DUBAI, 28 October 2007 — The four-day World Dental Congress concluded here yesterday revealing alarming statistics about sugar consumption, which is one of the main reasons for the high rate of dental decay as well as diabetes in the region.
Visitors and exhibitors from 130 countries actively participated in the conference. Paul Wilson, events director of the World Dental Federation (FDI), said that the congress featured one of the largest FDI exhibitions in recent years with more than 600 booths, nearly 40 scientific sessions and at least 75 business meetings.
Addressing a press conference in Dubai on Friday, Dr. Michèle Aerden, FDI president, outlined the vision and mission of the federation. She said that her presidency focused on three key issues namely excellence, medical positioning of the dental profession and ethics.
Dr. Habib Benzian, FDI’s development and public health manager, revealed alarming statistics that compared sugar consumption patterns worldwide. He said while an individual consumes less than 5 kg of sugar a year in developing countries on average and around 20-25 kg in developed countries, in the region, especially the UAE, the per capita consumption is more than 50 kg.
The UAE has one of the highest rates of diabetes in the world with nearly one in four people in the country suffering from it. He also said that nearly 70 to 80 percent of 12-year-olds have 5 to 6 teeth that are damaged and untreatable.
The next World Dental Congress will be held in Stockholm in September 2008.
