DFL - Can technological advancements be perceived by dentists in their daily activities? Kina - The extremely fast technological evolution can only be perceived by the dentists who are constantly recycling their knowledge, through courses, internet and, especially, by reading periodicals and specialized books. The dentists who are isolated in their offices will be left behind. Those professionals do not absorb technology; after all, in spite of being easily available, it is not a godsend. DFL - Is there still such a paradigm that a dentist will use the same material from graduation through retirement? Kina - The industry is constantly developing new materials, which in turn require new techniques for their use. The longer the dentist takes to become updated in such techniques, the farther he/she will be from them, and, consequently, the more difficult it will be to master them. This is because the techniques intended for new technologies also change. The problem is not about the new materials, but about the concepts and techniques to use the new materials. I was recently in Portugal, where the Association of Medical Dentists is launching an ongoing education program. It means that the dentists will have to score a certain number of points every year, a number of hours in recycling programs, to keep working. This is something to be considered here in Brazil, not as a mandatory condition, but as some kind of incentive. DFL - In your book, “Invisível – restaurações estéticas cerâmicas” [“Invisible – aesthetic ceramic restorations”], you make an analogy between the sommelier, who identifies smells and tastes of wine, and the dentist’s ability to perceive the colors of teeth. In the case of dentists, is it all about art or technology? Kina - Although many professors dislike the term art, I think it is more to art, but art is also science, not just an intuitive thing. My comparison to the sommelier intends to show a professional who studied and is qualified to know all about the vine, mixture and timing of the wine that is in the glass. The color of teeth is all about the same thing. One has to use all experience to determine the color he/she is seeing. That is the difference. Some dentists think it is all a matter of checking the teeth against a color scale. I need a number of details to determine what I see in a tooth. The more I practice, the more I see. The more the dentist is passionate for it, the more can be interpreted. And this is only part of the story. The more one manages to interpret, the more he/she can communicate what is seen. We should never forget that one of the most difficult things about color (maybe more than interpretation) is the communication with the dental prosthesis technician. The technician needs to feel what I am feeling and understand the information that I am sharing. DFL - Can the standard Brazilian patient, with fewer resources, have a beautiful smile? Kina - I think so, yes, but always having in mind that – unfortunately – planning options are limited by budgets. Anyway, I prefer not relate material to aesthetics, after all, aesthetics is basically abilities. I can work aesthetics from different kinds of material. If a professional with limited technical ability uses the most expensive resin in the market, the result may not be that good. On the other hand, a skilled professional, even using a less expensive resin, will certainly develop some good work. There are no bad looking resins, but well or poorly worked restorations. DFL - What are your requirements in the choice of your materials? Kina - First of all, I check whether the materials have proven quality and their cost/benefit ratio. The material that I like to use is not always the most expensive. Another important factor is availability, as I live in a city in the countryside. But the main reason is that the material fits me well. It is one that I will like to use. It has to please me. DFL - How do you see DFL in the national context? Kina - I praise the DFL history. It has been in business for 68 years now, that reason alone makes it a winner. In the national context, DFL is very much down to earth. It has materials which are accessible to the local dentistry, but without compromising quality. I know that DFL is a large exporter, but it keeps tuned to the Brazilian reality. The company has the most comprehensive line of anesthetics, but it is not boasting it. I would define DFL with the terms awareness and elegance. DFL - The standard question: what attracts a patient to your office? Kina - Today, I suppose my reputation attracts patients to my office. But this is the result of many years of work. For instance, I encourage the communication between the dentist and the patient. It is fundamental that the planning and expected results of each work become very clear to the patient. A well informed patient – and satisfied with the accomplished work – will advertise me and bring more patients to my office. DFL - What are your expectations for the future? Kina - My expectation is that in a near future Brazil would become an honest place where people can dream and those dreams might come true.