The First South African Sports Dentistry Conference

The Conference - Stellenbosch Academy of Sport

The first South African Sports Dentistry Conference marked a landmark moment for the profession, bringing together dental professionals, sports clinicians, industry partners, and athletes for a full day of learning, discussion, and connection at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport SASDA Programme.

The programme opened with a warm welcome and strong sporting context, including an address from South African Rugby, setting the tone for a conference firmly rooted in real-world sport. Core sessions explored the foundations of sports dentistry from a South African perspective, the relationship between oral health and athletic performance, and the role of sports nutrition in supporting athletes SASDA Programme.

Clinical focus areas included the management of dentofacial trauma on the field, post-traumatic tooth changes, the use of mouthguards and intraoral mouthguards in sport, and the role of modern orthodontics in high-performing athletes. These sessions balanced practical insight with evidence-informed practice, supported by interactive Q&A discussions SASDA Programme.

The afternoon programme broadened the conversation, addressing confidence, aesthetics, and performance, followed by a sports medic’s perspective on sports dentistry and a panel discussion examining the global landscape of the field. The day concluded with one of the most powerful sessions ‘The Athlete’s Voice’ where elite athletes Nadine Roos and Siviwe Soyizwapi shared their lived experiences, reinforcing the importance of oral health within athlete care SASDA Programme.

The Dinner- Beyerskloof Red Leaf Bristro

The conference concluded with an intimate drinks and dinner evening at Beyerskloof’s Red Leaf Bistro, providing the perfect setting to unwind and reflect after a full day of learning. Set among the vineyards in Stellenbosch, the relaxed atmosphere encouraged genuine conversation, connection, and camaraderie among delegates, speakers, and partners.

Over great food and wine, discussions flowed beyond the lecture hall—ideas were shared, experiences exchanged, and new professional relationships formed. It was a chance to connect on a more personal level, strengthening the sense of community that SASDA was founded on. The evening captured exactly what the association stands for: collaboration, warmth, and shared passion. A fitting close to the first South African Sports Dentistry Conference and a memorable way to celebrate the beginning of something special.

Live Sport - CPT SVNS

The conference culminated with the unmatched excitement of live sport at CPT SVNS. Seeing elite athletes perform at the highest level brought the themes of the conference to life—skill, precision, and peak performance in action. It was more than a showcase of rugby; it was a celebration of athlete health, wellbeing, and the real-world impact of sports dentistry and performance medicine. The energy on the pitch mirrored the passion in the conference halls, leaving attendees inspired, informed, and reminded that the connection between science, care, and performance is what makes sport truly extraordinary. There’s no better way to close a conference than with the thrill of live action, where theory meets practice and every moment counts.

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Our Sponsors

We’re thrilled to have Align supporting our work in sports dentistry! Align is renowned for their cutting-edge dental solutions that prioritize precision, comfort, and patient outcomes. Their commitment to innovation and excellence mirrors our own mission to advance the field of sports dentistry and elevate care for athletes.

With Align by our side, we’re able to bring together dental professionals, athletes, and researchers to share knowledge, push boundaries, and create meaningful impact in oral health and sports performance.

Thank you, Align, for being a key part of our journey!

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We’re incredibly grateful to Floa for supporting the South African Sports Dentistry Association! Their innovative dental appliances help improve sleep and oral health, making a real difference in people’s lives. Just like us, Floa is committed to enhancing well-being and performance—whether on the field or off.

Having Floa as a sponsor allows us to continue pushing the boundaries of sports dentistry, bringing together professionals, athletes, and researchers to share knowledge and make an impact. Thank you for being such an important part of our journey!

We’re proud to have PPS as a sponsor of the South African Sports Dentistry Association! Their comprehensive indemnity insurance gives healthcare professionals the confidence and security to practice safely, even in a complex and litigious environment.

With PPS supporting us, we can focus on advancing sports dentistry, connecting professionals, and improving athlete care across South Africa. Thank you for being an essential part of our mission and for helping us create a stronger, safer community for healthcare practitioners!

We’re thrilled to have Foam-O supporting the South African Sports Dentistry Association! Their natural, antibacterial dental appliance cleansers help keep aligners, retainers, and dentures hygienic and safe—making oral care simpler for both professionals and patients.

With Foam-O as a sponsor, we’re able to continue advancing sports dentistry, sharing knowledge, and promoting best practices in oral health for athletes across South Africa. Thank you for being an important part of our journey and helping us raise the standard of care!

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Two people standing behind a display table at a promotional booth for Floa, a company that treats snoring and sleep apnea with devices and solutions. The table has brochures, device models, and a drone, with promotional banners and a television screen showing a forest scene in the background.

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The Sports Dentistry Podcast

We were thrilled to welcome the Sports Dentistry Podcast to our last conference! John and Umair joined us on-site, capturing live interviews with dental professionals, and thought leaders in sports dentistry. Their presence added a dynamic, interactive element to the event, allowing attendees to engage directly with discussions that go beyond the usual conference sessions.

It was amazing to see the podcast team connecting with speakers and participants, sharing insights, and bringing the energy of the conference to listeners everywhere. Having them there truly highlighted the growing influence and reach of sports dentistry in both professional and athletic communities.

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