The Asian Pacific Dental Federation is the regional organisation of the Federation Dentaire International (FDI) which was founded in Paris in 1900. In eighty seven years, the federation has acquired a standing respected by other such international  organisations.

In  February,  1954,  during  the  8th  Annual meeting  of  All  Indian  Dental  Association, Professor Selichi Matsumiya of Tokyo proposed a plan to hold a Joint Conference of Asian countries to promote mutual understanding, friendship and interchange  of scientific know­ ledge. The 1st Conference of Asian Pacific Dental Federation was held in Tokyo during 1955. Today 14 countries of 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 co-operation amongst the national dental organisation of the region in the fields of education, research and public health, to stimulate progress in dentistry, to establish close cooperation with international bodies in order to make a positive contribution to world health and to carry out regional organisation of the FDI.

At the Tenth Congress held in Singapore in 1981, the Indian Dental Association extended an invitation of APDC to hold its 13th Congress in New Delhi. The Indian Dental Association is proud to host this prestigious Congress for the first time which is scheduled from 28th January to 1st February, 1988. About 3000 delegates from all over the world are expected to attend the Congress, the theme of the Congress being "Esthetic Dentistry" and sub-theme "Public Health Dentistry in Developing Countries ". There will be 40 Scientific Sessions spread over a  period  of  5 days with  three  sessions  being held simultaneously. A special feature of this Congress is the introduction of three one-day preconference courses on  porcelain & partial denture. A trade fair exhibition is also being arranged where 75 traders are  participating from all over the world displaying the latest dental equipments, instruments and materials.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India