Professor Marina Mamuladze, Head of the Department of Odontology of Tbilisi State Medical University, has been elected as the International Councillor of the International College of Dentists (ICD) governing body. The decision was made at the 68th ICD World Congress, held from June 18–22 in Salzburg, Austria. Within the ICD global governance structure—the Council of Councillors— the European section is entitled to have one international councillor serving as the “Voice of Europe.” The selection process requires the European Board of Regents to nominate and elect the candidate for the position. The term of office for an International Councillor is four years.

The ICD International Vice-President submitted the nomination of Professor Marina Mamaladze to the European Board of Regents for consideration. The TSMU professor received full support from the Board, confirming her as Europe's sole representative on the International Council. She will officially begin her duties as International Councillor in July 2026, when she will receive the official insignia of the office during the European Board of Regents meeting at the 69th ICD World Congress in Milan.

Another key component of the ICD Congress was the induction of new members. This year, the European Section welcomed two dentists from Georgia: Associate Professor Teona Danelia of TSMU and Dr. Tamar Kutkhashvili.

The International College of Dentists encompasses 140 countries and is organized into 20 autonomous sections, one of which is the European Section. Within this section Georgia is recognized as an independent structural unit—District 16.

Until 2023, Georgia was part of District 15 alongside countries from Eastern and Northern Europe. However, as of December 2023, Georgia was established as the independent 16th District of the European Section. Professor Marina Mamaladze was elected as the District Regent. She has been a member of the International College of Dentists since 2013.

"I view the recognition of Georgian dentistry by the International College of Dentists as a logical result of our members' active engagement and the dignified representation of our country at annual ICD meetings. I am pleased that our District includes among its active members academic and invited staff from Tbilisi State Medical University, including Associate Professors Lia Sanodze, Natia Nijaradze, Dea Vadachkoria, Teona Danelia; Assistant Professor Ekaterine Beshkenadze and invited lecturers Manana Ustiashvili and Tea Janjalashvili,” stated Professor Marina Mamuladze.

The TSMU delegation was notably active at this year’s Congress. Members of the delegation participated in the scientific sessions of the 68th ICD Congress. The 2024 session focused on pathologies of the temporomandibular joint and the management of associated conditions.