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STATE OF THE ART GLOBAL INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY IN DENTAL PRACTICE UNVEILED AT THE AUSTRALIAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION'S CONGRESS THIS WEEK

Australian Dental Associaition

 

6.05.25

STATE OF THE ART GLOBAL INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY IN DENTAL PRACTICE UNVEILED AT THE 

AUSTRALIAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION’S CONGRESS  

Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, 8-10 May   

 

NEW EYE TRACKING TECHNOLOGY IN DENTAL PRACTICE and other AI applications transforming the landscape of dentistry and the patient experience will be showcased at the Australian Dental Congress in Perth this week when 1700 Australian and international dentists and other oral health practitioners gather for a three-day event. 

The conference explores leading edge topics across 110 lectures, workshops and symposia from AI to the latest in sleep disordered breathing, sustainability in dentistry and managing dental care for neurodivergent patients. 

Highlights in the Scientific Program – click here for the full scientific program: 

Dr Vanessa Cho (Australia/USA): How eye-tracking technology is transforming dentistry: While eye tracking is widely used across medicine, dentistry is at the forefront of applying this technology to clinical training, anxiety management and pain perception studies. 

Eye-tracking technology (with glasses-like devices with tiny cameras that track eye movements) is transforming dentistry by providing a direct window into the mind, enabling researchers and clinicians to see precisely where patients focus their attention. Recently Western Australia has led pioneering advancements, reshaping how we understand children and their parents’ dental concerns and pain perception. Augmented and Virtual Reality Integration-based dental simulators now use eye tracking for reduced dental anxiety in child and adult patients as well as smoother appointments, more efficient training for dental students, more accurate diagnoses – and even the way dental practices are designed and laid out can be influenced by eye tracking technology. 

For example, for years, assessing pain and anxiety in children during dental visits has relied on indirect methods – parental reports or behavioural observations. Eye tracking which monitors pupil dilation, eye movement, blink rate, gaze path and other physiological data, removes the need for these methods, providing real-time, objective data by analysing where children look in the dental clinic – from instruments to the dentist’s face – revealing sources of fear or comfort. With this technology the anxious child’s stress can be managed proactively by hiding instruments and tools from direct sight. It also helps with patients not wanting or able to speak, such as those with special needs. 

By replacing subjective assessments with measurable insights, eye-tracking is reshaping the future of dentistry, leading to more effective treatments, improved patient comfort and cutting-edge educational tools.  

Now the first guidelines on dental research using eye-tracking are being implemented worldwide, shaping the future of research and clinical applications in dentistry. 

Dr Marta Revilla-Leon (USA): AI and digital dentistry: The latest trends in virtual patient integration, including facial scanners, motion capture technologies, and artificial intelligence. The different workflows, from data capturing to the assembly of the representation of our patient with special focus on the superimposition of facial data, intraoral data and jaw motion movements.  

Dr Lydia See (Australia): Dental management considerations with neurodivergent patients: Managing dental care for neurodivergent patients presents unique challenges as these patients often require tailored approaches due to sensory sensitivities, communication preferences and behavioural tendencies. This talk looks at practical strategies for assessing and managing dental care and effective treatment plans so dentists can effectively manage the complexities of treating neurodivergent individuals. 

Dr Ash Shah (WA, Australia): The carbon footprint of oral healthcare: The dental industry contributes to global carbon emissions through the manufacturing, transportation and disposal of oral healthcare products, as well as from the energy-intensive nature of dental clinics. This lecture updates and informs dentists of strategies to minimise the carbon footprint by using sustainable materials, improving energy efficiency, and leveraging digital innovations while still maintaining high-quality patient care. 

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Congress highlights: 

• World-class speakers: Hear from leading experts in the field of dentistry, including international keynote addresses, panel discussions, and interactive workshops. 

• Cutting-edge research: Discover the latest research and innovations in dental technology and practice through presentations and poster sessions. 

• Exhibition hall: Explore a comprehensive exhibition featuring 137 stalls showcasing the latest products, services, and technologies from top dental industry suppliers. 

To interview any of the clinicians above or any from the Congress program accessed here contact ADA Media Advisor Jenny Barlass 0497 748 331 or email: [email protected]. 

Contact details:

ADA Media Advisor Jenny Barlass

0497 748 331