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CDE0111

26 I I feature _ interview _Dr José Roberto Moura graduated from the University of Taubaté (Brazil) in 1983 with a specialty degree in Restorative Dentistry. He later completed his master’s degree in Prosthodontics at the same university. Dr Moura served as Presi- dent of the Brazilian Society of Esthetic Dentistry (BSED) from 1999 to 2000 and from 2002 to 2003. He is currently President of the International Federation of Esthetic Dentistry (IFED). _cosmetic dentistry: Dr Moura, you have been actively involved in aesthetic dentistry since your first BSED presidency in 1999. Would you please tell us how you became involved in den- tistry? Dr Moura: Actually, I have been involved in aesthetic dentistry for much longer. In 1990, I started to work with adhesive dentistry using some materials and techniques that I had brought to Brazil from the USA. In 1994, my friend Dr Marcelo Fonseca started the BSED and invited metojoinitsboardofdirectors,aswewerealready working in that area even though it was some- thing new in Brazil at that time. _Cosmetic dentistry is guided by patient de- sires, contemporary fashion and trends. However, the majority of cosmetic dental treatments are invasive in nature and not always in line with oral health and ethical standards. What is your take on this? I disagree with that statement. I think that aes- theticdentistryisalsobasedon,forexample,direct composite restorations, which are very conserva- tive and able to improve smiles while preserving sound dental structure. Even bonded ceramic restorations have become more conservative over theyearswiththeimprovementofthesematerials, which are becoming more resistant even at small thicknesses. Besides that, there are very conser- vative aesthetic techniques such as bleaching, cosmeticcontouringandmicro-abrasion.Thephi- losophy of dental treatment is very important in this matter and this, in turn, is directly influenced by the way dentists are trained and taught. _In your opinion, what are the most important considerationsfordentistsinterestedinintroduc- ing cosmetic dentistry into their general practice? What are the largest obstacles? Cosmetic dentistry is the use of dental materi- als that not only restore the function of the tooth, but also its appearance. These materials, mainly composites and ceramics, are already largely in use in many practices. Besides, in many countries, aesthetic dentistry is one of the main reasons that patients come to dental offices nowadays. The bottom line is that every dentist doing cosmetic dentistry in his or her practice needs to go about this very seriously, taking high quality hands-on courses, especially those that value conservative treatments and patient health. _You are currently serving as IFED President. Would you please briefly highlight the main goals and activities of IFED, as well as what you wish to achieve during your presidency? The main goal of IFED is to bring aesthetic den- tistry academies from all over the world together tointeractwithoneanotherinseekingtopromote the exchange of experience and knowledge. IFED has one General Assembly that takes place in Chicago during the Midwinter Meeting, where new ideas are presented to IFED by the represen- tatives of the academies. We also have a World Meetingeverytwoyears,whichishostedbyoneof the member academies. The next one will be held in Brazil from 2 to 5 November 2011 in the beauti- ful city of Rio de Janeiro. _WhatareIFED’scurrentchallengesinexpand- ing its membership and activities in the Asia- Pacific region? Weneedactivemembersthatcanreallyhelpus contact representatives of aesthetic dentistry groups all over Asia who are willing to join us in our task. We have had great help from people like DrPeterTay(Singapore),DrSeok-HoonKo(Korea), Dr Akira Senda (Japan) and Dr Sushil Koirala (Nepal), and I personally hope we can expand the IFED representation in Asia. cosmeticdentistry 1_2011 “The philosophy of dental treatmentisveryimportant” An interview with Dr José Roberto Moura, IFED President Dr José Roberto Moura