Experts from around the world recently gathered in Mumbai, India for the country’s first International Symposium on Oral Cancer, Tobacco Cessation and Dental Caries. The event, which was hosted by the FDI World Dental Federation and organized by the Indian Dental Association, took place June 3-4, 2011.

Dr. Nader Nadershahi, vice president on IFDEA’s Board of Directors, attended the event to speak to colleagues, learn more about the global state of oral cancer and caries, and meet with international partners on behalf of IFDEA. Representatives from the FDI, World Health Organization and International Association for Dental Research were among the educators and researchers attending the event.

IFDEA Vice President Dr. Nader Nadershahi speaks to colleagues in Mumbai, India.

At the symposium, Nadershahi also provided suggestions on how international oral cancer institutions and dental associations could partner in efforts to raise awareness about oral cancer and collaborate on education and prevention to reduce incidents of the disease.

“If you look at the WHO data, oral cancer affects every population and country throughout the world,” said Nadershahi, who also serves as executive associate dean and associate dean for academic affairs at University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. “To raise awareness of oral cancer and improve our prevention efforts, international collaboration is essential.”

He added, “The international symposium our Indian colleagues hosted was a valuable opportunity for global leaders to exchange information and move forward together to make strides in oral cancer education and prevention, especially in the South Asian region with such high incidence of the disease.”

According to Nadershahi, collaboration with international dental colleagues is key to strengthening dental education and improving oral health worldwide.