Dr.Melvin Mendonca,DBA,DJV
Mangaluru, February 8, 2026
The Indian Dental Congress (IDC) & Trade 2026, hosted by the Indian Dental Association – Dakshina Kannada Branch, concluded on a resounding high note at the Father Muller Convention Center, marking a historic milestone for Indian dentistry and for coastal Karnataka.
Held from 6th to 8th February 2026, the congress returned to Mangaluru after more than a decade—and it returned in style. With over 4,000 dental professionals participating from every state of India, IDC 2026 emerged as one of the largest and most inclusive dental congresses ever hosted in the country, creating a new national record for geographic representation and participation.
At the heart of this landmark event stood Dr. K. Nillan Shetty, Organizing Secretary – IDC 2026—a real visionary leader and the man behind this historic congress. His tireless commitment, clarity of vision, and execution excellence transformed IDC 2026 into more than a conference—it became a movement. Under his leadership, Mangaluru once again proved its capability to host events of national and international stature.
Dr. Shivasharan Shetty – Organizing Chairman
Dr. Ashutosh Shetty – Organizing Co-Chairman
Dr. K. Nillan Shetty – Organizing Secretary
Dr. Bharath Prabhu – Joint Secretary
Dr. Hemanth Jogi – Assistant Secretary
Each member of the organizing committee discharged their responsibilities with exceptional professionalism, teamwork, and dedication, ensuring the congress was executed to the complete satisfaction of delegates, faculty, sponsors, and partners.
The success of IDC 2026 was strongly supported by the leadership of the Indian Dental Association, whose guidance and institutional backing played a crucial role.
Dr. M. Sridhar Shetty
Dr. Surendra Shetty
Dr. Sripathi Rao
Dr. Dilip G. Nayak
Dr. P. Ganesh Shenoy
Dr. M. C. Sudhakar
Dr. Bharath Shetty Y.
Dr. Subhra Nandy
Dr. Subhra Nandy – President, IDA
Dr. Manoj Srivastava – President-Elect, IDA
Dr. Ashok Dhoble – Hon. Secretary General, IDA
Dr. Deepak R. Muchhala – Hon. Treasurer, IDA
Their continued support reinforced the academic integrity, organizational strength, and national relevance of IDC 2026.
IDC 2026 delivered world-class academics through an outstanding lineup of keynote speakers and faculty, as listed in the official congress catalogue.
Dr. Niranjan Vatkar
Dr. Apoorva Gupta
Dr. Anjan Shah
Dr. Suresh Shenvi
Dr. Shail Jaggi
Mr. Rahul Kakodkar
Dr. Rohit Shetty
Dr. Akash Shetty
Dr. Janu Shah
Dr. Varun Acharya
Dr. Moez Khakiani
Dr. Aqeel Reshamwala
Dr. Jojo Kottoor
Dr. Chandrashekar Yavagal
Dr. Deepak Mehta
Dr. Anish Nawre
Dr. Kumaraswamy
Dr. Aravind Shenoy
Dr. Vivek Hegde
Their lectures, case discussions, and hands-on sessions seamlessly blended clinical excellence, innovation, and future-ready dentistry, truly reflecting the theme “Innovating Dentistry: Bridging Tradition with the Future.”
Mangaluru is known for a timeless belief:
“Guests are sent by God, and they must be treated with warmth and respect.”
This philosophy was beautifully reflected throughout IDC 2026 through the Patient-First concept, meticulous hospitality arrangements, cultural sensitivity, and genuine care for every delegate. From registration to dining, from academic halls to social evenings, every detail echoed Mangalorean grace and generosity.
A special mention must be made of the youth of Mangaluru and Dakshina Kannada, especially the young dentists and students who volunteered their time, energy, and skills over all three days of the congress.
Managed guest coordination with warmth and discipline
Assisted faculty, delegates, and exhibitors tirelessly
Represented the spirit of professionalism and humility
Their contribution clearly demonstrated that the future of Indian dentistry is in safe hands. The dedication shown by these young, budding dentists sent a strong message to the global community—that India is rapidly emerging as a priority destination for quality, ethical, and advanced dental treatment.
True to the coastal spirit, IDC 2026 began with a gentle warm-up and concluded with a dashing, unforgettable closure.
The Grand Dentist Gala Evening on February 7th created history when the highest number of dentists ever danced together to the iconic Mangalorean “Pili Dance” (Tiger Dance). Dentists from every corner of India came together on one floor—celebrating unity, culture, and joy.
This unique cultural moment set a world-first benchmark, making IDC 2026 not just academically outstanding, but emotionally unforgettable.
IDC 2026 has set a new benchmark—not only in numbers, but in vision, inclusivity, youth participation, cultural pride, and professional excellence.
As the curtains closed in true Mangalorean style, IDC 2026 left behind more than memories—it left behind momentum, inspiration, and a powerful message to the world.
A congress that started with warmth, grew with wisdom, and ended with thunderous celebration.
Explore highlights from all three days, academic sessions, trade exhibitions, gala evenings, and the unmistakable elegance of Mangaluru.
👉 View the complete event photo gallery here:
[LINK HERE]
Witness the world-first moment where the highest number of dentists danced together to the iconic Mangalorean Pili Dance during the Grand Dentist Gala Evening on February 7th.
👉 Watch the Tiger Dance video here:
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