International Dental Research Event to be hosted in Melbourne

December 15, 2025

The International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (IADR) will hold their annual General Session in Melbourne in 2027, attracting thousands of dental researchers and specialists. It is the first time that the event, the most important dental research meeting in the world, will be hosted in the city.

Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) worked in collaboration with IADR to secure the event, with support from the Victorian Government and Club Melbourne Ambassadors Laureate Professor Eric Reynolds AO and Associate Professor Neil Hewson. The event will be hosted at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. This will be the 105th IADR General Session, bringing together global leaders in dental, oral, and craniofacial research to promote innovation and to encourage the development of improved methods for prevention and treatment of oral and dental diseases.

IADR is the leading organisation for dental research, with over 10,000 members worldwide. Founded in New York in 1920, the association’s vision is for improved oral health for the world through discovery and dissemination. The 2027 General Session will convene international experts in the field and raise the profile of Victoria’s oral health sector.

Melbourne represents the ideal location for the event, with excellent public infrastructure and strong government investment in dental and oral health services, as well as Melbourne’s world renown biomedical innovation capabilities. Dental Health Services Victoria (DHSV), established in 1996, is the leading public oral health agency in Victoria and is funded by the Victorian Government to provide clinical dental services. The Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne is Victoria’s centre of excellence in oral health, providing world-class general and emergency care, as well as being the state’s leading oral health teaching institution. In 2024, the Victorian Government delivered major facility upgrades to the hospital. In addition, the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct is home to outstanding healthcare, education and world-class research and has delivered cutting edge research and discoveries. Beyond the city, La Trobe University’s Rural Dentistry and Oral Health Clinical School in Bendigo opened in August 2025.

The IADR General Session further highlights Melbourne’s reputation as a world-class destination for business events in the medical research and biomedical innovation sector. The city will also host the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Congress in 2027, Vision 2027 focused on low vision research and rehabilitation, and APLAR 2028 focused on rheumatology. In September 2025, Melbourne hosted the successful World Gastroenterology Congress, attracting over 2,500 delegates.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos

“Victoria is ideally positioned to host this incredible event – our world-class research institutions and cutting edge facilities make Melbourne a natural choice.”

“Securing this event will not only bring top dental scientists from around the globe but also deliver a significant boost to our visitor economy, creating jobs and showcasing Victoria as a global capital for health innovation.”

Quotes attributable to Melbourne Convention Bureau Chief Executive Julia Swanson

“With our world-class research institutions, collaborative spirit, and vibrant cultural landscape, Melbourne offers the perfect environment for international delegates to exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and drive innovation in oral health. We look forward to welcoming the global dental research community and showcasing everything our city has to offer."

Quote attributable to International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research Chief Executive Officer Christopher Fox

“Our mission is to advance research for the improvement of oral health worldwide, and Melbourne offers an exceptional setting for that pursuit. Hosting our 105th IADR General Session here will unite leading scientists, clinicians, and innovators to share discoveries that benefit communities across the globe.”

- ENDS -

Media enquiries:

Emma Hall, Melbourne Convention Bureau

T +61 429 553 183 E emma[email protected]