Reviving global engagement for oral health at ISDH in Seoul

The Korean Dental Hygienists Association (KDHA), in collaboration with the International Federation of Dental Hygienists (IFDH), hosted the International Symposium on Dental Hygiene (ISDH) at the COEX Convention Centre in Seoul, from 11–13 July 2024. 

Following the global shift in event dynamics post-pandemic, the organising team aimed to re-engage the professional community, attract over 1,300 participants, and position Korea as a compelling global destination for oral health events. The scientific ambition was equally bold: highlight the evolving role of dental hygienists as primary healthcare providers and foster professional growth through international knowledge exchange. 

ISDH 2024 was framed by the theme Dental Hygienists, the Centre of Oral Health, with its scientific content structured around four key pillars: Collaboration, Optimisation, Reimagination and Equality. More than 400 submissions were narrowed down to 88 oral presentations and over 100 posters, drawing contributions from 19 countries and showcasing cutting-edge research and practice. 

Instagram served as the primary promotional channel. A targeted six-month campaign using Reels, card news and registration-driven content attracted over 500 new followers. Outreach was further extended through active engagement with dental professionals and influencers, as well as coordinated communication via IFDH member organisations. 

To support sponsor value, a comprehensive prospectus outlined clear opportunities, including academic sessions reserved for Silver-level partners and above. Creative booth activation strategies (Booth Stamp Tour) helped maintain vibrant engagement across all 55 trade displays, encouraging interaction and enhancing the overall atmosphere of the event. 

ISDH 2024 also received strategic financial support from the Seoul Tourism Organisation and Korea Tourism Organisation. Funding was linked to international delegate attendance and secured through detailed pre- and post-event reporting. 

Onsite, the delegate experience was designed to celebrate Korean culture. A high-tech opening ceremony featured live dancers and a parade of flags. Experience Zones allowed international participants to try on Hanbok (the traditional Korean clothing of the Korean) and explore locally themed souvenirs, with strong anecdotal feedback from attendees. The gala dinner provided a meaningful platform for cultural exchange, where participants connected through shared stories and celebrated diversity in a warm and festive setting. 

Despite last-minute visa complications that prevented several oral abstract presenters from attending, the organising team quickly sourced pre-recorded videos, ensuring a complete and uninterrupted scientific programme. 

ISDH 2024 successfully met its primary attendance target, drawing over 1 300 participants from 34 countries. Of these, 60% were domestic attendees and 40% travelled internationally, demonstrating the event’s strong global reach. The scientific programme featured 88 oral presentations and more than 100 posters, selected from over 400 submissions, and was widely praised for its clinical relevance and diversity of perspectives. The balance between academic rigour and engaging experiences ensured high satisfaction among both delegates and sponsors. 

Exhibitor and sponsor feedback was particularly strong, with over 55 trade displays benefitting from the passport-style booth stamp tour designed to boost engagement. This mechanic not only increased foot traffic across all stands but also encouraged delegates to remain actively involved until the end of each day. Instagram performance supported the broader marketing success, with more than 500 new followers generated through carefully targeted content over six months. 

The event also fulfilled all post-event reporting requirements from the Seoul Tourism Organisation and Korea Tourism Organisation, securing the release of government funding tied to foreign delegate attendance. Throughout, ISDH 2024 delivered on its promise to be more than a conference – it became a meaningful and unifying experience for the global dental hygiene community, one that left delegates feeling reconnected to their purpose and profession. 

“Participating in ISDH allowed me to rediscover the value and importance of my profession. I felt truly proud to be a dental hygienist.” 
– Delegate (via social media)