The conference was jointly organised by the Viet Nam Odonto-Stomatology Association, the Asia Pacific Dental Federation (APDF), the Ha Noi Central Odonto-Stomatology Hospital and the World Dental Federation (FDI). The conference and exhibition is taking place from May 12 to 14 at the VinPalace Convention Centre, Dong Anh, Ha Noi.
According to the World Health Organization, around 3.5 billion people worldwide are living with oral diseases. This makes oral diseases the most common group of non-communicable diseases today. In Viet Nam, more than 90% of the population have suffered from oral diseases at varying levels.
Over the years, the Viet Nam Odonto-Stomatology Association has coordinated with relevant units to implement many activities in response to World Oral Health Day, contributing to raising community awareness of oral disease prevention. These activities have been recognised by the international dental community as an effective model with broad social significance.
In 2026, the Viet Nam Odonto-Stomatology Association launched a month-long programme of free oral health examinations, consultations and care for the community. More than 50 public and private dental facilities have registered to participate in the programme, which is expected to provide examinations for more than 47,000 children and residents nationwide.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Standing Deputy Minister of Health Vu Manh Ha said that Viet Nam’s hosting of the 47th Asia-Pacific Dental Congress and the 2nd Ha Noi International Dental Scientific Conference and Exhibition was a great honour for Viet Nam’s odonto-stomatology sector. It also reflects the recognition and confidence of the regional and international dental community in Viet Nam’s professional capacity, integration ability and increasingly active role in oral healthcare.
Deputy Minister Vu Manh Ha highly appreciated the role of the Viet Nam Odonto-Stomatology Association in bringing together experts, intellectuals, doctors and members nationwide; actively participating in training, scientific research, technology transfer, international cooperation and implementing community oral healthcare programmes.
According to Deputy Minister of Health Vu Manh Ha, the health sector has identified that oral healthcare should continue to be implemented with prevention as the foundation; primary care as the focus; specialised treatment as the spearhead; while ensuring that people have access to safe, quality, effective and equitable odonto-stomatology services.
The Deputy Minister of Health proposed that in the coming time, the Viet Nam Odonto-Stomatology Association, hospitals, universities, research institutes and specialised units continue paying attention to effectively implementing several key tasks. The association should continue promoting activities to prevent oral diseases, especially school oral healthcare, oral care for the elderly and vulnerable groups in the community.
At the same time, efforts should be made to improve the quality of human resources in the odonto-stomatology sector; strengthen continuous training, update advanced techniques, standardise professional procedures, control infections and ensure patient safety; while promoting scientific research, oral epidemiological surveys, digital transformation, the application of new technologies, artificial intelligence and digital dentistry in medical examination, treatment and training.
