Middle East’s premier dental gathering draws approximately 7,350 participants and 292 speakers over three days
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia | February 7, 2026
The 37th edition of the Saudi International Dental Conference (SIDC 2026) has concluded at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center, Saudi Arabia, following three days of scientific sessions, hands-on workshops, and a specialised dental exhibition held from February 5 to 7, 2026. Organised by the Saudi Dental Society (SDS) and King Saud University College of Dentistry, with INDEX Conferences & Exhibitions managing event operations, SIDC remains the region’s foremost annual platform for dental professionals.
Event Overview
Now in its 37th consecutive year, SIDC 2026 delivered a comprehensive scientific programme spanning the full breadth of modern dentistry, including aesthetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, prosthodontics, implant dentistry, endodontics, digital dentistry, periodontics, paediatric dentistry, orthodontics, infection control, and practice management. Parallel sessions were also held specifically for dental assistants and dental hygienists, reflecting the conference’s commitment to continuing education across the entire dental team.
The event comprised three core components: a scientific conference featuring lectures by regional and international experts, a specialised dental exhibition showcasing the latest equipment, materials, and technologies, and a series of interactive, hands-on workshops. A dedicated research and e-poster area allowed participants to present and discuss emerging findings with peers.
Participation and Scale
Pre-registration figures indicate approximately 7,350 participants attended SIDC 2026, with around 292 speakers contributing to the scientific programme. The venue — the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center — was selected for its strategic location near King Khalid International Airport, facilitating access for both domestic and international attendees. Delegates and exhibiting companies arrived from across Saudi Arabia and the wider region, reinforcing the event’s role as a critical hub for the Gulf dental community.
Notable Technology Launches and Industry Highlights
SIDC 2026 served as the official launch platform for several new dental technologies in Saudi Arabia. Align Technology (Nasdaq: ALGN) used the conference to introduce the iTero Lumina™ Pro intraoral scanner to the Saudi market, with the device made commercially available from February 5, 2026. The scanner features a field of view three times larger than its predecessor and a maximum capture distance of 25mm, designed to improve scanning accuracy in challenging anatomical areas such as the palate, edentulous spaces, and crowded dentition.
During the conference, Align Technology hosted educational sessions delivered by international speaker Dr. Tommaso Weinstein, covering the integration of artificial intelligence in patient consultations and the application of digital intraoral scanning in complex full-arch rehabilitation cases. Live demonstrations of the iTero Lumina™ Pro were available at Align Technology’s exhibition booth throughout the three-day event.
FDI World Dental Federation Partnership
SIDC 2026 marks a significant milestone as the inaugural FDI Regional Congress in the Middle East, conducted in collaboration with the FDI World Dental Federation — the leading global voice of the dental profession representing over one million dentists worldwide. This partnership underscores the growing international recognition of SIDC as a premier scientific platform and positions the Saudi dental community within the broader global network of dental education and research.
Expansion and Future Editions
In a notable strategic development, SIDC expanded its footprint beyond Riyadh for the first time in 2025, with the inaugural SIDC Jeddah held from November 27 to 29, 2025. The Riyadh edition, which will continue as the flagship annual event, is scheduled to return for its 38th edition in April 2027. Together, the two editions aim to serve dental professionals across the entirety of the Kingdom.
