Yokohama to Host the World’s Largest Dental Research Gathering in 2029
The International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (IADR) has announced that its prestigious 2029 General Session & Exhibition will take place in Yokohama, Japan, from June 27 to June 30, 2029. This highly anticipated event will mark the return of the IADR’s flagship meeting to Japan after nearly three decades, underscoring the country’s vital role in advancing global oral health and research innovation.
Widely regarded as the world’s largest and most influential meeting dedicated to dental, oral, and craniofacial science, the IADR General Session brings together thousands of researchers, clinicians, educators, and industry leaders from across the globe. In 2029, the event will be held in conjunction with the IADR Asia Pacific Regional (APR) Meeting, further enhancing its scope and significance for the region’s scientific community.
A Milestone Return After 28 Years
The selection of Yokohama as the host city is particularly symbolic. The last time Japan hosted the IADR General Session was in 2001 in Chiba, meaning the 2029 event will return to the country after a span of 28 years. During this time, Japan has continued to strengthen its reputation as a leader in oral and craniofacial research.
According to the organizing committee, the decision to bring the event back to Japan was influenced by several key factors:
- Yokohama’s accessibility and infrastructure: With its proximity to Tokyo and one of the world’s most efficient transportation networks, Yokohama offers easy international access for delegates traveling from every corner of the globe.
- World-class conference facilities: The sessions will be hosted at PACIFICO Yokohama, one of Japan’s largest and most modern convention complexes, known for hosting large-scale global meetings.
- Strong institutional support: The Yokohama City Visitors Bureau (YCVB), the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), and local partners collaborated to secure the successful bid, demonstrating Japan’s commitment to advancing dental research on a global stage.
- Japan’s research legacy: The country has long been home to world-leading innovations in dental, oral, and craniofacial sciences, driven by the active contributions of the Japanese Association for Dental Research (JADR).
The Role of the IADR
The IADR, founded in 1920, is the world’s foremost scientific organization dedicated to advancing research in dental, oral, and craniofacial health. With a membership that spans over 100 countries, the association serves as a hub for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and innovation.
The General Session & Exhibition is the IADR’s annual centerpiece, typically attracting over 5,000 participants. The meeting features a dynamic mix of symposia, poster presentations, keynote lectures, and exhibits showcasing the latest technologies, materials, and treatment methods. By convening a diverse group of stakeholders—from academic researchers to practicing clinicians and industry representatives—the event helps bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical applications that improve patient care.
The IADR’s Asia Pacific Regional Meeting, held in conjunction with the General Session in 2029, will further highlight the rapid growth of dental and oral health research in countries such as Japan, South Korea, China, India, and Australia. This integration reflects IADR’s mission to expand access to global collaboration and strengthen regional contributions to worldwide research.
Japan’s Contributions to Dental Research
Japan’s role in global dental research is substantial. The country has consistently ranked among the top contributors to peer-reviewed publications and innovations in the field. From advances in biomaterials and regenerative dentistry to groundbreaking work in orthodontics and oral oncology, Japanese scientists and clinicians have significantly influenced international best practices.
The Japanese Association for Dental Research (JADR), the national division of the IADR, has played an instrumental role in fostering this research culture. As one of the largest IADR divisions worldwide, JADR actively supports young researchers, promotes collaboration with global partners, and ensures that Japan remains at the forefront of scientific advancement.
Importantly, Japanese researchers have also contributed to global oral health policy development by engaging in initiatives that link science with public health strategies, ensuring research translates into better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment outcomes for populations worldwide.
A Vision Shared by Leaders
Professor Satoshi Imazato, Immediate Past President of the IADR, emphasized the pride and excitement surrounding Yokohama’s selection as the 2029 host city.
“I am delighted that Yokohama has been selected to host the IADR General Session,” said Prof. Imazato. “IADR is the world’s largest dental, oral, and craniofacial research organization, and its Japanese Division has long had the second-largest membership, after that of the United States. As the fourth Japanese president of the IADR, a position I held until June of 2025, I am particularly proud that the IADR General Session will be held in Yokohama—a cosmopolitan city with wide international access.”
He added that beyond the prestige of hosting, the conference represents an opportunity to further strengthen ties between Japan and the global research community:
“I hope to lead a successful conference in Yokohama while also strengthening the spirit of collaboration between Japan and the global research community, further enhancing the international status of Japanese dental researchers.”
Prof. Imazato’s remarks reflect the dual importance of the event: as both a scientific milestone and a diplomatic moment for Japan in the realm of healthcare and innovation.
Why Yokohama?
Yokohama, Japan’s second-largest city, is no stranger to international gatherings. Known for its cosmopolitan culture and stunning waterfront skyline, the city offers both convenience and vibrancy for global delegates.
PACIFICO Yokohama, the selected venue, has hosted major events such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit and numerous global medical congresses. Its cutting-edge facilities, combined with the city’s welcoming atmosphere, ensure a seamless experience for thousands of attendees.
The collaboration between the City of Yokohama, JNTO, YCVB, and PACIFICO Yokohama was central to the successful bid. This united approach demonstrates Japan’s dedication to positioning itself as a hub for global scientific exchange, not only in dentistry but also across a range of healthcare disciplines.
