Oral medicine in brazil: a brief historical review of the first 50 years

Objective To review the historical perspective and current status of oral medicine in Brazil and to describe the next steps for the future of this specialty in our country. Study Design We performed a search based on the records of the Brazilian Society of Stomatology and Oral Pathology (SOBEP) and the Brazilian Federal Dental Council, as well as based on expert evidence input from academic leaders from different generations of Brazilian oral medicine specialists. Results Oral medicine has grown over the last 50 years in Brazil. Despite being a young specialty, professionals have worked hard to leverage postgraduate education through clinical practice and research. The onset of oral medicine in Brazil dates back to 1969, followed by SOBEP in 1974. However, official recognition as an independent specialty was achieved only in 1992 by the Brazilian Federal Dental Council. To date, most oral medicine specialists are concentrated in the Southeast region, and these specialists are active members of several international associations. Conclusion The future of oral medicine in Brazil will depend on the establishment of advanced training programs and better uniformity of clinical practice following the trends of the specialty internationally and establishing a standard curriculum at a post-graduate level. To review the historical perspective and current status of oral medicine in Brazil and to describe the next steps for the future of this specialty in our country. We performed a search based on the records of the Brazilian Society of Stomatology and Oral Pathology (SOBEP) and the Brazilian Federal Dental Council, as well as based on expert evidence input from academic leaders from different generations of Brazilian oral medicine specialists. Oral medicine has grown over the last 50 years in Brazil. Despite being a young specialty, professionals have worked hard to leverage postgraduate education through clinical practice and research. The onset of oral medicine in Brazil dates back to 1969, followed by SOBEP in 1974. However, official recognition as an independent specialty was achieved only in 1992 by the Brazilian Federal Dental Council. To date, most oral medicine specialists are concentrated in the Southeast region, and these specialists are active members of several international associations. The future of oral medicine in Brazil will depend on the establishment of advanced training programs and better uniformity of clinical practice following the trends of the specialty internationally and establishing a standard curriculum at a post-graduate level.