Syrian Arab News Agency S A N A
Damascus, SANA – Activities of the 18th International Scientific Conference of the Syrian Dental Association kicked off Saturday at Dar al-Assad for Culture and Arts in Damascus.
60 lectures on various scientific issues such as endodontology, Hollywood smile, special needs dentistry, stem cells in dentistry and chronicle periodontal diseases will be delivered during the conference which lasts till the 7th of November.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Assistant Regional Secretary General of al-Baath Arab Socialist Party Hilal al-Hilal said that holding this conference under current circumstances stresses the steadfastness of Syria and the determination of its people to continue their normal life despite the ferocious war waged against the country.
He extended President Bashar al-Assad’s greetings and wishes that this conference would be a success, underlining Syria’s keenness on boosting cooperation with friendly countries.
In turn, Health Minister Nizar Yazigi highlighted the importance of this conference as a platform to exchange expertise and shed light on the latest developments in health sector, particularly in dentistry and dental sciences.
On the situation of the health sector, Yazigi stressed the ministry’s unremitting efforts to provide necessary medical assistance and health care services despite the terrorism which caused the destruction of tens of hospitals and health centers, the martyrdom of 270 health workers and the injury of 245 others.
He indicated to the rehabilitation of health centers and dentistry clinics damaged due to terrorist attacks in order to put them into service, adding that more than 22 million medical services have been offered in 2015.
Chief of the Syrian Dental Association, Fadia Deeb, said that the conference will contribute to enriching the Syrian dentists’ knowledge and skills in order to meet the patients’ health needs and keep in touch with issues and trends in dentistry, noting that about 4200 participants are taking part in the event.
The opening ceremony included screening a documentary film on the National Center for Dental Specialties and the Syrian Board and a musical performance led by Maestro Ra’ed Khalaf.
Parallel to the conference runs a three-day exhibition where local, Arab and foreign companies will showcase their latest products.
R. Raslan / Ghossoun
