SDFDS Annual Meeting 2026 - Prague, Czech Republic
The 2026 World Military Dental Congress and Annual Meeting of the Section of Defence Forces Dental Services (SDFDS) was held in Prague, Czech Republic from 31 August to 3 September 2026. Hosted at the Diplomat Hotel Prague, the event was organised by the SDFDS Executive Committee with assistance from the Foreign Activities Directorate of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic.
Proceedings commenced with a Welcome Reception on 31 August 2026 at Loft ONE on the rooftop of the Diplomat Hotel, where guests enjoyed the stunning Prague City skyline and the opportunity to connect with colleagues from around the world.
At the Opening Ceremony, delegates were welcomed by Chair of the SDFDS Executive Committee, Capt (Navy) Nanda van de Kraats-van Klink (Netherlands). She announced a record attendance of 82 international delegates from 29 countries, with two countries, the Philippines and Saudi Arabia, participating for the first time. She also thanked the 2 sponsors of the meeting, Aseptico Inc and Laschal Surgical Instruments, both from the USA, for their generous support, and for providing the opportunity for delegates to view and test their mobile dental equipment and surgical instruments at the meeting.
The scientific programme was conducted over two days, where a total of 29 presentations were delivered across five themed sessions: Strategising Service Delivery, Optimising Clinical Care, Operational Military Dentistry, Ensuring Operational Readiness and Innovations in Military Dental Scientific Research. In addition, an Open Discussion Forum on the topic ‘Current Challenges in Recruitment and Development of Military Dental Professionals’ was moderated by the SDFDS Executive Committee, with valuable updates, insights and experience-sharing gained by delegates over the two days of the scientific programme.
On the Cultural Day, delegates had the opportunity to tour the magnificent Prague Castle complex as well as local sightseeing highlights during a walking tour through the Castle Quarter, Lesser Town, Charles Bridge and the Old Town Quarter of the beautiful historic city. The tour ended at the Dvorak Embankment with a chartered cruise aboard the Bohemia Rhapsody where delegates bonded over dinner whilst enjoying spectacular views of the Vltava River.
Elections were also conducted for four positions on the SDFDS Executive Committee. While several new nominations were received, members voted to re-elect the current Chair, Secretary and Executive Officer for a second 3-year term. The position of Vice-Chair was awarded to Sen Col Lina Niu (China), who succeeds Col Stephen Tanner (USA) who has recently retired from active service. We thank Col Tanner for his many years of dedicated service and active contribution to the SDFDS and wish him all the very best in his future endeavours. Surg Cdr (D) Akshai Kannan (India) was also announced as the new Asian Representative to the SDFDS Committee. Congratulations are extended to all members elected and appointed to their respective positions.
The meeting concluded with a presentation and a special video message from the Director General of Dental Services, India, highlighting preparations for the 2027 SDFDS meeting in Mumbai. This was followed by the Closing Ceremony.
The SDFDS Executive Committee extends its sincere appreciation to all delegates who presented papers and attended the meeting, as well as to the sponsors and all those whose efforts contributed to making the event such a resounding and memorable success.
We look forward to meeting everyone again at SDFDS 2027 in Mumbai, India, on 17 to 20 October 2027 prior to the FDI World Dental Congress on the 21 to 24 October 2027!