The concept of Digital Dentistry for special needs was presented by Dr. Noorhidayah Zainal Aalam during the Pre-Event of the International Dental Summer Course 2025 on 3 July 2025. Dr. Noorhidayah highlighted the importance of pediatric digital dentistry in improving care for children with special needs. She stressed the high prevalence of dental anxiety among children, especially those with special needs, and how this may create a cycle of fear and avoidance of dental care. She explained that behavioral management techniques, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological, are essential in controlling patient behavior and enabling dental treatment. Dr. Noorhidayah outlined the goals of behavior management as defined by the AAPD, which include establishing communication, reducing fear and anxiety, improving oral health awareness, and building mutual trust between dental staff and patients. She suggested that various technologies can be employed in dentistry to manage dental anxiety in patients.
The lecture covered a range of digital dentistry techniques to enhance care for children with special needs. Dr. Noorhidayah presented audiovisual distraction methods, virtual reality, augmented reality, and 3D printing applications in pediatric dentistry. She highlighted how technologies such as intraoral scanning, digital radiography, and teledentistry can improve diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient communication. The presentation also addressed considerations for implementing digital workflows, including staff training, costs, and hygiene management. The Q&A session explored topics such as 3D-printed space maintainers and potential risks of screen exposure during dental visits.
Following the lunch break, the event continued with the host introducing the next segment featuring two online lectures. Professor Nora Mastura from Universiti Sains Malaysia delivered a presentation on utilizing digital dentistry to promote oral health equity among individuals with special healthcare needs. Dr. Hamzah introduced Professor Mastura, highlighting her extensive background in dental public health and special care dentistry. Professor Mastura began her talk by expressing gratitude to the organizers and outlined her lecture, which focused on how digital innovations can improve access and equity in oral healthcare for special populations.
Author: Andri Wicaksono | Photo: Doc. IDSC 2025 Committee
