"We want to create a debate on contemporary challenges and the transition of the different techniques already underway"
The XXIX congress of the Portuguese Orthodontic Society returns to the Lisbon region in October (26-28), more specifically to the Tagus Park facilities in Oeiras. “Orthodontics: the power of choice” is the motto of this edition of the annual meeting which, as usual, will feature a panel of leading speakers. “We want to provide a great scientific moment, side by side with a social program that will revolve around art and its integration with science,” said dentist Maria Cristina Faria-Teixeira, president of the organizing committee, in an interview with Maxillaris.
The annual congress of the Portuguese Orthodontic Society (SPO) will take place in Lisbon in the last week of October. What is the profile of this XXIX edition and what expectations does the new setting – Tagus Park, in Oeiras – give rise to?
The SPO’s annual congress is positioned as a driving force behind scientific updating and clinical training. For this very reason, we chose the municipality of Oeiras – and Taguspark in particular – because it represents the most innovative and distinctive part of Portugal.
The overall motto of the congress is “Orthodontics: the power of choice”. How do you justify (and how do you translate) this option for 2023?
Because we are living in a new reality, with new paradigms that will mark the 21st century, we have adapted the theme of the congress to “Orthodontics: the power of choice”. At a time marked by the emergence of different companies in the orthodontic sector, the aim is to make colleagues aware of the critical importance of the medical diagnosis that should guide the doctor in his therapeutic decision-making. Thus, the orthodontist has the “power of choice” of the technique(s) to be defined in their patient’s treatment plan. This decision-making must be ethical and meet the patient’s needs. Our aim is to create a debate on contemporary challenges and the transition of the different techniques already underway, contributing to the clarification and progress of orthodontics in Portugal.
What details can you give us about the scientific program, in particular the main themes?
The panel of speakers at the specialty’s most eagerly awaited scientific meeting includes leading national and international orthodontists in their areas of research, specialization and teaching. We will once again be counting on the collaboration of the different scientific societies and will be holding various types of sessions, such as conferences, round tables, interactive clinical cases and courses. The overarching theme of the congress will be, as I’ve already mentioned, “The power of choice” and the aim is to analyze the state of the art. The main themes of current orthodontics will be addressed, with the aim of encouraging debate and the exchange of ideas between younger and more experienced colleagues. We hope to be able to count on a high level of participation in national scientific production through the submission of posters, in the knowledge that the papers with the highest quality or recognized merit will be awarded prizes.
How will this edition of the congress reflect the growing technological dynamics (aligners, etc.) that we have been witnessing in the field of orthodontics?
The XXIX congress of the Portuguese Orthodontic Society coincides with a critical moment when several companies are entering the orthodontic sector in Portugal. We receive requests for collaboration from companies all over the world who are now putting their all into developing this area. Innovative software programs will also be introduced which, using artificial intelligence, can help colleagues plan their treatments.
Who are the national and foreign protagonists of the scientific sessions scheduled for October 26-28?
This is an event of great importance and tradition organized by the SPO, which is already considered the biggest scientific update event. The panel of speakers at the most eagerly awaited scientific meeting of the specialty includes major national and international orthodontic references in their areas of research, specialization and teaching: Dr. Tommaso Castroflorio, Dr. Francesco Garino, Dr. Diego Peydro, Dr. Alberto Albaladejo, Dr. Eduardo Prado, Prof. Dr. Francisco do Vale, Dr. Pedro Costa Monteiro, Dr. Armando Dias da Silva, Dr. David Ângelo, Dr. Carlos Mota, Dr. Teresa Alonso, among many other prestigious national and international specialists.
What are your predictions regarding the volume of congress attendees? Are we expecting more participants than in the previous edition?
We certainly hope to have more participants than last year, considering the high number of registrations we have received so far. In fact, the unstoppable momentum of the SPO is evident, with more and more young colleagues taking part every year. Take, for example, the last SPO event, which sold out with more than 200 participants.
What is the organizing committee’s expectation regarding the participation of commercial establishments?
The organizing committee, with which I have the honour of collaborating, has been incredibly hard-working and has already far exceeded society’s expectations. Commercial houses are important partners, even indispensable for the success of a reference event. For this reason, and because we not only like to welcome people, but also to contribute to the success of our sponsors, we have an excellent exhibition area, with lots of natural light and full and constant interaction with the participants. Companies wishing to increase their presence in Portugal see the SPO congress as an opportunity for exposure and affirmation. Shopping centers know that if you don’t show up, you’re forgotten, so you don’t want to miss this opportunity to be present. This is the only way to explain why we now have such a large number of exhibitors, which is a real honor for the SPO.
In general, as president of the organizing committee, what goals do you hope to have achieved by the end of this XXIX edition of the congress?
This XXIX SPO congress will be remembered by colleagues not only for its panel of renowned speakers, but also for its openness to creating a moment of debate, allowing young colleagues to interact with experts and opinion leaders. We want to provide a great scientific moment, side by side with a social program that will revolve around art and its integration with science. We will work with perseverance, care and rigor to be able to offer you a unique congress and an unforgettable congress dinner.