For the president of the organizing committee of the Ordem dos Dentistas (OMD), Sofia Arantes e Oliveira, the balance could not be more satisfactory. If at the personal level she classifies the experience as something remarkable, she emphasizes as coordinator of the event the massive adhesion of the participants, the presence of renowned national and international speakers, besides the environmental aspect, with the elimination of plastic and the reduction of waste paper.
What is your balance of the event, that took place, for the first time, in FIL, Parque das Nações?
Sofia Arantes de Oliveira: It was and continues to be very challenging to work in a new space, with its own characteristics and very different from those that the organization was used to. However, I think it was a winning bet. The conditions of the space allowed the event to be held in an organized way and with greater comfort for all participants.
Did the number of participants meet or exceed your expectations?
SAO: The number of participants met our expectations. We had 6,213 congressmen, a very significant number for the congress in Lisbon. The intent is that this action will reach as many OMD members as possible and I think the steps we have taken to make this event as comprehensive as possible are on track. Last year was the first time the congress had a pre-registration price of 20 € for members. Considering the event we are talking about is a tiny price compared to any other of this level. I think that, as a novelty, this initiative attracted more congressmen this year. Compared to the last edition in Lisbon, we have almost doubled our participation and I hope it will continue to do so, given the conditions offered this year.
What are your highlights at the conference level? Was there any theme that stood out, in your opinion?
SAO: We had 118 speakers, national and international, speaking about scientific and socioprofessional topics on the agenda. Therefore, it is very reductive to highlight a specific theme. The general idea was to have themes related to the prevention and implementation of oral health care for the general health, showing the best that can be done in the minimally invasive and supported by digital technology. From this base came many other ideas.
Complete interview in DentalPro 144.
