The International Dental Exhibition and Meeting (IDEM) 2026 concluded at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, marking the close of the event’s 14th edition. Held from 17 to 19 April 2026 under the theme “Innovating Smart Dentistry for a Sustainable Digital Future,” the event welcomed over 8,300 attendees from more than 64 countries and regions across three days of exhibitions, scientific programming, and networking.
Despite ongoing global economic challenges and broader market uncertainties, the strong international turnout — particularly from visitors with clear business intent — underscores the continued relevance of IDEM as a key platform for the dental industry in Asia-Pacific. Across three days, the event facilitated meaningful connections, knowledge exchange, and commercial opportunities.
An Exhibition Floor That Reflected the Breadth of Dental Innovation
The exhibition floor featured over 350 exhibiting companies, including 504 brands from 34 countries and regions — demonstrating exhibitors' determination to connect and innovate. Spanning 17,000 square metres of exhibition space, the floor showcased the latest advances across prosthodontics, orthodontics, endodontics, paediatric dentistry, digital dentistry, and more, with exhibitors bringing the floor to life through live demonstrations, hands-on lectures, and in-booth laboratory sessions.
“IDEM 2026 is a reflection of the strength and continued growth of the dental community across Asia-Pacific, despite global challenges and uncertainties,” said Mr Mathias Kuepper, Managing Director and Regional President Asia-Pacific, Koelnmesse Pte Ltd. “Over the past three days, we have seen meaningful connections made, knowledge exchanged, and innovations introduced to a market that is ready for them.”
Among the highlights, the exhibition also drew strong affirmation from returning exhibitors, for whom IDEM's biennial schedule and international reach remain key draws.
“IDEM is a great opportunity to connect with both distributors and doctors — to keep in touch, see what the competition is doing, and bring everybody together under one roof. What's great about IDEM is that it's not only for locals; it's truly an international exhibition. Online definitely has value and saves time, but in-person meetings cannot be beaten — especially for the relationships and trust you build with partners. Having conversations that go beyond a single topic, and the time to engage afterwards over coffee — that's something online simply can't replicate. In-person is here to stay.”
— Elena Landa, Sales Director, and Wassilios Intzes, Area Sales Manager, Dürr Dental
For exhibitors targeting the region's dental professionals, IDEM's visitor profile and regional reach remain defining highlights.
“IDEM has been in the industry long enough to organise a show of this calibre. The visitor profile is strong — mainly dentists from across Southeast Asia and beyond, with attendance from Europe and the U.S. as well. These are the dental professionals we want to reach, alongside potential dealers for product export. We also see promise in new features like the hosted buyer programme and the IDEM360+ app — initiatives that we believe will bring even greater value to both visitors and exhibitors in the future.”
— Desmond Chong, Sales Director, Clear Smile Asia
A Scientific Programme Anchored in Clinical Relevance and Future-Focused Practice
IDEM 2026’s scientific conference programme featured 46 sessions and 3 workshops across three days, delivered by 44 speakers from 11 countries. Topics spanned aesthetic dentistry, digital workflows, paediatric care, TMD management, peri-implant tissue management, and whole-body approaches to sustainable dental health.
Complementing the scientific programme, a series of supporting events addressed broader industry issues beyond clinical practice. Among these was the National Dental Association Forum on Illegal Dentistry, held on the opening day, which drew regional attention and highlighted the growing importance of regulatory awareness and professional responsibility in an evolving healthcare landscape.
Stronger Business Connections and Purposeful Engagement
IDEM360+, the event’s official digital platform, played a central role in driving connections before and during the show. Ahead of opening day, the platform recorded a near-tripling of meeting requests, alongside 354 confirmed on-site meetings — reflecting strong commercial intent among participants.
Over the course of the event, the platform facilitated seamless engagement across the show floor, from planning and navigation to exhibitor lead capture. The shift to digital e-badges further supported sustainability efforts, while 3,293 badge scans — including 405 high-value leads — highlighted strong engagement and tangible business outcomes.
Looking Ahead to IDEM 2028
For attendees, IDEM 2026 delivered on its promise of discovery — both on the exhibition floor and in the conference halls.
“I got to see new dental innovations and technologies — my objective was to find new implant technology and tools like 3D printers and oral scanners, and IDEM delivered on that.”
— Gerald, Ismail, Shanty, Maura – Dentist and Trade Visitor from Indonesia
“It was exceptionally well-organised — that's one of the highlights that truly impressed me, alongside being held at Marina Bay Sands, one of Singapore's most iconic venues. What stood out was the balance between the exhibitor lineup and the conference programme. Attending sessions by Dr Adam Nulty, Dr Pokpong Amornvit, and Dr Anas Aloum — speakers I've followed for some time — and seeing them face-to-face was a real honour. I look forward to what IDEM 2028 has in store.”
— Dr Miguel P. Librojo, AIID Dental Clinic, Philippines
This year’s edition demonstrated the industry’s continued appetite for innovation, investment, and meaningful collaboration across Asia-Pacific.
With strong engagement across both the exhibition and conference, the event reaffirms its position as a trusted platform for business, education, and regional exchange. IDEM will return from 21–23 April 2028 at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.
