Introduction
Attending exhibitions is always a golden opportunity to discover innovations, meet experts, and build new networks. The SIDEX exhibition in Korea, one of the most prestigious global events in the field of dentistry, consistently showcases the latest scientific and technological advancements in the industry. Held annually, it aims to introduce the latest developments and foster connections between companies and specialists. I had the chance to attend SIDEX 2024, which coincided with a major event by Dentium, where their newest implant was introduced.
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Global Participants at Korea’s SIDEX Exhibition
Dentium, one of South Korea’s leading and largest implant brands, had organized a comprehensive program blending education and leisure for its users. This event took place in June 2024, coinciding with the SIDEX exhibition in Seoul. Most participants were from Middle Eastern countries like Iran, Turkey, Iraq, Jordan, and the UAE. However, there was also significant attendance from Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam, India, and China. One notable aspect of this event was the strong presence of young dentists eager to learn the latest technologies and advancements in implant dentistry.
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Pre-Conference on Digital Innovation: The Future of Dentium Implants with AI
Most dentists attending the International Dental Congress arrived in Seoul on June 6, 2024, a day before the official start of the SIDEX exhibition in Korea. They seized this golden opportunity to attend an advanced seminar titled “Digital Minimalism Consensus,” hosted by Dentium, as a prelude to the SIDEX exhibition.
This one-day seminar, held from 9 AM to 5 PM, featured distinguished professors and renowned surgeons from Korea, China, and the United States who discussed the latest digital advancements in dentistry, mainly focusing on Dentium implants. One of the key topics was the significant role of artificial intelligence in implant surgeries. Speakers demonstrated practical examples, showing how AI can enhance drilling accuracy and prevent damage to anatomical structures. Additionally, valuable discussions on surgical guides and immediate implants were presented, offering valuable insights for both surgeons and specialists in prosthetics and implant crowns. During breaks, participants had the opportunity to explore and try out Dentium’s latest products closely.
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A Memorable Evening in Seoul
After an exciting, information-packed day at the seminar, participants returned to the hotel to rest and recharge—but the day wasn’t over yet. With thoughtful planning and unmatched hospitality, Dentium organized a memorable evening for everyone. At dusk, all participants gathered at a traditional Korean restaurant, where they enjoyed a delicious Korean dinner and warmly expressed their appreciation to the hosts. Notably, the choice of a hotel near the exhibition venue was an intelligent decision, saving considerable travel time and adding convenience to the experience.
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An Exclusive Experience at Korea’s SIDEX Exhibition
According to our plans, we were set to visit the SIDEX exhibition in Korea on Friday, June 7. Before the trip, many people had advised me that the prices of this exhibition were very high and not worth the purchase. I had a similar experience at the AEEDC exhibition in Dubai, so I entered the exhibition with some hesitation. However, I soon realized how mistaken I had been.
At the SIDEX exhibition in Korea, there was a wide range of dental products, many of which are either rare or unavailable in the Iranian market. The variety and access to new, high-quality products were incredibly appealing to me, as I’m always looking to upgrade my clinic’s equipment. Korean companies, along with other international exhibitors, showcased their latest and most innovative products at this event—items that usually take a while to reach the Iranian market.
My experience at SIDEX taught me not to rely solely on general advice, as each exhibition has its unique qualities and can offer incredible opportunities for dentists. So, I recommend doing your research and approaching each exhibition with an open mind.
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Finding the Best Dental Equipment Deals at SIDEX Korea
Every dentist’s equipment needs vary depending on their specialty and level of practice. As a general dentist working across all areas, the limited time at the SIDEX exhibition in Korea wasn’t enough to review all the products, and I wished I had more time to explore and see the new items up close. One of my most essential purchases at the exhibition was surgical tools, like scissors and forceps. The superior quality of these tools was evident, especially compared to those I had previously bought in Iran. Finding sharp, high-quality surgical scissors has always been a challenge for me. In addition to the surgical instruments, I also purchased various composites, light-cured dressings, and temporary cement, all of which are practical for my clinic. I’m delighted with the quality and effectiveness of these products.
- My advice to my colleagues is to experience attending such exhibitions firsthand. Hearing about others’ experiences can be helpful, but seeing and handling the products directly is the best way to make informed decisions.
- Another critical point to consider is currency exchange. In South Korea, finding an exchange office wasn’t easy, and hotel exchange rates usually weren’t favorable for customers. Therefore, it’s best to exchange your currency for Korean Won at the airport or visit an exchange office in the city. Some stands at the SIDEX exhibition in Korea also accept payment in USD or EUR, but their exchange rates may vary.
- Lastly, Seoul is a very safe city, allowing you to explore and shop with peace of mind. The likelihood of theft or losing personal belongings is very low.
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A Challenging Encounter with Osstem at Korea’s SIDEX Exhibition
During our visit to the SIDEX exhibition, we arrived at the Osstem stand. As one of the oldest implant manufacturers, we expected a more professional approach. Unfortunately, the staff at this stand were very distant and unprofessional in their interactions with international participants, including us. They declined to provide services, technical explanations about their products, or even small gifts to foreign attendees, openly stating that their services were only available to Korean dentists. This attitude contradicted global standards and the spirit of hospitality. This disappointing experience highlighted that some companies still don’t recognize the importance of international customers and treat them with a discriminatory approach. In contrast, in our own country, Iranian dentists strive to offer the best care to foreign patients.
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Dentium: The Unrivaled Giant at the SIDEX Exhibition in Korea
One of the most captivating parts of the SIDEX exhibition was the Dentium stand. With its eye-catching design and wide range of products, it effortlessly attracted the attention of visitors. Many of the new products introduced exclusively to longtime users in a private session the day before were also available for the public at the exhibition. This reflects Dentium’s transparency and commitment to enhancing dentists’ knowledge. As a longtime Dentium implant user, I was thrilled to see these advancements.
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Another interesting point was the strong presence of Korean dental brands in the Iran’s market. Almost all well-known brands participating in the SIDEX exhibition also have representatives in Iran. Iranian dentists widely use their products, which shows that Korean dental products meet high standards of quality and have successfully established a strong position in the Iranian market.
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A Memorable Tour of the Dentium Factory
On Saturday, June 9, we had the opportunity to visit Dentium’s factory and research and development center in Suwon. As someone interested in Dentium’s products, I find this experience incredibly valuable. Dentium introduced two exciting new products: the Simple Sinus Lift kit and the Bright implant. The new sinus lift kit is significantly more efficient and straightforward than its previous version. With fewer tools and ergonomic design, sinus lift surgeries can now be performed more quickly and precisely. Additionally, this kit allows for sinus lifts in bones with shallow height (3 mm), marking a notable advancement in implantology.
Dentium’s new Bright implant line also caught my attention with its unique design and special features. These implants, with a short length of 7 mm, are ideal for patients with low bone density.
During the visit, we toured Dentium’s production hall and product warehouse. This facility showcased a wide range of dental products, including grafting materials, prosthetics, injectable gels, impression materials, ceramic blocks, and advanced equipment like CT scanners and milling machines. This variety of products reflects Dentium’s commitment to meeting all the needs of dentists in one place.
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Behind the Scenes of Dentium Implant Production
One of the most fascinating parts of the visit was entering Dentium’s implant production area. This section is equipped with advanced CNC machines that meticulously design and produce implant screws. However, the real allure was in the restricted-access areas, the heart of Dentium’s technology, containing the secrets behind their high-quality, high-performance implant production.
In these restricted areas, specialized processes are performed on Dentium implants to distinguish them from competitors. These processes include implant surface activation and creating a solid bond between the implant and jawbone. Each implant manufacturer has its unique formulations and methods for this process, which are considered confidential trade secrets.
Continuing our visit, we observed that each Dentium implant undergoes a thorough microscopic inspection before packaging to ensure the quality and integrity of each product. Additionally, various tests are conducted on Dentium implants to confirm their optimal performance under different conditions.
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Hands-On Experience and Practical Learning in the Workshop
After touring Dentium’s implant production line, it was time for the hands-on workshop. Each participating dentist had a workstation equipped with the necessary tools and materials for working with the new sinus lift kit and the Dentium Bright implant system. We received training in a short time that would otherwise be costly to obtain in Iran, where not all details and technical insights are usually provided. The esteemed instructor from the morning’s theoretical session was also present here, patiently answering our questions and supervising our practical work.
This practical session not only helped me become well-acquainted with new products, especially the Dentium implant but also allowed me to strengthen my hands-on skills. Undoubtedly, this valuable experience will significantly enhance the quality of my treatments.
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Return to Seoul and a Shopping Experience at COEX
After a productive and insightful day at the Dentium factory and participating in the hands-on workshop, we boarded the bus and headed back to our hotel in Seoul. As I’m sharing these experiences with you, I feel a bit of regret for not having another chance to visit the SIDEX exhibition. However, the travel and workshop were a good reason to rest a bit. After a short break, I decided to take advantage of the opportunity and visit the COEX mall, which was only a short distance from the hotel. COEX is one of Seoul’s largest and most attractive shopping centers, home to a variety of famous brands and diverse products.
One of the exciting things about Seoul is the abundance of chain stores for cosmetics and skin and hair care products, including Olive Young. These stores offer products with excellent quality and reasonable prices, making them very popular among tourists. I took advantage of the opportunity as well and picked up a few great products for myself.
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A Remarkable Day in Seoul: Exploring the City and Nami Island
Sunday, June 10, was dedicated to a city tour. The organizing company had arranged a diverse and exciting itinerary for us. This day-long tour took us to some of the most beautiful sights around Seoul. One of the highlights was visiting a village inspired by Paris and Italy. This artificial village, with its colorful buildings and narrow streets, created a romantic European atmosphere. The most enchanting part of the trip, however, was visiting Nami Island. This island, now one of South Korea’s most popular tourist destinations, draws countless visitors with its pristine yet carefully designed nature. We took a ferry to reach the island and, in no time, found ourselves surrounded by its dreamlike scenery. Interestingly, much of the island’s stunning scenery is human-crafted. The planted trees, decorative flowers and plants, and even the walking paths were all meticulously designed and planned.
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While having lunch at one of the island’s restaurants, I had the chance to meet a few young Iraqi dentists. When I mentioned that I was from Iran, they all spoke highly of Iran’s natural beauty, especially the northern region. At the end of this exciting day, we returned to the hotel, tired but content. The memories of this trip, especially the visit to Nami Island, will stay with me forever.
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Farewell to Seoul: Journey Back to Iran
Our return to Iran was scheduled for midnight on Monday, June 11. Until then, we had a reasonable amount of time to explore Seoul’s attractions more. After breakfast and checking out of the hotel, we visited a temple located across the street. This visit gave me a chance to learn more about Korean culture and beliefs. Although I still find the differences among temples in East Asian countries a bit unclear, this experience inspired me to study the topic more in the future. Another attraction we visited was the Gangnam district, which is referenced in the famous song “Gangnam Style.” After lunch and some shopping, we headed to Incheon Airport to embark on the long flight back to Tehran.
