BAU International University Batumi participated in the 22nd International Congress of the Georgian Dental Association, held in Batumi on 10–11 July 2026. The main theme of the two-day congress was special care dentistry. Experts from the United States, France, Poland, Bulgaria, Turkey and Georgia shared their current clinical experiences, research findings and treatment approaches for different patient groups with the participants throughout the scientific programme.

At the congress, special care dentistry was addressed within the framework of oral and dental health of individuals who require additional support in standard treatment processes due to physical, mental, developmental or medical conditions. In the presentations, treatment planning, clinical communication, preventive practices and cooperation between different health fields for these patient groups were evaluated. The programme demonstrated the importance of recognising the diverse needs of patients and planning treatment processes according to these needs, as well as technical competences, within modern dental education.

Within the scope of the 22nd International Congress of the Georgian Dental Association, topics such as the impact of systemic diseases on dental treatment, intervention planning in patients with hematological disorders, oral care in cancer patients, digital dentistry, implantology, laser applications and complex endodontic cases were discussed. The programme also included a presentation on registered auxiliary personal hygiene tools for individuals with disabilities. Tamta Chikobava, from the academic staff of BAU International University Batumi, informed the participants about the studies in this field.

On the first day of the congress, Prof. Alton Varol, who works in the field of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Bahçeşehir University's Istanbul and Batumi campuses, also gave a presentation. Varol discussed the infant mandibular distraction method applied for airway management in syndromic micrognathia cases. The presentation contributed to the scientific programme conducted on surgical planning and the collaborative work of different specialities in patients requiring special care.

In addition to the theoretical sessions, a practical digital dentistry masterclass was also organised. In the workshop conducted through live clinical cases, intraoral and facial scanning, creation of a digital patient model, smile design, implant planning, post-operative scanning and restoration production with three-dimensional printing were demonstrated. Participants practically observed how digital tools are used in the clinical process, from the diagnosis phase to treatment planning and the preparation of the restoration.

The participation of experts from different countries in the same scientific programme allowed for the comparison of clinical approaches and the sharing of current research with dentists. The congress created a scientific sharing platform where academics and students could follow methods developed outside their own educational environments. Addressing current clinical practices, research results and patient-centred care approaches together was one of the prominent aspects of the congress in terms of modern dental education.

BAU International University Batumi's participation in the congress took place within the scope of activities aimed at supporting the professional development of academic staff and students. Through international scientific events, the university strengthened the sharing of knowledge conducted with experts from different countries and closely followed current developments in the field of dentistry. The 22nd International Congress of the Georgian Dental Association was a comprehensive meeting for the evaluation of clinical and academic approaches in the field of special care dentistry.