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16 Trends & Applications DT page 15 DENTAL TRIBUNE Asia Pacific Edition Standards and education vary greatly throughout the region. Do you see your organisation as a representative for the profession? I certainly think this is the way forward. The AAAD can act as an accreditation body by conducting courses and examinations regionally for aspiring dentists who wish to be proficient in aesthetic dentistry. AD “Asians have followed trends in the West when it comes to demands in aesthetic dentistry” Those qualified can then be awarded a fellowship so that patients can recognise them as having achieved a certain acceptable standard. Driven by patient demand, the field of aesthetic dentistry has gained much 12/3/09 6:09:36 PM prominence in recent years. What are the current trends in aesthetic dentistry in Asia? With greater exposure to the media and the Internet, as well as increasing affluence, Asians have followed trends in the West when it comes to demands in aesthetic dentistry. Just ask any dentist who has been practising aesthetic dentistry long enough. It is not uncommon to have patients coming into the office with close-up photographs of Western models or film stars with the request to have their teeth done the same way. IDEM10 210x297mm Dental Tribune APAC Ad.ai www.idem-singapore.com REGISTER ONLINE NOW! Increasingly more patients now chose veneers or have their teeth bleached in order to obtain their ideal set of sparkling white teeth. The preference for full-ceramic crowns instead of the traditional porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns is definitely on the rise for obvious aesthetic reasons. The trend for quick fix with veneers or crowns in mildly crowded dentition instead of conventional orthodontic treatment is also gaining in popularity, especially amongst working adults. Patients demand instant aesthetic results with the least amount of interference in their lives. Even in orthodontics, I understand that patients request invisible braces. More patients are also aware of the appearance of their gingiva instead of just their teeth and this has invariably resulted in increasing demand for periodontal plastic surgery as well. The list goes on and on. What is perceived as an attractive smile in Asia? I think the general rules governing an aesthetic smile apply universally. Tooth proportion of the anterior teeth is generally the exception. Asians tend to have narrower anterior teeth, i.e. lower width-to-length ratio compared to Caucasians. As witnessed at all major dental exhibitions last year, digitalisation is the new trend in dentistry. What has the effect of this increasing digitalisation been? It certainly is a boon to the practice of aesthetic dentistry. It makes communication and presentation so much easier. The archiving of clinical photographs, which is of utmost importance, is now an easy task thanks to digitalisation. What are your plans for the future? My term as the AAAD President ends with my handing over of office to Prof Hisashi Hisamitsu at the biennial meeting this coming May. I will continue to contribute in whatever way I can to the progress of the AAAD, particularly in the areas of sharing my clinical knowledge with the various national aesthetic dentistry organisations. I will remain active in my clinical practice, as I believe one can only teach and share meaningfully if one has the experience and regular practice. Thank you very much for the interview. DT INTERNATIONAL DENTAL EXHIBITION AND MEETING Trade Exhibition: April 16-18, 2010 Scientific Conference: April 15-18, 2010 The Pivotal Dental Event in Asia Pacific Welcomes You SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE Encountering the Cutting Edge of Implantology and Aesthetic Dentistry IDEM Singapore 2010 Scientific Conference provides the expertise and insight you need to expand your skill set, optimize patient care, and enhance practice revenue. Earn over 30 academic accreditation points for your accrual in your country’s continual education programme. A pre-congress day opening in advance will focus on Soft and Hard Tissue Management in Advanced Implantology. Make IDEM Singapore Your Choice for Continual Education. TRADE EXHIBITION Limit Boot ed Choice hs Av ailab le IDEM Singapore invites you on a journey of discovery of new products and technology for your business growth. Meet more than 350 international exhibitors from over 30 countries and interact with the top names of the dental industry. Source with ease with our comprehensive product groups. Pre-arrange your business meetings with our new online business matching service available to pre-registered visitors. Expand your networks and knowledge sharing opportunities with other professionals and opinion leaders at our various networking events. SPEAKER HIGHLIGHTS Dr. Ricardo Mitriani Dentogingival Aesthetics – An Interdisciplinary Approach to Treatment Planning Dr. Roland Glauser Shortened Clinical Protocols – Choosing the Optimal Treatment Strategy For a full list of speakers and abstracts, please visit our website. Endorsed By: Supported By: Dr. Keith Phillips Aesthetics and Functional Concerns for Fixed Implant Prosthodontics Register online today for your free exhibition admission and access to business privileges! Held In: In Cooperation With: Sharon Ng Koelnmesse Pte Ltd Tel: +65 6500 6722 Fax: +65 6296 2771 s.ng@koelnmesse.com.sg Organizers: Contact Info Dr Sim Tang Eng is working as a dentist in a private group practice in Malaysia. He can be contacted at tesim@streamyx.com. Singapore Dental Association