What began in 2016 as a training project in endodontics has evolved into a community of more than one thousand students, with a presence across several European markets. Fábio Santiago, Luís Caetano, Mário Martins and Carlos Franco, the founders of FromRoots, talk to us about the project’s growth, its international expansion, their commitment to training with a real clinical impact, and the challenges that lie ahead.
How did the idea of creating FromRoots come about in 2016?
FromRoots came about as a result of a combination of the challenge posed by several friends who knew us individually and wanted to deepen their knowledge of endodontics, and the encouragement of Dr António José de Sousa (Tó Zé), who urged us to organise our first courses and took part in our initial training programmes in endodontics and restorative dentistry.
What brought four endodontists together? How did you meet and decide to work as a team?
We met in Barcelona, at UIC (Universitat Internacional de Catalunya), while completing the Master’s Degree in Endodontics. Since the initial project was exclusively focused on our field and, given the strong relationship we had always maintained, it was a natural decision for us to start the project together.
From an endodontics course in Lisbon to a presence in Lisbon, Porto, Paris, Brussels and Rotterdam, and more than one thousand students — how would you describe this journey in a few words?
It all happened quite naturally. The project grew through small steps, but they were almost always the right ones. For many years, we did not have any medium- or long-term planning. Things would come up, and we would shape, adapt and grow the project accordingly.
What are you most proud of when you think about the impact FromRoots has had on the careers of more than one thousand students?
What makes us most proud is seeing so many colleagues progress, and seeing how some of our training programmes have opened doors for them and sparked the desire to continue investing in their education, become leaders in their field and provide the best possible treatment for their patients.
Read the full interview in DentalPro 191.
