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Last week, Nguyen Tat Thanh University solemnly organized the 3rd Odonto-Stomatology Scientific Conference 2026 with the theme “Innovation in Odonto-Stomatology Education and Practice”.
In the context of Odonto-Stomatology education being reshaped by rapid technological, social, and professional changes, the conference dedicated its Pre-conference Session and Plenary Session to focus on discussing dental education reform. In these sessions, Prof. Dr. DDS. Ngo Chi Hien (Australia), a prestigious international expert, shared key innovative trends in Odonto-Stomatology education and practice across the globe.
Connecting Knowledge to Innovate Odonto-Stomatology Education
The 3rd Odonto-Stomatology Scientific Conference with the theme “Innovation in Odonto-Stomatology Education and Practice” (Innovation in Dental Education and Practice) was held at Nguyen Tat Thanh University on June 15, 16, and 18, 2026. Accessing medical education innovation trends in the world has become an essential requirement for training institutions. Therefore, this year’s conference was not only an annual scientific activity but also an occasion to review the curriculum and its implementation from the perspective of modern medical education trends worldwide.
Lecturers from the Faculty of Odonto-Stomatology take a group photo with Prof. Dr. DDS. Ngo Chi Hien during the pre-conference – Education Special Session
In his opening speech, People’s Physician, Dr. DDS. Lawyer Ngo Dong Khanh – Member of the University Council, Senior Advisor to the Faculty of Odonto-Stomatology, emphasized the role of science, innovation, and academic cooperation in the development of the Odonto-Stomatology sector. In the context of digital technology, artificial intelligence, and new treatment modalities rapidly changing dental practice, training institutions must continuously update their curricula, teaching methods, and assessments to prepare students with competencies tailored to societal needs and professional evolution. Future students and doctors must shift their clinical mindset toward treating the patient rather than just treating the disease.
People’s Physician, Dr. DDS. Lawyer Ngo Dong Khanh, Member of the University Council, Senior Advisor to the Faculty of Odonto-Stomatology, Head of the Conference Organizing Committee
International Perspectives on Innovative Trends in Dental Education
The highlight of the conference was two presentations on innovative trends in Odonto-Stomatology education by Prof. Dr. DDS. Ngo Chi Hien (Australia) – Senior Advisor and Honorary Professor of Nguyen Tat Thanh University. Professor Ngo Chi Hien is a highly respected educator, scientist, and international expert with many years of experience in Odonto-Stomatology teaching, research, and clinical practice. Professor Hien’s leadership roles span six dental schools across three continents, holding key positions such as Dean and Director in Australia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Prof. Dr. DDS. Ngo Chi Hien – Senior Advisor and Honorary Professor of Nguyen Tat Thanh University, keynote speaker at the pre-conference
Lecturers from the Faculty of Odonto-Stomatology take a commemorative photo with Prof. Dr. DDS. Ngo Chi Hien at the pre-conference
Prof. Dr. DDS. Ngo Chi Hien brought insightful sharing about the innovative trends in global Odonto-Stomatology education, from curriculum development, professional competency enhancement to reforming student assessment methods. According to Professor Hien, “Odonto-Stomatology education aims not only to produce technically proficient individuals but to train trustworthy practitioners who are capable of making correct decisions and always put the patient at the center.”
Prof. Dr. DDS. Ngo Chi Hien delivers a presentation on Innovation in Odonto-Stomatology Education and Practice at the Plenary Session of the 3rd Odonto-Stomatology Scientific Conference
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is Changing Dental Training
Prof. Dr. DDS. Ngo Chi Hien mentioned the dramatic transformations of the Odonto-Stomatology sector under the impact of digital technology and artificial intelligence. AI is gradually establishing its presence in various dental areas, from supporting diagnostic imaging, analyzing clinical data, and treatment planning to managing records and supporting decision-making; however, technological advancements do not diminish the teacher’s role but instead impose higher demands on training. In the future, students must not only master knowledge and clinical skills but also learn how to utilize technology responsibly, understand the limitations of AI, and maintain critical thinking during patient care.
“AI can support doctors in making better decisions, but it can never replace the core values of the profession such as compassion, professional ethics, communication skills, and human empathy. Those are precisely the attributes that dental schools need to continue fostering for future generations of doctors,” Professor Hien added.
From Competency to Entrustment in Clinical Practice
Another critical development is the shift from Competency-Based Education to an assessment model based on Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs). EPAs were introduced into medical education by Olle ten Cate in 2005 to bridge competency frameworks with real-world clinical tasks. The Professor emphasized that this is the core difference: “Competency-based education focuses on the learners’ competencies: what they know, what they can do, and how they behave. That remains very important. In fact, EPAs do not replace competencies – they build upon them. Although competencies are crucial, they are not the end point. EPAs focus on whether the competencies have been fully integrated so that the learner can perform actual clinical work.”
This approach is increasingly being adopted by many schools worldwide to more accurately assess graduates’ readiness to practice. Addressing these emerging issues is necessary to ensure graduates are future-ready and to enhance the responsiveness of the Odonto-Stomatology education system.
Prof. Dr. DDS. Ngo Chi Hien shares about innovative trends in global Odonto-Stomatology education
Placing Patients at the Center of All Training Activities
A consistent message throughout the report was the philosophy of Patient-centered care. The Professor recalled the famous quote by Sir William Osler: “The good physician treats the disease. The great physician treats the patient who has the disease.” Accordingly, students must be trained not only to see a lesion or a treatment plan but to understand the unique needs, wishes, expectations, and circumstances of each individual patient. From relationship building, communication, and explaining treatment plans to post-treatment follow-up, everything must be geared toward the patient’s experience and best interests.
Aligning with the Development Orientation of the Faculty of Odonto-Stomatology
The insights shared at the conference are also the very values that the Faculty of Odonto-Stomatology at Nguyen Tat Thanh University is step-by-step building into its development strategy. Besides investing in modern facilities, simulation centers, and practice and research systems, the Faculty of Odonto-Stomatology aims to train dental doctors who are: Solid in expertise, proficient in practical skills, capable of lifelong learning, socially responsible, compassionate, and ethically grounded. This also marks the intersection between the University’s core values and those of the Odonto-Stomatology profession: patient-centeredness, upholding integrity, commitment to quality, a collaborative spirit, and a responsibility to serve the community.
Representatives of the Faculty of Odonto-Stomatology present certificates to the speakers
The organizing committee expresses gratitude to the units that accompanied and sponsored the 3rd NTTU Odonto-Stomatology Scientific Conference 2026
Spreading the Spirit of Educational Innovation for Future Generations of Dental Doctors
Concluding the conference, many delegates, lecturers, and learners expressed their admiration for the fresh and practical insights from Professor Ngo Chi Hien’s presentations on global dental education reform trends.
For the Faculty of Odonto-Stomatology at Nguyen Tat Thanh University, the journey of innovation does not stop at updating modern techniques and technologies. It is a continuous process of accessing and refining curricula, teaching-learning methods, and evaluation practices, while building a humanistic university environment where students can comprehensively develop their knowledge, skills, attitudes, and professional ethics. This serves as the foundation for training Odonto-Stomatology doctors who possess solid professional competence, are capable of international integration, always put patients at the center, and stand ready to contribute to the advancement of the Odonto-Stomatology field.
People’s Physician, Dr. DDS. Lawyer Ngo Dong Khanh – Member of the University Council, Faculty Senior Advisor;
Assoc. Prof. Dr. DDS. Nguyen Thị Hong – Dean of the Faculty of Odonto-Stomatology, Nguyen Tat Thanh University
