Dr SM Balaji attended the 97th General Session of the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) that was held in Vancouver, Canada. He is the Secretary General of the Indian Society of Dental Research (ISDR), which is the Indian Division of the IADR. This general session was held in conjunction with the 48th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Dental Research (AADR) and the 43rd Annual Meeting of the Canadian Association for Dental Research (CADR).
Role played by Dr SM Balaji in the IADR and ISDR
The IADR was formed in 1920 with the purpose of advancing the cause of dental research throughout the world. The Indian Society of Dental Research came into being in 1986. It has become one of the biggest divisions of the IADR since its inception over 30 years ago. Dr SM Balaji has contributed immensely to the cause of the IADR through the initiatives taken under his leadership in developing interest in research among dental students.
The welcome speech at the 97th General Session was delivered by Dr Rena D’Souza, President, IADR. She stressed on the importance of dental research towards improving the quality of life of humanity. Dr Christopher Fox, Executive Director, IADR, enumerated the role played by the IADR towards fostering partnerships between different divisions towards advancing research on a global scale.
Successful scientific sessions at the IADR
The 97th General Session of the IADR was marked by lectures, symposia, keynote addresses and hands on workshops by stalwarts involved in cutting edge dental research across the world. All these scientific sessions were well attended by members of the fraternity and were followed by interactive question and answer sessions, which were marked by in depth explanations to satisfy the audience.
Scientific symposium lecture delivered by Dr SM Balaji
Dr Simon Young of the Oral and Maxillofacial Group conducted a symposium on “Advances in Maxillofacial Tissue Engineering.” Dr SM Balaji spoke about “The Spectrum and Complexities of Maxillofacial Defects – Impact on the Quality of Life” at this symposium. He presented cases from his over 25 years’ experience as a cranio-maxillofacial surgeon that illustrated how innovations were essential to overcome obstacles that presented during surgery.
Dr SM Balaji is moderator at the Oral and Maxillofacial Research Group symposium
Dr SM Balaji was the moderator for the lecture by Dr James C Melville on “Virtual Surgical Planning – Pathology and Reconstruction” at the symposium conducted by Dr Simon Young. The questions raised by Dr SM Balaji during the lecture help illuminate the intricacies of virtual surgical planning to the eager audience members.
Dr SM Balaji meets Dr Ryan, President of AADR
Dr SM Balaji also met with Dr Maria Emanuel Ryan, President, AADR and discussed ways on improving research ties between the two biggest divisions of the IADR. They both expressed the need for more collaboration between the two divisions to foster dental research for the betterment of humanity.
Dr SM Balaji interacts with FDI President and Executive Director
Dr SM Balaji also met with Dr Kathryn Kell, President and Dr Enzo Bondioni, Executive Director of the World Dental Federation (FDI). They held talks on ways of improving the dissemination of knowledge towards raising the standards of oral health throughout the world. It was felt that further research was needed towards developing a better understanding between oral health and overall systemic health.
The 97th IADR General Session was a resounding success with very productive scientific sessions, symposia and hands on workshops that benefit all the delegates who had gathered in the beautiful Canadian city of Vancouver. Old ties were renewed and new ones established at the conference.
