The International Dental Medicine Fair DENTEX successfully concluded its three-day edition at Zagreb Fair. This traditional biennial event once again confirmed its status as the leading regional center that gathered around 300 exhibitors from 30 countries, along with a large number of professionals and visitors across the region in search of the latest technological advancements, equipment and the exchange of knowledge.

The long-standing successful cooperation between Zagreb Fair and the Croatian Dental Chamber, as the umbrella professional institution, resulted in a premium event held under the auspices of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Croatia and the City of Zagreb. The pavilion 5 served as the central meeting point for the most important global and domestic manufacturers of high-quality dental equipment, as well as suppliers and service providers.

At the official opening ceremony, speakers accentuated the importance of continuing education and technological progress that DENTEX brings to the entire healthcare system.

The Fair was officially opened by Assoc. Prof. Irena Hrstić, MD, PhD, Minister of Health and Envoy of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, who emphasized:

“Dental medicine is of exceptional importance to Croatian healthcare, the economy and the development of health tourism, and in this field Croatia has the potential to become one of the leading countries in the region and Europe. Continuing education and professional development enhance the quality of the Croatian healthcare system. Investing in prevention means investing in citizens’ health, while also generating long-term savings for the healthcare system. Croatia may be a small country, but it is strong, curious and rich in knowledge. I believe we can become leaders in the development of dental medicine in the region and in Europe.”

Renata Suša, Zagreb Fair Director, said at the opening ceremony: “Dental medicine is undergoing one of the fastest transformations in the healthcare sector. Digital diagnostics, artificial intelligence and new therapeutic solutions are changing the way professionals work and shaping patient expectations. For years, DENTEX has been gathering dental professionals, manufacturers and leading companies, confirming the importance of this industry for the development of both the economy and the healthcare sector. According to estimates, this industry generated nearly EUR 590 million in revenue last year and is growing at an annual rate exceeding 20 percent. Few industries today can boast such dynamic growth.”

Prim. Hrvoje Pezo, DMD, PhD, President of the Croatian Dental Chamber, highlighted the synergy of the profession and the organization: “For us at the Croatian Dental Chamber it is extremely important that DENTEX continues to grow. Why? Because the dental industry increasingly restricts our ability to practice independently. The prices of equipment and materials continue to rise, while citizens find it difficult to keep up with such costs. At the same time, the state faces difficulties in meeting the demands of modern therapy. In such circumstances, our profession must find models and ways to encourage the dental industry to become more actively involved in the therapeutic process. And what have we achieved? For the past eighteen years, in cooperation with Zagreb Fair, we have been promoting Croatia as a country where constructive dialogue on the dental business takes place.”

Mirela Šentija Knežević, , MD, PhD, Assistant Head of the City Office for Health and Envoy of the Mayor of the City of Zagreb, in her address conveyed a message from the Mayor of Zagreb, Tomislav Tomašević: “The City of Zagreb proudly supports events that bring together knowledge, innovation and excellence. DENTEX is precisely such an event, a meeting point for dental medicine, science, technology and the business community. This Fair has become the leading regional platform for the exchange of experience and the presentation of the latest achievements in dental medicine.”

The Comprehensive Overview of Market Innovations

This year’s Dentex provided a comprehensive insight into all elements essential for the modern operation of dental offices and laboratories. The exhibition programme featured devices and equipment for dental offices, dental instruments and materials, laboratory equipment, advanced IT solutions for business management, as well as professional literature. Visitors had the opportunity to explore first-hand advanced software solutions and materials that are setting the standards of modern dental care.

The Professional and Accompanying Programme: From Education to the “Live Surgery“

The central professional part of the Fair was marked by the three-day congress “Red-White Aesthetics - Outcomes of Clinical Therapy.”

Friday was dedicated to dental assistants, hygienists and dental technicians. Topics included individualized oral hygiene, non-surgical periodontal therapy protocols, metal 3D printing in contemporary prosthodontics, computer-aided planning of high aesthetics and model fabrication for ceramic veneers.

Saturday was reserved for doctors of dental medicine, who discussed the accuracy of intraoral scanning, the use of nitrous oxide in sedation, early diagnosis of oral cancer, antiresorptive therapy and the concept of prosthetically guided soft tissue shaping.

A special interactive value was added to the Fair through the “Live Surgery”, where experts demonstrated advanced clinical procedures, including the application of autologous growth factors, clinical aspects of tooth preparation, single-visit endodontic treatment, dynamically guided implant placement and 3D printing of permanent indirect restorations.

The accompanying workshops covered a wide range of topics, from emergency situations in the dental office, the importance of vitamin D in oral health to health tourism and the application of MicroRepair technology. The overall professional programme concluded with the training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the dental office.

Alongside an intensive business and educational programme, the Fair also provided an excellent opportunity for networking. In the evening, the traditional party for exhibitors and partners was held, offering a relaxed and informal atmosphere for unwinding after a dynamic day, exchanging impressions and establishing new professional connections.

By combining innovative products with top-quality education, DENTEX once again confirmed its leading position among dental fairs in the region and justified the trust of thousands of dental professionals.