2008 Annual General Meeting & Scientific Conference

May 30 - June 1, 2008

World Trade & Convention Centre,  Halifax, Nova Scotia

Conference Overview

Background:  

While the oral health of Canadians has improved significantly in the past 50 years, this improvement has not been evenly distributed across the population. Much of the burden of dental disease is now concentrated in less advantaged individuals, namely elderly, low income, Aboriginal, and mentally and/or physically challenged individuals. Oral health status is linked to socio-economic status, with people living in more deprived areas generally having poorer oral health.

An acceptable level of oral function and freedom from pain are reasonable aspirations for all Canadians. Oral health inequalities are simply unacceptable, as is a system that fails to address inequalities. They start early in life and persist not only into old age with an individual, but also get passed on to subsequent generations.  

Tackling oral health inequalities is a priority for CAPHD, and this conference will highlight the degree of challenge faced by specific groups, share best practices in reducing the inequalities, and create a venue for dialogue on appropriate oral health policy.

Despite many contemporary challenges, the dental public health community in Canada has continued to thrive, with individual programs finding new and innovative ways to assist clients. This conference is our opportunity to share these successes.  

Conference Objectives:

1. To provide a forum to promote discussion and collaboration around dental public health issues of mutual interest.
2. To share innovative dental public health practices aimed at reducing inequalities in oral heath status.
3. To showcase the innovative Canadian research being conducted on special-needs groups.

Conference Components: 

In addition to the excellent social and networking opportunities, this year’s conference provides a variety of learning opportunities on a wider variety of dental public health topics. The 2008 conference will include learning opportunities in the following formats:

·         Keynote Speaker

o        Dental Care for Special Patients, Dr. Paul Glassman

·         Workshop Presentations

o        5 different workshops are offered with 3 workshops running concurrently

o        Open attendance - No pre-registration required

·         Lunch & Learn Sessions

o        3 different L&L sessions are offered

o        10 participants per table on a first-come, first-served basis

·         Scientific Abstract Presentations

o        8 scientific presentations

o        Attendance open to all

·         Poster Displays

o        6 poster presentations

o        Come and go venue

·         Manufacturer’s Showcase

o        Commercial displays

o        Come & go venue