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Clinical case

Editorial

June 19, 2026

Digital Dentistry Unlocked: Join us at the DDS State of the Art Conference 2026

Prof. Reinhilde Jacobs

DDS, PhD

• Dentist, periodontologist with PhD (KULeuven) and MSc in Dental Radiology (Univ London).
• Full professor at the University of Leuven and visiting professor at Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden and Dalian Medical University in China.
• She is heading the omfs impath research group (KU Leuven, omfsimpath.be) and clinical center of dentomaxillofacial radiology (UZleuven).
• Secretary General of the International Association of DentoMaxilloFacial Radiology.
• President of the Digital Dentistry Society.
• Section editor of 5 scientific journals.
• In 2013, she received a Dr Honoris Causa at the “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Cluj-Napoca.

FIG. 1 Antwerp.
FIG. 1 Antwerp.

Dear colleagues and friends from around the globe,

We are delighted to invite you to the Digital Dentistry State of the Art Conference 2026, taking place from 15 to 17 October in the vibrant city of Antwerp, Belgium. This event is recognised as a truly state-of-the-art conference and will bring together leading clinicians, researchers, digital innovators and industry partners to explore the future of dentistry in an increasingly digital world.

The engaging scientific programme is designed as a unique multidisciplinary platform offering interactive lectures and clinically oriented sessions. The meeting experience begins before the official opening on 15 October with an exclusive pre-conference workshop day. This dedicated programme features a series of focused, hands-on sessions that allow participants to engage directly with cutting-edge technologies and refine their practical skills in an intimate learning environment (3D facial imaging, chairside 3D printing, AI-driven planning and decision support).

Held at the iconic Hilton Antwerp Old Town, which overlooks the majestic Cathedral of Our Lady, the venue places participants at the heart of one of Europe’s most captivating cultural destinations.

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FIG. 2-4 Antwerp’s attractions.

Antwerp offers an exceptional blend of history, art, fashion and gastronomy, from the masterpieces of Flemish painters to its renowned diamond district and vibrant culinary scene. Beyond the lecture halls, the event delivers an exceptional cultural and social experience for all. Antwerp is renowned for its artistic heritage, fashion scene, and architectural beauty, providing an inspiring setting for networking and tourism. Attendees can explore iconic landmarks, world-class museums and a vibrant culinary scene. From historic city walks to chocolate workshops and lively evening events, the congress offers the perfect blend of science, culture, and connection.

This edition is further distinguished by the strong and inspiring collaboration between Belgian and Dutch colleagues, who are united in their commitment to excellence, education and innovation. By encouraging cross-border exchange and interdisciplinary dialogue among clinicians, technicians, researchers and industry partners, the congress fosters an environment in which ideas evolve into tangible clinical advancements. The workshops, alongside the main scientific sessions, are formally accredited in both Belgium and the Netherlands, ensuring high-quality continuing professional development throughout the programme.

This event is not just a conference. By bringing together clinicians, technicians, researchers, and innovators, we foster an environment where technology meets clinical excellence, and ideas evolve into meaningful advancements in patient care.

We warmly welcome you to Antwerp for what promises to be an inspiring, forward-looking, and unforgettable Digital Dentistry Congress 2026. With the inspiring theme of ‘Digital Dentistry Unlocked’, this landmark event is set to be one of the world’s largest scientific gatherings of the digital dentistry community, bringing together leading clinical experts, researchers, and innovators.

Join us in Antwerp to assist shaping the digital future of our profession together!

 

Reinhilde Jacobs,
President Digital Dentistry Society

SOURCES

(1) Mangano FG, Yang KR, Lerner H, Admakin O, Mangano C. Artificial intelligence and mixed reality for dental implant planning: A technical note. Clin Implant Dent Relat Res. 2024 Oct;26(5):942-953. doi: 10.1111/cid.13357. Epub 2024 Jun 28. PMID: 38940681.

(2). Pellegrino G, Mangano C, Mangano R, Ferri A, Taraschi V, Marchetti C. Augmented reality for dental implantology: a pilot clinical report of two cases. BMC Oral Health. 2019 Jul 19;19(1):158. doi: 10.1186/s12903-019-0853-y. PMID: 31324246; PMCID: PMC6642526.

(3) Engelschalk M, Al Hamad KQ, Mangano R, Smeets R, Molnar TF. Dental implant placement with immersive technologies: A preliminary clinical report of augmented and mixed reality applications. J Prosthet Dent. 2024 Mar 12:S0022-3913(24)00141-0. doi: 10.1016/j.prosdent.2024.02.017. Epub ahead of print. Erratum in: J Prosthet Dent. 2024 Sep;132(3):656. doi: 10.1016/j.prosdent.2024.03.023. PMID: 38480015.

(4) Mangano FG, Admakin O, Lerner H, Mangano C. Artificial intelligence and augmented reality for guided implant surgery planning: A proof of concept. J Dent. 2023 Jun;133:104485. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2023.104485. Epub 2023 Mar 23. PMID: 36965859.

(5) Arunjaroensuk S, Yotpibulwong T, Fu PS, Wang JC, Hung CC, Mattheos N, Pimkhaokham A. Implant position accuracy using dynamic computer-assisted implant surgery (CAIS) combined with augmented reality: A randomized controlled clinical trial. J Dent Sci. 2024 Dec;19(Suppl 1):S44-S50. doi: 10.1016/j.jds.2024.09.004. Epub 2024 Sep 26. PMID: 39807435; PMCID: PMC11725068.

(6) Arunjaroensuk S, Yotpibulwong T, Fu PS, Wang JC, Hung CC, Mattheos N, Pimkhaokham A. Implant position accuracy using dynamic computer-assisted implant surgery (CAIS) combined with augmented reality: A randomized controlled clinical trial. J Dent Sci. 2024 Dec;19(Suppl 1):S44-S50. doi: 10.1016/j.jds.2024.09.004. Epub 2024 Sep 26. PMID: 39807435; PMCID: PMC11725068.

(7) Lai PL, Liu CT, Fu PS, Chen JH, Lan TH, Wang JC, Hung CC. Achieving new excellence in an augmented reality dental education system. J Dent Sci. 2024 Dec;19(Suppl 2):S136-S142. doi: 10.1016/j.jds.2024.07.023. Epub 2024 Aug 16. PMID: 39807256; PMCID: PMC11725084.

(8) Shusterman A, Nashef R, Tecco S, Mangano C, Mangano F. Implant placement using mixed reality-based dynamic navigation: A proof of concept. J Dent. 2024 Oct;149:105256. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2024.105256. Epub 2024 Jul 21. PMID: 39043329.

(9) Shusterman A, Nashef R, Tecco S, Mangano C, Lerner H, Mangano FG. Accuracy of implant placement using a mixed reality-based dynamic navigation system versus static computer-assisted and freehand surgery: An in Vitro study. J Dent. 2024 Jul;146:105052. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2024.105052. Epub 2024 May 9. PMID: 38734298.

(10) Bochet Q, Raoul G, Lauwers L, Nicot R. Augmented reality in implantology: Virtual surgical checklist and augmented implant placement. J Stomatol Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2024 Oct;125(5S2):101813. doi: 10.1016/j.jormas.2024.101813. Epub 2024 Mar 6. PMID: 38452901.

(11) Fan X, Feng Y, Tao B, Shen Y, Wu Y, Chen X. A hybrid robotic system for zygomatic implant placement based on mixed reality navigation. Comput Methods Programs Biomed. 2024 Jun;249:108156. doi: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2024.108156. Epub 2024 Mar 27. PMID: 38555744.

(12) González-Rueda JR, Galparsoro-Catalán A, de Paz-Hermoso VM, Riad-Deglow E, Zubizarreta-Macho Á, Pato-Mourelo J, Hernández-Montero S, Montero-Martín J. Accuracy of zygomatic dental implant placement using computer-aided static and dynamic navigation systems compared with a mixed reality appliance. An in vitro study. J Clin Exp Dent. 2023 Dec 1;15(12):e1035-e1044. doi: 10.4317/jced.61097. PMID: 38186921; PMCID: PMC10767737.

(13) Takács A, Hardi E, Cavalcante BGN, Szabó B, Kispélyi B, Joób-Fancsaly Á, Mikulás K, Varga G, Hegyi P, Kivovics M. Advancing accuracy in guided implant placement: A comprehensive meta-analysis: Meta-Analysis evaluation of the accuracy of available implant placement Methods. J Dent. 2023 Dec;139:104748. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2023.104748. Epub 2023 Oct 19. PMID: 37863173.

(14) Fan X, Tao B, Tu P, Shen Y, Wu Y, Chen X. A novel mixed reality-guided dental implant placement navigation system based on virtual-actual registration. Comput Biol Med. 2023 Nov;166:107560. doi: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2023.107560. Epub 2023 Oct 11. PMID: 37847946.

(15) Sukotjo C, Bertucci DE, Patel JY, Yuan JC, Santoso M. Evaluating augmented reality e-typodont to improve a patient’s dental implant health literacy. J Prosthet Dent. 2023 Sep 13:S0022-3913(23)00539-5. doi: 10.1016/j.prosdent.2023.08.012. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37714746.

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