The 5th edition of SPIRIT 2026, a National Conference organized by the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics at SRM Dental College, Ramapuram, Chennai, was successfully conducted from 26th to 28th February 2026. The conference was organized in collaboration with the Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry of India (ACDI) and the Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics Association of Tamil Nadu (CEAT).
The theme of the conference was “Adhesive Dentistry – Bond Beyond Boundaries.”
SPIRIT, an acronym for Science based on Principles, Inventions, Research & Innovative Thoughts, is a unique academic initiative conducted once every three years by the department since 2009. The conference serves as a platform for academicians, researchers, students and clinicians to exchange ideas and discuss contemporary advances in Conservative Dentistry, Endodontics, Restorative Dentistry, and Aesthetic Dentistry.
The conference witnessed enthusiastic participation with a total of 234 registered delegates, including 171 postgraduate students, 21 undergraduate students, 35 faculty members, and 7 private practitioners from various institutions across India. The scientific program featured six eminent speakers, including two international experts and four national experts, who delivered lectures based on evidence-based clinical practice.
Pre-Conference Courses (26 February 2026)
The pre-conference courses were conducted on 26 February 2026, beginning with a brief inaugural ceremony. The welcome address was delivered by Dr. S. Mahalaxmi, Conference Head, followed by the felicitation of the resource faculty. Dr. K. Rajkumar, Organizing Chairman introduced all the 3 resource faculties of the pre-conference course.
A total of 46 delegates participated in three specialized workshops that included lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on training sessions.
Pre-conference 1
The first workshop titled “Mastering Posterior Indirect Restorations: A Hands-on Workshop with Digital Workflow” was conducted by Dr. Deepak Mehta and attended by 24 delegates. The session included a lecture on the principles of posterior indirect restorations, case selection, materials, and digital workflows, followed by hands-on training on tooth preparation, adhesive protocols, and digital restorative procedures.
Pre-conference 2
The second workshop, “Art and Science of Composite Veneering,” was conducted by Dr. Bejoy Mony CM, with 17 delegates participating. The session covered composite materials, shade selection, layering techniques, smile design, and minimally invasive restorative approaches, followed by a hands-on training component.
Pre-conference 3
A workshop on Dental Photography was conducted by Dr. Karthick S., focusing on clinical photography techniques essential for documentation and scientific presentations. The program included sessions on camera selection, lighting systems, exposure settings, and standardized dental photographic protocols, along with practical demonstrations using DSLR cameras and macro lenses.
The pre-conference workshops were well received by the participants for their academic depth and clinical relevance, providing valuable practical exposure to contemporary techniques in restorative dentistry.
Conference Proceedings (27–28 February 2026)
The main conference was held on 27 and 28 February 2026 which commenced with an inaugural ceremony presided over by Dr. K. Ravi – Dean, SRM Dental College. Dr. S. Balakumar, Director, Research Schemes and Projects (UNOM-RSP), National Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, University of Madras, Chennai inaugurated the conference and delivered the chief guest address.
The dignitaries present on the dais included:
- Dr. B. Mohan – Past President and Founder, ACDI
- Dr. M. Rajasekaran – Honorary Secretary, CEAT
- Dr. S. Mahalaxmi – Conference Head
- Dr. K. Rajkumar – Conference Chairman
- Dr. S. Kavitha – Organizing Secretary
- Dr. V. Sujatha – Scientific Chairman
Scientific Sessions
The conference featured six scientific lectures delivered by distinguished speakers who addressed contemporary topics in restorative and adhesive dentistry.
Day 1 – 27 February 2026 –
Speaker 1: Dr. A.R. Pradeep Kumar, Topic: Cracks and Fractures
Dr. A. R. Pradeep Kumar, Professor and Head at Thai Moogambigai Dental College, Chennai, is a distinguished academician and researcher in Endodontics with over 20 PubMed-indexed publications. A Diplomate of the Indian Board of Endodontics and FDSRCSEd (Edinburgh), he completed his PhD from the University of Amsterdam focusing on cracks and fractures in teeth. The lecture highlighted the prevalence, diagnosis, and management of cracked teeth, emphasizing evidence-based clinical protocols.
Speaker 2: Dr. Deepak Mehta, Topic: Engineering Posterior Success: Adhesive Indirect Restorations Done Right
An internationally acclaimed expert in Restorative and Aesthetic Dentistry, Dr. Mehta holds a PhD from Tohoku University and serves as Adjunct Professor at Saveetha Dental College. A Diplomate of the American Board of Aesthetic Dentistry and Fellow of the American Society for Dental Aesthetics, he has delivered over 300 international lectures. The session focused on adhesive protocols, digital workflows, and biomechanical principles to improve long-term success of posterior restorations.
Speaker 3: Dr. Petteri Viljakainen, Topic: The Adhesive and Restorative Complex
Graduating from the University of Helsinki, Dr. Viljakainen is an Accredited Fellow of the AACD and an internationally recognized lecturer in minimally invasive cosmetic dentistry. A global Key Opinion Leader for Ultradent and Ivoclar Vivadent, he is also a dental photography trainer for Canon Europe. The webinar session provided insights into adhesive integration and minimally invasive aesthetic restorative techniques. The online session was a direct relay from Finland by our eminent speaker.
Day 2 – 28 February 2026
Speaker 1: Dr. Mohan Bhuvaneswaran, Topic: Adhesive Protocols for Aesthetic Restorations
As a Founder President of the Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry of India and President-elect of the AACD, Dr. Mohan Bhuvaneswaran is the first Indian and second Asian to receive the prestigious AACD Fellowship. The lecture discussed biomimetic principles and contemporary adhesive techniques for aesthetic restorative procedures.
Speaker 2: Dr. Mohd. Haikal Muhamad Halil, Topic: Practical Integration of AI in Restorative Dentistry
As a Dean at the Kulliyyah of Dentistry, International Islamic University Malaysia, Dr. Haikal is a former President of Malaysian Endodontics and a respected academic leader. The presentation highlighted the role of artificial intelligence in diagnosis, treatment planning, and digital restorative workflows.
Speaker 3: Dr. Krithika Datta, Topic: Adhesive Protocols in Carious Dentin
As a Founder and Head of India’s first Department of Cariology at Saveetha Dental College, Dr. Krithika Datta is internationally recognized in caries research. She ranks among the top 2% of global scientists (Stanford Ranking 2023–25) and serves on the Tamil Nadu State Oral Health Policy committee. The session focused on adhesive strategies in compromised dentin and the application of cariology research in clinical practice.
Scientific Competitions
Several academic competitions were organized as part of SPIRIT 2026 to encourage active student participation.
Table-Top Presentations
A total of 65 delegates representing 15 institutions participated in the table-top demonstration, which included 1 faculty member, 58 postgraduate students, and 7 undergraduate students. An international team from Indiana University School of Dentistry, USA also participated.
Quiz Competition
The quiz competition witnessed participation of 79 students representing 23 colleges. After a preliminary round, the top five teams advanced to the final round conducted by Dr. Kavitha M, Professor and Head, Conservtive Dentistry and Endodontics, Tamilnadu Government Dental College, Chennai. Students from TNGDC, Chennai emerged as the winners, while Sri Ramachandra Dental College and Hospital secured the position of runners-up.
Debate Competition
Fourteen participants from seven colleges competed in the preliminary round, with eight finalists advancing to the final debate on “Dentin Biomodification – Myth or Reality.” Dr. Shivika Duggal (Saveetha Dental College) and Dr. R. Simruthaa (Sathyabama Dental College) were awarded the best speakers.
Edutainment
The Edutainment Competition, a new addition to SPIRIT 2026, encouraged creative learning through short educational videos on the theme “Adhesion in Dentistry.” A total of 18 participants forming 12 teams submitted entries. The Undergraduate students from CK Teja Institute of Dental Science secured the first place.
Trade
The SPIRIT 2026 national conference had participation from a total of 11 trade partners, namely Shofu Dental India PVT LTD, Mani, E Square Dental & Medical PVT LTD, IDS Denmed, Butterfly Dental Solutions, D Care Dental Solutions, IMAG Loupes, IMDSL Laser, Crescent Dental Laboratory, and Confident Dental Equipments PVT LTD, with Dentsply Sirona being the principal sponsor. Amidentis & Global Surgical Corporation and E Square Dental sponsored dental loupes and a microscope for the pre-conference workshop. These contributions significantly supported the academic and hands-on learning activities of SPIRIT 2026.
Conclusion
SPIRIT 2026 concluded successfully, reflecting the department’s continued commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and collaborative learning. The conference provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange through scientific lectures, hands-on workshops, and academic competitions, attracting enthusiastic participation from delegates across the country and abroad.