Unilever’s Signal joins hands with Sri Lanka Dental Association

The fast moving consumer goods giant Unilever’s oral care brand, Signal, has come forward as the principal sponsor of the Sri Lanka Dental Associations’ 80th anniversary Annual Scientific Sessions (SLDA 80 JIC). The event is scheduled to take place on 28, 29 and 30 June at the BMICH. This is the first ever World Dental Federation (FDI)/SLDA joint international conference to be held in the country.

While Unilever’s Signal is the official sponsor, SriLankan Airlines has been named the official travel partner and the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau has come forward to sponsor cultural events for the delegates. With over 1,000 participants, the conference will also attract 20 national and international speakers from a wide range of dental disciplines.

The theme of the conference is ‘New Challenges in Dental and Oral Health Care’. The scientific program will cover topics such as dental implantology, fixed prosthesis, aesthetic dentistry, endodontic, orthodontics, tooth sensitivity, ceramics and minor oral surgery.

Speaking at the event, Asanga Ranasinghe, Director Marketing, Unilever Sri Lanka Ltd., said: “Unilever is a company that develops oral care products with dentists to provide the most effective toothpaste and tooth brushes worldwide. We are one of the global companies that relentlessly invest in research and development to upgrade the society at large in helping them to look good, feel good and get more out of life.

“Being the market leader in oral care in Sri Lanka, our goal is to protect Sri Lankan smiles while addressing the consumers’ dental care needs. This year, we are celebrating the oral health month from 15 May to 15 June with Signal partnering with the SLDA. Through our partnership with the SLDA, we will drive nationwide campaigns in promoting the importance of dental hygiene in schools and communities.”

 Commenting on the long awaited conference in the Sri Lankan dental calendar for 2013, Dr. Suresh Shanmuganathan, President of the SLDA, said: “The Sri Lanka Dental Association will be hosting for the very first time a joint international conference with the World Dental Federation (FDI). A series of lectures, seminars and workshops will be conducted by world reputed experts in the field to ensure the imparting of new knowledge and techniques to the participants from all over the world.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Unilever for coming forward as the main sponsor and for their continuous support over the past 25 years. I am delighted that we and Unilever share the same passion of promoting the importance of dental hygiene to the Sri Lankan population, especially the school children.”

Dr. Shanmuganathan extended his gratitude to SriLankan Airlines for being the official travel partner and to the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau for signing up to give the delegates a taste of Sri Lanka with cultural shows and tours. Both these organisations have helped the SLDA in promoting the conference worldwide.  

The Unilever oral care range has been responsible for looking after the oral care habits and good dental hygiene practices of the Sri Lankan population. All Unilever dental care products are manufactured under the advice and guidelines stipulated by the FDI World Dental Federation and International Association of Dental Research (IADR).