Cross infection major challenge for dentists in the Middle East

Abu Dhabi, UAE — There are amazing advances being made in dentistry with non-invasive treatments such as ozone therapy, while digital dentistry is making the fitting of crowns and new teeth so much easier. Just around the corner is Stem Cell Technology, which holds out the very prospect of new teeth being grown to replace those lost through decay or accident. However, challenges still remain and cross infection continues to be one of the major challenges dentists face in the Middle East. With microorganisms becoming resistant due to wide use of antibiotics in this region, dentists have to be really meticulous with sterilization to prevent cross infection. “Missing teeth is also becoming a major problem in the Middle East as people are losing teeth due to decay and trauma,” says Prof Dr Asmat Lone, Founder, Asmat Dental Clinic, Abu Dhabi, UAE and Chairman of the Advisory Board for Dentistry Middle East 2011. “The teeth have to be replaced and implantology is becoming the first choice. Cosmetic dentistry is also becoming extremely popular as the Middle East’s middle and upper class want their smiles to look better and perfect.” Prof Dr Lone also highlights the role of dental practitioners in accurately screening patients for diabetes and pre-diabetes, as well as oral cancer. “Diabetics have major oral periodontal and gingival problems, along with halitosis. This is why it is extremely important that diabetes is recognised and treated at an early stage and dentists can play a major role in this process.” In the latest studies, the treatment of periodontal disease in patients with type 2 diabetes may lower their blood sugar levels. Prof. Dr. Asmat Lone explains, “Those patients who have moderate gum disease are more at risk of developing diabetes than those with healthy gums. Substantial tooth loss was linked to a 70% higher risk in pregnant women with gum disease. Women with gum disease are more likely to develop gestational diabetes than those with healthy gums, researchers have found.”Prof. Dr. Asmat Lone will be speaking at the Third Dentistry Middle East Exhibition and Conference, which will run November 1-3 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), with more than 30 leading experts in the field of dentistry highlighting the educational significance of the event. Among the experts is Prof. Heiner Weber from the University of Tuebingen in Germany, who will be lecturing on the latest concepts in Implantology. Dr. Ahmet Ozan, who is the executive director of continuing education at the Maxim Dental Institution, U.S. will be talking about clinical application of Soft Tissue Laser. Dr. Salvador Romero from the University of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, will talk about Lingual Orthodontics, which is now much sought after by the patients in the Middle East as they do not want brackets showing in their mouth. Crafted by Informa Exhibitions, the organizers of the annual Arab Health Exhibition and Congress, Dentistry Middle East 2011 is an opportunity for delegates to attend a selection of workshops in various dental specialities that will provide a strong clinical aspect to the conference. The event is supported by the UAE Ministry of Health and the Dubai Health Authority.Running beside the conference is a major exhibition showcasing a wide range of products, including surgical instruments, lasers, X-ray equipment and CAD software from leading regional and global suppliers such as Fourmed, Al Hayat Pharmaceutical, Advanced Medical Systems Technology, and Zirkonzahn.Trade visitors have unlimited access to the exhibition and may register any time prior to or during the event. For more information about Dentistry Middle East 2011, call +971 4 336 7334 or visit www.dentistryme.com.

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