The Asir Dental Conference 2026 celebrated the scientific and professional career of Dr. Mansour Asiri, one of Saudi Arabia’s prominent dental professionals, with the screening of a documentary titled “Thank You for Your Giving.” The film chronicles more than four decades of medical, military, and academic service, highlighting his contributions to the development of dental specialization and training programs in the Kingdom.
The documentary was screened as part of the conference program at the Prince Sultan Cultural Center in Khamis Mushait. Running through August 29, the conference brings together dentists, academics, experts, and healthcare professionals under the theme “Elevating Dentistry Above the Clouds.”
Four Decades of Medical and Academic Service
The documentary traces key milestones in Dr. Asiri’s career, beginning with his graduation from King Saud University in 1983 with a bachelor’s degree in Dentistry and Oral Surgery.
He subsequently joined the Armed Forces as a first lieutenant, combining clinical practice with military service from the early stages of his career.
Asiri later obtained several military qualifications as well as a specialty certificate in prosthodontics. His career then expanded into academic and administrative leadership, culminating in his appointment as Vice President for Graduate Studies at Riyadh Elm University in 2018.
Advancing Dental Education and Training
The film highlighted Dr. Asiri’s role in establishing and developing specialized dental training in Saudi Arabia. He was among the founders of the first Scientific Council for Dentistry at the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties.
He also helped establish the Saudi Specialty Certificate Scientific Council for Prosthodontics and served as its chairman for two terms, contributing to the development of professional training and qualification programs.
In recognition of his contributions, an annual award bearing his name was established in 2015 for the top trainee in prosthodontics, honoring his role in professional development and support for emerging specialists.
His contributions have also received international recognition. The University of Rochester named one of its hospital clinics after him, while his academic record includes more than 80 medical research papers published in prominent local and international scientific journals.
Dr. Asiri: Preserving the Profession’s History
Speaking about the tribute, Dr. Mansour Asiri expressed his appreciation for the recognition, emphasizing the importance of documenting the history of dentistry in Saudi Arabia and highlighting the stages through which the profession has developed.
He also stressed the importance of recognizing pioneering dentists and specialists who contributed to building and advancing the profession, noting the value of preserving the contributions of previous generations for those who follow.
Asiri thanked the conference organizers for the initiative and the warm reception and recognition he received during the event.
Healthcare and Academic Institutions Honored
The opening ceremony of the Asir Dental Conference 2026 also honored several healthcare and academic institutions and specialized professional associations for their contributions to dental education, training, and healthcare.
Honorees included the Asir Region branch of the Ministry of Health, King Khalid University, Asir Health Cluster, King Khalid University Medical City, and the Southern Region Armed Forces Hospital.
The conference also recognized the Saudi Society of Prosthodontics, Saudi Endodontic Society, Saudi Society of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry, and the Cooperative Association of Dentists, alongside Dr. Mansour Asiri.
A Specialized Platform for Dental Professionals
The Asir Dental Conference 2026 aims to establish itself as a specialized scientific platform for advancing education, innovation, and professional collaboration in dentistry across southern Saudi Arabia.
The event brings together dentists, experts, academics, industry leaders, and healthcare innovators to exchange knowledge and experience, discuss the latest scientific and clinical developments, support professional development, and strengthen collaboration between academic institutions, healthcare organizations, scientific associations, and the wider dental industry.
Six Core Dental Specialties
The conference’s scientific program covers six major specialties through evidence-based lectures, expert discussions, clinical updates, and practical insights into modern dental practice.
The Prosthodontics track covers digital workflows, computer-aided design and manufacturing technologies, implant-supported restorations, full-mouth rehabilitation, and esthetic treatment planning.
The Periodontics track addresses periodontal tissue regeneration, peri-implant disease management, soft-tissue augmentation, and multidisciplinary treatment approaches, while the Endodontics track focuses on advanced diagnosis, microscopic endodontics, complex retreatment cases, irrigation protocols, and emerging technologies.
The Restorative Dentistry track explores adhesive dentistry, direct and indirect restorations, biomimetic approaches, and factors influencing long-term restorative success.
The Orthodontics track examines clear aligner therapy, digital orthodontics, skeletal anchorage systems, and patient-centered treatment planning, while the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery track covers dental and implant surgery, facial trauma management, guided surgery, and emerging surgical techniques.
Where Science Meets Tourism in Asir
Beyond its scientific agenda, the conference offers an experience that connects professional knowledge with the cultural and tourism identity of Asir, drawing on the region’s distinctive landscapes and heritage sites, including the Sarawat Mountains and the historic village of Rijal Almaa.
The event also highlights the region’s cultural heritage, including Al-Qatt Al-Asiri, the traditional art form inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Through its scientific program and broader cultural experience, the Asir Dental Conference seeks to strengthen its position as a specialized platform in southern Saudi Arabia, bringing together professionals, experts, academics, and sector stakeholders to advance education, innovation, knowledge exchange, and modern dental practice.
