.
Participants engaged with experts through a series of lectures, symposia, and workshops.
Besides offering a treasure trove of knowledge, the Conference reflected the power of collective experiences and collaborations. Through discussions with the speakers, participants engaged in in-depth conversations to co-create a brighter future for dental education.
Undergraduates from various universities, who participated in the Student Community Engagement Competition, shared their preventive and public health projects, which aimed to bring about far-reaching impact on the community's holistic well-being.
Students presenting their projects as part of the Student Community Engagement Competition.
The Conference also showcased a wide range of Oral and Poster presentations spanning areas such as Teaching and Learning Pedagogy and Methods, Technology Enhanced Learning, Simulation in Dental Education, Assessment in Dental Education, Curriculum Design, Community Engagement through Dental Education, and Mentoring and Nurturing Leaders in Dental Education. The winners of the Oral and Poster presentations received their prizes from Assoc Prof Soekanto, Prof Peck, and Dr Sarah Manton, Director of the Faculty of Dental Trainers, The Royal College of Surgeons (RCS), Edinburgh. The RCS (Edinburgh) sponsored the top three prizes for the Teaching and Learning Pedagogy and Methods category.
Participants shared that the Conference empowered them to manage the challenges of tomorrow with greater confidence. It also equipped them with the knowledge and essential skills needed to elevate their teaching techniques and enhance the learning journeys of future generations of oral healthcare professionals.
"SEAADE 2023 was more than just an event; it was an enlightening odyssey. From absorbing profound insights provided by dental education experts to forging foundational collaborative networks, every moment became a catalyst for my professional growth. As we collectively build a community of practice, the exchange of practical ideas will transform into a powerful force propelling excellence in dental education and ultimately enhancing oral well-being across the region," shared Dr Piyaphong Panpisut, Assistant Dean in Academic Affairs at the Faculty of Dentistry, Thammsat University.
“The conference provides dental educators with a platform to learn from each other about how we can improve our teaching methods and exchange ideas or information within the community of higher education in Southeast Asia. It allows us to grow through cooperative efforts to increase the quality of our teaching and learning processes. But what I love the most about the conference is the chance to meet friends across Southeast Asia, like one big family that supports each other in dental education. Thank you, NUS Faculty of Dentistry, for hosting such a fantastic event this year,” added Dr Melissa Adiatman, Lecturer at the Department of Dental Public Health and Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Indonesia.
SEAADE 2023 was an opportunity for dental educators to build capacities, collaborations, and communities to bring dental education to greater heights.
Participants enjoyed networking and engaging in meaningful discussions with each other at SEAADE 2023.