Brazilian Dentistry Summit
Brazilian dentistry — long recognized for its scientific output, technical precision, and aesthetic excellence — is gaining unprecedented visibility in the United States. This momentum was on full display in Orlando during the first major public initiative of ABO US (Brazilian Dental Association in the United States), marking a historic moment for immigrant professionals seeking recognition and integration in the American dental landscape.
“The Summit is the first major public initiative of ABO-US, which now operates from Orlando with an open mission: support the integration, advancement, and empowerment of Brazilian dentists across all 50 U.S. states,” said Dr. Marcelo Schettini, President of ABO-US.
“This event is much more than a conference; it’s the beginning of a long-term movement to strengthen our community here in the U.S. We are creating a bridge between the excellence of Brazilian dentistry and the vast opportunities in the American market.”
Why Brazilian Dentists Stand Out Globally
Brazil’s dental sector is one of the largest and most academically productive in the world. According to recent international analyses:
- Brazil has more than 360,000 dentists, the highest absolute number globally.
- The country counts 168 dentists per 100,000 inhabitants, compared with 59 per 100,000 in the U.S. and 51 per 100,000 in Canada.
- Brazil hosts 575 dental schools, more than 8 times the number in the United States.
- Brazilian institutions rank among the world’s top producers of dental research, contributing 9% of all global scientific publications in dentistry, second only to the U.S.
This combination of high academic output, a large professional workforce, and advanced aesthetic dentistry techniques has positioned Brazilian professionals as highly competitive in international markets.
A U.S. Dental System Facing Critical Shortages
The timing of ABO-US’s expansion is strategic. The United States is experiencing one of the most severe shortages of dental professionals in its history:
- Nearly 60 million Americans live in areas officially designated as lacking adequate dental care.
- Harvard researchers recently identified 1.7 million people living in so called “dental deserts,” where access to a dentist may require hours of travel.
- Rural areas often have one dentist for every 3,850 residents, compared with 1 for every 1,470 in urban centers.
“There is opportunity, demand, and space for growth, but Brazilian professionals need guidance. That’s what the ABO-US delivers,” emphasized Dr. Flávio Henriques, Scientific Director of the event.
Orlando Becomes a New Dental Hub for Immigrants
The Summit, held in Orlando, home to one of the largest Brazilian communities in the U.S., brought together specialists, educators, and immigrant professionals navigating the complex process of validating credentials and rebuilding careers.
Beyond the scientific program, the event highlighted the emotional and professional journey of immigrant dentists.
“Knowledge and experience must be shared, not only in dentistry but also in the immigrant journey. Many here have succeeded, and are helping others do the same,” said Dr. Schettini.
The Summit offered:
- Panels on U.S. licensing pathways
- Workshops on digital dentistry and implantology
- Networking sessions with clinics seeking bilingual professionals
- Guidance on cultural adaptation and professional branding
Honoring a Legacy: The Closing Gala
The event concluded with a gala recognizing 20 distinguished Brazilian dentists whose work has left a lasting impact on communities in the United States and abroad.
“We honor not only clinical excellence, but legacy, those who have served communities, mentored immigrants, and elevated Brazilian dentistry worldwide,” said Dr. Celso Minervino Russo, President of the closing ceremony.
A Turning Point for Brazilian Dentistry in America
With the U.S. dental workforce under strain and millions of Americans lacking access to care, the arrival of ABO-US and its growing network of highly trained Brazilian professionals signals a transformative moment.
The Orlando Summit not only celebrated scientific excellence — it marked the beginning of a coordinated movement to elevate Brazilian dentistry across the United States, expand access to care, and empower immigrant professionals to thrive in a system that urgently needs them.