The Faculty of Dentistry, Khon Kaen University (KKU), in collaboration with leading academic partners from the United States and the Southeast Asian region, organised “The 11th International Workshop on Clinical Research Methods in Oral Health.” Held from 31 January to 4 February 2026 at the Northeastern Science Park, Khon Kaen University, the workshop is an integral part of the ongoing “Clinical and Public Health Research Training in Oral Health for Southeast Asia” project. This long-running initiative has received continuous support from the National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) and the Fogarty International Center (FIC) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) since 2006.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Professor Pewpan Maleewong, M.D., Vice President for Research and Innovation, who delivered the opening address. Professor Waranuch Pitiphat, D.D.S., Ph.D., Director of the Clinical and Public Health Research Training in Oral Health for Southeast Asia Project, reported on the workshop’s objectives and significance. Assistant Professor Ajiravudh Subarnbhesaj, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, offered a warm welcome to the speakers and participants.
In her opening remarks, Professor Pewpan Maleewong stated, “On behalf of Khon Kaen University, it is a great honour to be part of the 11th International Workshop on Clinical Research Methods in Oral Health. This workshop reflects the ongoing commitment to advancing knowledge and standards in dental clinical research. Over the years, this conference has substantially fostered advancement and cooperation in international research. Supported by the NIDCR and the FIC of the NIH, USA, this event serves as a vital platform for the valuable exchange of knowledge and shared expertise.”
Assistant Professor Ajiravudh Subarnbhesaj, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, noted, “This year’s meeting will provide a valuable opportunity for participants to exchange information and experiences on crucial issues in clinical research methods related to oral health and other related fields.”
Professor Waranuch Pitiphat, D.D.S., Ph.D., Chair of the Organising Committee, elaborated on the programme. “This year’s five-day workshop includes lectures, discussions, and group activities dedicated to developing research proposals. We are delighted to welcome 40 participants from 10 countries: Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand. Furthermore, we are honoured to host 18 distinguished speakers and mentors from leading institutions, including the University of Washington (USA), Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy (Vietnam), Universitas Indonesia (Indonesia), Chulalongkorn University, Thammasat University, and Khon Kaen University (Thailand).”
Professor Pitiphat further emphasised the broader impact of the workshop, stating that “the programme not only strengthens participants’ research knowledge and skills, but also enables them to apply these competencies to their own clinical and public health research. Importantly, it contributes to the development of a sustainable regional oral health research network across Southeast Asia, supporting the generation of empirical evidence needed to address pressing oral health challenges in the region.”
The collaborating institutions for this workshop include the University of Washington School of Dentistry (USA), Thammasat University, Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy (Vietnam), University of the Philippines (Philippines), Universitas Indonesia (Indonesia), and Universiti Malaya (Malaysia).
The workshop welcomed over 40 faculty members, researchers, and postgraduate students from 10 countries (Cambodia, China, Nepal, Myanmar, the Philippines, Malaysia, Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand), alongside 18 speakers and research mentors from the University of Washington, Universitas Indonesia, Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chulalongkorn University, Thammasat University, and Khon Kaen University.
The workshop curriculum covered key topics in research methodology, behavioural sciences, evidence-based dentistry, biostatistics, and research ethics. A significant component was the Study Design Workshop, structured in small group sessions, which allowed participants to consult, discuss, and exchange experiences in dental research. Speakers and advisors provided insights and recommendations to refine and improve proposals before they were presented on the final day of the workshop.
This international workshop is a crucial forum for exchanging knowledge and experience in dental research at the international level, thereby promoting and elevating the standards of dental research in Thailand and across the Southeast Asian region.
