The Department of Public Health Dentistry, Manipal College of Dental Sciences (MCODS), Mangalore, in association with the Indian Association of Public Health Dentistry (IAPHD), organized the Post-Conference Summit of the 29th IAPHD National Conference (NATCON) held on Nov 28-30, 2025 on 1st August 2026 at Lecture Hall 1, Knowledge Block, Centre for Basic Sciences, Bejai, Mangalore. The summit was conducted under the conference theme, "Optimal Oral Health: Policy Meets Prevention," in collaboration with Wiley Publishers and partially sponsored by them.

A total of 104 participants registered for the programme. For Karnataka State Dental Council (KSDC) accreditation, 100 participants were eligible, including 20 participants from institutions outside MAHE. The programme was awarded 6 KSDC Credit Points. One international delegate participated in the program.

Inaugural Ceremony

The programme commenced with an invocation, followed by the Welcome Address by Dr. Ramya Shenoy, Organizing Chairperson, who welcomed the dignitaries and highlighted the vision behind the summit. The ceremonial lamp was lit, followed by the Conference Report presented by Dr. Praveen Jodalli and the Scientific Report by Dr. Mithun Pai, outlining the conference achievements and the objectives of the summit.

The gathering was addressed by Dr. Junaid Ahmed, Dr. Vamsi Krishna Reddy L., President, IAPHD, and Dr. Ridhima Gaunkar, Honorary General Secretary, IAPHD.

The summit was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Dr. Dilip G. Naik, Pro Vice Chancellor, Mangalore Campus, MAHE. The Guests of Honour, Dr. Naveen Salins, Director–Research, MAHE, and Ms. Anusha Daragshetti, Content Acquisition Specialist, Wiley, appreciated the initiative and emphasized the importance of translating scientific evidence into impactful research, clinical practice, and policy. The inaugural ceremony concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Dr. Avinash B.R., followed by the National Anthem.