About this stamp
Commemorative Stamp: Asian Pacific Dental Federation
Design Elements:
- Central Image: An illustration of a globe with the Asia-Pacific region highlighted, symbolizing the reach and unity of the Federation.
- Background: Emblems or logos of the member countries: Australia, Burma, Guam, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Pakistan, Singapore, and Thailand.
- Symbols: Icons representing various aspects of dentistry, such as a tooth, dental instruments, and a smile, emphasizing the theme of “Esthetic Dentistry.”
Cultural and Historical Significance:
The Asian Pacific Dental Federation (APDF) is the regional organization of the Federation Dentaire International (FDI), which was founded in Paris in 1900. Over 87 years, the FDI has gained a respected standing among international dental organizations. During the 8th Annual meeting of the All India Dental Association in February 1954, Professor Selichi Matsumiya of Tokyo proposed a plan to hold a Joint Conference of Asian countries to promote mutual understanding, friendship, and the interchange of scientific knowledge.
The first conference of the Asian Pacific Dental Federation was held in Tokyo in 1955. Today, 14 countries from the Asian Pacific region are members of this federation: Australia, Burma, Guam, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Pakistan, Singapore, and Thailand. The aim of the Congress is to meet every three years in an Asian country with the following objectives:
- To establish closer cooperation among the national dental organizations of the region in the fields of education, research, and public health.
- To stimulate progress in dentistry.
- To establish close cooperation with international bodies to make a positive contribution to world health and to carry out regional organization of the FDI.
At the Tenth Congress held in Singapore in 1981, the Indian Dental Association extended an invitation to hold the 13th Congress in New Delhi. The Indian Dental Association is proud to host this prestigious Congress for the first time, scheduled from January 28 to February 1, 1988. Approximately 3,000 delegates from all over the world are expected to attend the Congress, with the theme “Esthetic Dentistry” and sub-theme “Public Health Dentistry in Developing Countries.” There will be 40 scientific sessions spread over five days, with three sessions held simultaneously. A special feature of this Congress is the introduction of three one-day pre-conference courses on porcelain and partial dentures. A trade fair exhibition is also being arranged, where 75 traders from around the world will display the latest dental equipment, instruments, and materials.
Usage:
The stamp commemorates the 13th Congress of the Asian Pacific Dental Federation, celebrating its significant contribution to the field of dentistry and promoting global collaboration in dental research and public health.
Example of the Stamp Design:
- Main Stamp: Featuring a globe highlighting the Asia-Pacific region, with dental instruments and a smiling tooth symbolizing the theme of “Esthetic Dentistry.”
- Supplementary Stamps:
- One stamp showcasing emblems or logos of the member countries, emphasizing unity and cooperation.
- Another stamp depicting a scene from a dental congress, symbolizing the exchange of scientific knowledge and international collaboration.
Significance:
This commemorative stamp set honors the Asian Pacific Dental Federation’s legacy and its pivotal role in advancing dental science and public health in the region. It celebrates the Federation’s dedication to fostering scientific research, education, and collaboration among dental professionals, inspiring future generations to contribute to the field of dentistry.
