Dental Education Summit 2025 returns for its second edition in Helsinki with record attendance

From 30 June to 4 July 2025, representatives from over 40 dental schools gathered in Helsinki, Finland, for the Dental Education Summit 2025 to explore the future of dental education. Returning for its second edition, the two-part event was larger than ever, bringing 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, PhD, Professor of Restorative Dentistry and Dental Education and Honorary Consultant in Restorative Dentistry at the University of Liverpool, explored the question: How real does simulation need to be? Meanwhile, Prof Angelo Putignano, Professor at the School of Dentistry, Polytechnic University of Marche-Ancona-Italy, offered a broader perspective on the future potential of artificial intelligence in dentistry. Dr Antti Kämppi, PhD, DDS, MSc, Associate Professor at University of Helsinki, discussed the opportunities of digital and AI technologies 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. Prof Emeritus Dr Ivo Krejci 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, discussed the cognitive science underpinning virtual simulation. Prof Eija Säilynoja and Dr Roosa Prinssi offered theoretical and clinical perspectives on reinforcing large posterior composite restorations with glass fibres. Meanwhile, Dr Junnu Leikola from Helsinki University Hospital 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, artificial intelligence, big data, and machine learning – 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."