The Big Five: A Paradigm Shift — five disciplines, one conversation on interdisciplinary esthetic dentistry.IFED 2015 · Cape Town International Convention Centre · 5–7 November 2015
About the Conference
IFED 2015 was Africa’s first conference of the International Federation of Esthetic Dentistry, held Thursday 5 to Saturday 7 November 2015 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). The scientific programme explored The Big Five: A Paradigm Shift across Prosthodontics, Periodontics, Endodontics, Orthodontics, and Implantology.
- Unique topics in interdisciplinary dental treatment planning.
- Sessions led by leading specialists in esthetic dentistry.
- Networking between sessions with knowledgeable international professionals.
- Shareable “how-to” knowledge to bring back to your practice.
The site also covered registration fees, recommended hotels near the CTICC, travel and visa guidance, and pre- and post-conference tour options.
Programme & Registration
The scientific programme opened on Thursday 5 November with an Opening Ceremony featuring Prof. Akira Senda, Dr. Mark Bowes, Dr. David Klaff, and Dr. Andy Effting, followed by Dental XP Day and sessions across the five disciplines. The social programme included the Ivoclar Welcome reception and the Henry Schein – Dental Warehouse Gala dinner.
Registration fees were set in South African Rand:
- International IFED Member: R10,560.00
- International Non-member: R11,400.00
- South African / African SAAAD Member: R6,240.00
- South African / African Delegate: R6,960.00
Preferred airline partner: Qatar Airways. Main sponsors included Nobel Biocare, Ivoclar Vivadent, Dental XP, Quintessence Publishing, Carestream Dental, Planmeca, Dental Warehouse, and Millners.
Interdisciplinary esthetic dentistry has gradually become a defining conversation in modern practice, moving beyond the boundaries of any single specialty. When prosthodontists, periodontists, endodontists, orthodontists, and implantologists share the same platform, treatment planning becomes more holistic and patient outcomes tend to reflect that collaboration. Conferences built around this idea invite clinicians to step back from isolated routines and consider how restorative, surgical, and alignment procedures can complement one another across a full course of care, fostering a culture of shared learning and mutual respect among specialists who might otherwise work in parallel rather than in partnership.
Cape Town offers a setting that naturally encourages reflection and renewal between sessions. The city is framed by a legendary mountain range, where Table Mountain and the surrounding peaks create a backdrop that draws visitors outdoors for walks, viewpoints, and quiet moments of rest. Coastal drives reveal forests, beaches, and quiet bays, while nearby vineyards and small towns extend the experience beyond the convention venue. For delegates balancing intensive scientific content with the desire to recharge, this landscape provides an effortless transition from lecture halls to scenic exploration, supporting both intellectual focus and personal wellbeing.
Beyond its well-known scenery, the wider region invites attendees to discover wildlife and natural wonders that feel both accessible and memorable. Whale watching seasons bring southern right whales close to the shores, while colonies of penguins, colonies of seabirds, and reserves inhabited by meerkats, wild dogs, and a remarkable diversity of birdlife reward those who plan excursions before or after the main programme. Safari options, coastal drives, and botanical gardens add depth to any visit, reminding travellers that a conference trip can also become an opportunity to experience a place celebrated for its blend of ecosystems and its commitment to conservation.
The cultural fabric of the host city is woven from many immigrant traditions, creating a society often described as friendly, expressive, and welcoming. Several languages are recognised as official, with English widely used in professional settings, allowing international visitors to navigate daily interactions comfortably. Markets, restaurants, and public spaces reflect this layered heritage, offering delegates informal chances to engage with local life between structured events. This openness extends to professional exchanges, where speakers and attendees find audiences eager to listen, question, and connect across borders, disciplines, and generations of practitioners.
Organising travel for an international congress benefits from early preparation and a calm, methodical approach. Visa requirements, flight bookings, airport transfers, and accommodation choices all benefit from being confirmed well in advance, leaving room to focus on scientific content once the meeting begins. Many attendees pair pre- or post-conference tours with the main programme, allowing time to explore surrounding regions at a comfortable pace. Social events, sponsor sessions, poster competitions, and informal gatherings woven into the schedule create additional opportunities to meet colleagues, exchange ideas, and return home with both new knowledge and renewed professional energy.
Contact
| Local Conference Organisers | +27 (0)21 460 4743 meet@ifed-2015.com |
|---|---|
| Exhibition Management | Marilize van der Linde +27 22 715 1543 mvdlinde@ifed-2015.com |
| Venue | Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) |
| Dates | Thursday 5 – Saturday 7 November 2015 |