UFCD Hosts Conference for Dental Deans & Examiners

Southern Conference of Dental Deans and ExaminersOn January 24 – 26, 2025, the University of Florida College of Dentistry, or UFCD, was proud to host the 68th Annual Southern Conference of Dental Deans & Examiners at the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center in Gainesville. The conference provided an opportunity for more than 40 dental deans, state board examiners, and other dental professionals to gather and discuss important issues and challenges shared by leaders within the dental community.

This year’s theme was “Advancing Dentistry: The Intersection of Oral Health and AI.”

“We were delighted to host this important annual program this year especially given its focus on the future of dentistry and the application of artificial intelligence in advancing oral health diagnosis and care,” said A. Isabel Garcia, D.D.S., M.P.H, dean of the college.

Conference presenters
From left: Dr. Alex Delgado, Dr. Luiz Gonzaga, Dr. Anita Gohel, Dr. A. Isabel Garcia and Dr. Mateus Rocha.

Garcia says that being part of UF, a R1 research university embracing its role in educating and preparing the next generation of worldwide leaders utilizing AI, has bolstered UFCD’s AI efforts, and ensures AI’s far-reaching impacts for dental researchers, educators, providers and patients.

Coordinated by the UFCD Office of Continuing Dental Education, the conference featured welcomes from the American Dental Education Association and the Southern Conference of Dental Deans & Examiners. The two-day program included presentations from UFCD faculty and others:

  • An Overview of Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry and Dental Materials, Dr. Mateus Rocha
  • Using AI Technology in the Diagnosis and Planning for Dental Implant Placement and Restorations, Dr. Luiz Gonzaga
  • The Artificial Intelligence Era in Diagnostic Dentistry: Enhancing Student Learning and Patient Outcomes, Dr. Anita Gohel
  • AI in Dentistry: Technology Service Provider to the Commission on Dental Testing in Ohio, Kyle Simpson: Managing Partner, Digitist, LLC
  • Ethics in Dentistry: Do They Matter? Dr. Larry Cook
  • Discussion and Q&As, moderated by Dr. Joseph L Riley

This year’s conference was sponsored with contributions from A-dec, Brasseler USA, Dentsply Sirona, Henry Schein, Ivoclar and the UF College of Dentistry.

UFCD was the first dental education institution to incorporate AI into the DMD curriculum, and has the most robust digital dentistry center in the country to train students, residents, postdocs, fellows, interns and faculty.