JEDDAH, 28 April 2005 — The first conference dedicated to the discussion of dental aesthetics ever in Saudi Arabia opened in Jeddah on Tuesday. Organized by the King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center (KFSH&RC), it targeted dentists, undergraduates and graduated dental students and other interested parties.
Setting the tone for the aesthetic element of dentistry was Dr. Tariq Al-Juhani, associate consultant of cosmetic and implant dentistry and director of conference, who is also a photographer.
“Beauty is part of everything and cannot be excluded from dentistry,” he said. The desire by patients for more attractive teeth is, he proposed, the result of the emergence of the desire of the modern Saudi to be seen as beautiful.
Reinforcing the artistry involved in aesthetic dentistry, the “Best Smile Contest” — a photographic competition based on the before and after smiles of patients who had undergone aesthetic dentistry. Delegates were asked to choose and vote for the best photograph and most appealing smile. The winners, chosen yesterday evening, received a camera outfit and a plaque.
A second competition of general photography was also mounted featuring photos, mostly represent Jeddah’s culture and attractions from the past and present, taken by Saudi photographers.
Dr. Al-Juhani participated with his photos as well as Omar Badgheesh, Jaser Al-Juhani, Hamid Shalabi, Warda Al-Bakri, Rashid Al-Saadi, Bakur Sindi, Saoud Mahjoub, Nabeel Jambi, Abdulaziz Ayash, Sultan Mandili and Fuad Sultan. As a token of appreciation, three photographers will be selected randomly by delegates and awarded with a plaque and the photo they chose.
Giving the conference delegates a chance to network, the organizers arranged an evening boat trip and dinner.
