Global Research in Innovation for Dentistry

From October 29 to November 2, 2024, the School of Dentistry at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University hosted the “Training Program in Taiwan for Dental Healthcare Talents from Southeast Asian Countries” in Taipei. A total of 28 experts and scholars—including six deans—from 11 dental schools across six countries (Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, India, and Cambodia) participated in this five-day international exchange and training initiative, showcasing Taiwan’s excellence in digital dental education and its strong commitment to global academic collaboration.

Themed “Application of Digital Transformation to Face the Challenge of Paradigm Shift in Dentistry and Medicine,” the curriculum blended theory with hands-on experience, and was jointly delivered by dental experts from Taiwan and Vietnam. On the first day, Dr. Hsuan Chen from Yueh-Ting Dental Clinic led a session on modern approaches to esthetic dentistry and implant workflow design. In the afternoon, Dr. Tran Thi Ngoc Trang from Vietnam shared her insights on the clinical and research applications of 3D technology in dentistry, followed by a visit to the Heavy Ion Cancer Therapy Center at Taipei Veterans General Hospital.

The second day focused on oral microbiome data analysis and innovations in dental material applications. Assistant Professor Yu-Cheng Lin guided participants through a step-by-step workshop on converting gene sequencing data into clinical insights. Distinguished Professor Her-Hsiung Huang followed with an in-depth lecture on dental materials science, surface modification techniques for implants, and the use of CAD/CAM and 3D printing in clinical practice.

The third day was dedicated to artificial intelligence and XR applications in dental medicine. In the morning, Dr. Nguyen Dang Khoa, a PhD candidate at NYCU from Vietnam, presented current developments in AI-based image segmentation for dental diagnostics. In the afternoon, Associate Professor Ding-Han Wang led a hands-on session, teaching participants how to edit and create XR content, highlighting the integration of technological innovation with clinical design.

On November 1, participants joined a cultural tour to Taiwan’s scenic North Coast and Jiufen, offering an immersive experience of local culture and natural beauty while fostering cross-cultural understanding and friendship. The program concluded on November 2 with the International Dental Forum, featuring speakers from Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. Topics included the role of AI in precision medicine, strategies for managing temporomandibular disorders (TMD), dental treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, and masticatory dysfunction in older adults—highlighting cutting-edge issues of global concern.

Participants provided overwhelmingly positive feedback, praising the program’s rich content, inspiring hands-on design, and excellent teaching quality. They also emphasized the immediate applicability of what they learned to clinical practice and teaching, and expressed admiration for Taiwan’s leadership in digital dentistry and global medical education.