In an increasingly technology-driven field of dentistry, true differentiation continues to stem from the way people communicate with one another. At Cl\u00ednica Manuel Neves, the clinic, laboratory, and training centre operate as an integrated ecosystem, where knowledge sharing, close collaboration between professionals, and an unwavering focus on the patient are fundamental pillars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this interview, Gustavo Castro, manager and dentist at the clinic, and Zsolt Kovacs, director of the Inovesmile laboratory, share their professional journeys, the shared vision that unites them, and the importance of communication as a driver of clinical excellence, sustainable innovation, and truly personalised care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr. Gustavo, what is your story? What is your role at Cl\u00ednica Manuel Neves?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I usually introduce myself to patients by saying that I come from the same town as the boss, I\u2019m also from Gondomar (laughs I joined Cl\u00ednica Manuel Neves in November 2021, shortly after finishing my degree at FMDUP and obtaining my OMD licence, starting immediately as a dentist and assisting Dr Neves at the clinic. Over time, I was challenged to take on course coordination and human resources support responsibilities, which led me to complete a postgraduate programme in management at Porto Business School. Earlier this year, I took over the management of the clinic and the coordination of the group\u2019s companies, including the laboratory and the study centre. Looking back, I realise I have always enjoyed organisation and working with people, from primary school to student associations, and that made this combination of clinic and management feel natural. I chose dentistry as my first option precisely because it combines science, technical\/manual work, and human interaction \u2014 and being able to balance clinical practice and management is something that truly fulfils me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Zsolt, how was your journey like until you arrived at the Manuel Neves Clinic? Why settle in Portugal?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I am Hungarian and arrived in Porto in 1990, already trained in dental prosthetics and with experience in a Swiss-Hungarian laboratory, at a time when anyone who wanted to advance professionally had to leave the country. I came to Portugal for a job opportunity, initially planning to move on to Germany, but I ended up settling here and building my life. At first, I brought Swiss and German technologies that were highly innovative in the Portuguese context, and that brought me closer to Dr Manuel Neves, who was a pioneer in implant placement; we have been working together for more than 30 years. I have been at the clinic since 2016, when I was challenged to join the clinic\u2019s laboratory and take over the direction of Inovesmile, adapting the project to the pace and demands of working within the clinic itself. Working integrated into a clinic is demanding, but it allows a much closer relationship with the patient and the dentist, which makes the work more personalised, challenging, and rewarding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n