19th ISLD World Congress 2024 - The 1st Dentistry Laser Congress in Portugal took place in Porto

The 19th International Society for Laser Dentistry (ISLD) World Congress, was held from June 6–8, 2024, at the Alfândega Congress Centre in Porto, Portugal, located in Porto's historic center by the Douro River, provided a state-of-the-art setting for this high-profile gathering.

This event, hosted and organized by the ISLD Portuguese Ambassador, Prof Ana Catarina Silva, marked a historic milestone as the first ISLD event hosted in the country, and the first Congress of Laser Dentistry in Portugal.

Renowned for its diverse program, the Congress featured cutting-edge research, workshops, and presentations on laser dentistry, emphasizing its transformative potential in patient care, while fostering collaboration and innovation in the field.This event brought together over 230 participants from more than 30 nationalities from around the world.

Esteemed speakers, including Portuguese dentist Dr. Miguel Stanley, enriched the event with their insights. The participation of key national leaders at the opening ceremony, like Dr.Dr. Miguel Pavão, President of the Ordem dos Médicos Dentistas, and Professor Paulo Melo, Director of the Faculty of Dental Medicine at the University of Porto, emphasized Portugal's growing prominence in the global dental community.

A notable highlight was the 10th WALED (World Academy for Laser Education and Development) conference on June 6, organized by Leon Vanweersch, which focused on education and networking for alumni from the Aachen Dental Laser Center.

The prestigious Professor Norbert Gutknecht Awards, named in honor of the late Professor Norbert Gutknecht, a pioneer in laser dentistry, was given for Best Presentation to  Dr. Alessandra Rastelli, recognizing her impactful and innovative contribution to the scientific program. Meanwhile, the Best Poster award went to Dr. Ellen Perim, acknowledging her exceptional research and clear presentation.

Professor Adam Stabholz, the outgoing president from ISLD, was recognized for his impactful leadership. The Assembly elected Professor Márcia Marques as the new president, marking a new chapter in the organization's mission to advance laser dentistry through education and research.

The Congress concluded with an elegant Gala Dinner at the Palácio da Bolsa, a historical and architectural gem in Porto. This closing celebration underscored the significance of the gathering in fostering advancements in laser dentistry while celebrating the culture and heritage of Portugal.