The other day we commented internally in the clinic, after receiving an informative email about a course offered by a dental association, that it was difficult for patients (or readers of this blog in general) to perceive or understand what the role of this type of society was and why many colleagues in the clinic are part of them. Nevertheless, let's give it a try.
A dental association or society is a group of professionals in the dental sector that plays a fundamental role in the promotion of knowledge and research. In short, they are spaces for professionals to share information about a more specific area of dentistry. Perhaps this is something that is easier to explain if we focus on breaking down each one of them, well, not all of them, of course, but those to which we belong at Vélez & Lozano such as dentists in Murcia.
What is SEPA?
The Spanish Society of Periodontology and Osseointegration (SEPA) is an organisation founded in 1959 no less, dedicated to promoting research, continuing education and the dissemination of knowledge in the treatment of periodontal diseases and the integration of dental implants. They are responsible for initiatives such as Promosalud, which we are part of at the clinic, and which uses prevention and diagnosis in dental clinics to raise awareness of the relationship between diabetes and periodontics and how diabetics should take special care of their dental health.
Through congresses, courses and scientific publications, SEPA has contributed significantly to the advancement of periodontal dentistry and implant surgery, benefiting both professionals and patients. In our clinic, Fernando y Fran are members of SEPA, for example.
What is SEDO?
Founded in 1961, the Spanish Society of Orthodontics (SEDO) has become a benchmark in the field of orthodontics, partly thanks to its annual congress, where hundreds of orthodontists from all over Spain (including our head of the orthodontics department, Ana Pérez) meet for days (no less than four this year) to attend congresses, courses and, why deny it, to socialise with each other.
It is considered to be the 'event of the year' in the world.
What is SEPES?
The Spanish Society of Stomatological Prosthetics (SEPES) is another key player on the Spanish dental scene, dedicated to the study and promotion of dental prostheses, covering areas such as oral rehabilitation and dental aesthetics, as well as occlusal adjustments. Its aim is to promote research and innovation to improve the quality of life of patients and the clinical practice of professionals.
It was founded in 1969 and our colleagues Diego o Fran are members of it.
What is GEMO?
The Murcian Odontostomatology and Odontostomatology Study Group (GEMO) is also an association with a long history, since it was founded in 1966 and is currently the most important scientific body at the dental level in the region. Its work is similar to that of the other associations we have mentioned, but it works at a local level and tries to inform its members of the advances in the sector by organising courses, conferences and clinical sessions.
Our medical director, Fernando García Vélez, is the vice president. Virtually any dentist in Murcia is a member.
Other
Of course there are many more associations and non-profit organisations in the dental sector, and Vélez & Lozano is also part of them through its employees in one way or another, but we believe that these examples are enough to know what their mission is and what their existence is based on.