Dream Doctors Project

They are not tooth doctors but dream doctors!

The 'fear of the dentist' — known in the literature as dentophobia — is a nightmare for many of us. Our dental health, which is in fact extremely important, perhaps causes us indescribable pain because of this fear. There are, of course, various ways to overcome this fear. But when you learn about these poses of the members of the Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry (EDAD) and the purpose behind them, you will want to run to the dentist!..
Thanks to the support provided by the members of the Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry, who set out two years ago saying "Would you have one of your fillings done each month for the education of a dental student?", scholarships were provided to 26 dental students in the first year and to 34 dental students this year.
EDAD is now in the spotlight with a new social responsibility project. Within the framework of the 'Dream Doctors' project, carried out with the sponsorship of Sensodyne, EDAD members — whom we are used to seeing in their white coats at their clinics — posed by showcasing the hobbies they pursue in their private lives. The shots taken by photographer Engin Yıldız were compiled in a book titled 'Dream Doctors.' The book's proceeds will be used to develop and support the EDAD Social Responsibility Project.

You have never seen your dentist like this!

THE GOAL IS TO TRAIN STUDENTS
Most of the scholarships obtained after EDAD's earlier campaign, "Would you have one of your fillings done each month for the education of a dental student?", were given to students in need studying at universities in Istanbul, reported to EDAD by the universities. The remaining 6 of the scholarships given to these students — mostly studying in the clinical years — were allocated to students from Dicle University in Diyarbakır. The transportation and accommodation of the students in Diyarbakır were covered by EDAD, enabling them to come to Istanbul. The aim of the scholarship is to give students professional etiquette and experience for one week in the practices of EDAD members and board-member dentists. It is also to allow students to gain experience of the profession they learn at faculty in a clinic environment and to open new horizons for them. We talked with the members of this idealistic association — which stays on the agenda with its support for young people — about their association and its activities...

• When was your association founded? Could you tell us its history?
EDAD (Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry) is a scientific association founded in 1996 through the collaboration of university lecturers and private dentists.

• What are your general fields of activity?
The association's aim is to bring the innovations in aesthetic dentistry into the practice of all dentists and dental technicians. To achieve this, it organizes events such as hands-on courses on the subject.

• Are there other associations serving in your field?
There are other associations serving in dentistry. In aesthetic dentistry, however, only EDAD provides service. 

• Who can become a member of your association? What is your current membership count?
All dentists who meet the criteria set by the EDAD Board of Directors can become members of EDAD. Our current membership has reached 424. 

• What percentage of the physicians in your field in Türkiye are members of your association?
About 50 percent.

• Do you have a periodical publication?
Yes. Quintessence Magazine. This publication of German origin is the world's largest international scientific publication in the field of aesthetic dentistry and has representation in more than 100 countries. The scientific content editorship of Türkiye Quintessence is carried out by EDAD member dentists; while these editors translate into Turkish the articles published in various languages, they can also convey the scientific studies published in Turkish to their colleagues in all countries of the world through this publication channel.

• Does your association have a Proficiency Board? If so, is a proficiency exam held?
Not proficiency, but we have a Scientific Board.

• If exams are held, could you give information about them?
We hold exams within the German Society of Implantology IMEP program conducted within our association. 

• Could you give information about the congress and other scientific events you organize?
The International Congress of Aesthetic Dentistry, attended by about 1,200 people each year and held for the 14th time this year (it is always among the top three in size among the aesthetic dentistry congresses held worldwide). Evening seminars held every month in Istanbul except in summer, two-day seminars, courses and workshops in 8-10 provinces across Anatolia. Congresses organized jointly with the Dental Chambers in other provinces. In May it was held in Antalya with 1,200 people. Congresses organized with partner companies in the dental sector (such as GSK, 3M). Courses held with speakers specially brought from abroad for members, etc. All of those mentioned are EDAD's activities in a single year.

• Do you have scientific working groups within your association?
Yes. We have a group under the name Implantology Working Group. Those who join this group are included in a twenty-day training program named IMEP prepared by the German Society of Implantology. Aesthetic dentists who complete this program can also transfer directly to the Master Program of Steinbeis University in Germany, provided it is paid. The Implantology Working Group also holds scientific congresses once a year. 

• Which international organizations are you a member of, and what kind of joint work do you carry out?
We are members. Information sharing, joint congresses. We are a member of the International Federation of Esthetic Dentistry.

• Is there a shortage or surplus in the number of physicians in your specialty in Türkiye?
We think the number of physicians working in this area is sufficient. It may be beneficial to increase it gradually. But the important thing is to be able to create physicians who can work aesthetically in every field — that is, to develop the skills of those who do it, rather than increasing the number.
• What are the goals your association plans to achieve in the short or long term?
We want to increase the current 424 members to 800 members according to our 5-year master plan. We also want to increase our association's budget from 1,000,000 TL to 2,000,000 TL. We currently reach 6,500 dentists, and our goal is to carry this figure to around 12,000 with our efforts.
The Dream Doctors project will very soon be with you with an exhibition to be held under the sponsorship of Glaxo Smith Kline (GSK)...

Source: http://www.haberturk.com/saglik