Volume 9, Number 4. December 2008Abstract book for the IADH Congress, Santos, Brazil Welcoming addresses and Editorial only Dear friends from all over the world On behalf of the executive of the iADH, it is a real pleasure to write a few words for this special issue of the Journal of Disability and Oral health (JDOH), being the abstract book for the 19th congress in Santos Brazil. Over the last few years iADH reached some milestones in its existence. There was the Memorandum of Understanding with the FDI (World Dental Federation), the establishment of our official journal JDOH (first issue March 2008), and there is this 19th congress which takes place for the first time in our history in the southern hemisphere. The iADH Executive is grateful to the Brazilian Association of Dentistry for Special Care Patients (ABOPE) and the Argentinean Association of Dentistry for Special Care Patients (AAODI), and especially their presidents Marcello Boccia and Gabriela Scagnet who have done an enormous amount of work to host this congress in Santos. The main theme of this congress, 'Special Care Dentistry: Science and Sensitivity, Breaking Limits and Limitations', was a nice invitation, and challenge, to exchange experiences. The congress programme, with almost 40 invited lecturers and more than 250 scientific contributions (oral or poster presentation), was very promising! Throughout the world there is great sensitivity for Special Care Dentistry. Acquiring good clinical skills is based on an adequate education programme and the latter is based on available science! I really hope that the scientific outcome of this congress will support the further development of Special Care Dentistry. Dr Luc Martens
Welcome Words by Dr Marcello Boccia Dear friends, Welcome to my country, Brazil ! I hope you enjoy everything about this fascinating and beautiful land, a huge country with five very distinct regions, occupying almost half of the landmass of South America, bordering almost every other country on the continent. Coupled with the country's physical attractions is the incredible warmth and hospitality of the Brazilian people. We are known because of a characteristic laid-back attitude which is contagious and people from all backgrounds will feel welcome here. Brazil is internationally known for its incredible beaches, raucous Carnival, and the intoxicating sounds of samba. Brazil must be seen to be believed. I wish you enjoy the Congress!! and I am looking forward to meeting you in Santos! Dr Marcello Feitosa Boccia Dear Colleagues; It is a great pleasure to welcome everyone to the 19th Congress of the IADH. ABOPE and AAODI have joined forces to bring you the first Congress in South America. This is significant as it shows that IADH is truly an international organisation. It also indicates that South American Special Care Dentistry has improved quite enough to share knowledge and keep pace with their colleagues in other parts of the world. Science and Sensibility: breaking limits and limitations is the theme of the congress. Limits and limitations regarding the special patient's view and professional's view in a 'Science and Sensibility' environment: that is our idea of approaching our specialty in people with disabilities. I want to point out that the subject and theme of the Congress have pulled down frontiers and obstacles. And this is so because it speaks not only about limits and limitations of people with disabilities but also of the limits and limitations of the professionals dedicated to this activity. Our idea is that everything is included in what may be called 'Science and Sensibility' to reach our aims. The Scientific programme focuses on approaches and interventions in Special Care Dentistry with the aim of fostering greater awareness of the need for improved communication and collaboration both within and between professionals. We have worked hard to put together a diverse, stimulating programme with important topics and prominent international speakers. There will be General Symposia, Fora, Hands on and Free Work sessions to provide essential updating on specific techniques and disorders. It will give you the opportunity of meeting experts to discuss state-of-the art developments of science and techniques. There certainly should be something on the programme to interest everyone. And what to say about the social activities? They have been organised
in order to enjoy the South American spirit. Have fun and share
a good time with people from different countries. Dr Gabriela Scagnet ORGANISING COMMITTEE BRAZIL ORGANISING COMMITTEE ARGENTINA SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE BRAZIL SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE ARGENTINA ADVISORY COMMITTEE Colaborators Argentina & Brazil The Publisher and I would like to extend our thanks to the Local Organising Committee in Brazil for the very significant work that went in to the preparation and collation of the abstracts for this issue of the Journal. This presents an opportunity to showcase Special Care Dentistry, not only in Brazil at this IADH Congress, but around the globe. The Journal has a world-wide circulation and through its pages communicates with all those involved in the speciality. Whilst Brazil recognised Special Care Dentistry as a specialty some time ago, it is only one amongst a few countries, notably Australia and New Zealand, where Special Care Dentistry has the status it deserves. In September 2008, the UK's regulatory body, the General Dental Council, recognised Special Care Dentistry, giving those working in this area of dentistry a much needed boost, acknowledging what they do in providing and developing services for special care patients. It is hoped that other countries will follow and this Organisation has a role to play in advocating for speciality recognition. It is thus important at this time to have an international forum to disseminate good practice, based on the available evidence, with the dual role of informing and educating all those involved with the specialty. Continuing professional development will be an increasing need amongst the specialist community and the Journal serves this function. Out of this Congress must come much that is good scientifically; all presenters, whether it be through oral presentations or posters have a responsibility to ensure that the wider community have the opportunity to read about such endeavours. That means you publishing your work in a forum aimed at all in Special Care Dentistry and we in the Editorial Team look forward to receiving your manuscripts! Every good wish for a successful Congress!
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