ABOUT US
About Us
LAOHA - Latin American Oral Health Association is a not-for-profit, philanthropic association focused on research and evidence-based practice.
Our goal is to continue cutting-edge educational and scientific research through the training, at the doctoral level, of graduates in dentistry in Latin America and other countries. The professionals we support are highly motivated, recognized for their excellence and leadership who, due to geographic and/or financial reasons, are unable to expand their studies in their own regions.
Established in Brazil in May 2015, it actually started its activities
in 2016, as a result of a successful partnership between Colgate-Palmolive and renowned professors from two prestigious educational institutions: the University of São Paulo (USP) and the Guarulhos University (UNG). Since then, the two universities and associates have contributed to the technical development
and/or scientific LAOHA. We are committed to providing professionals with evidence-based oral health training programs so that
can increase access to quality oral health care in their countries or regions of origin.
The uniqueness of LAOHA lies in the fact that it is oriented towards countries in Latin America and neo-Latin languages.
Our vision
To be recognized as a regional dental association that promotes research and education in the dental profession.
Our mission
Our story
DIRECTORIES
Click on the button to select the year of management
MANAGEMENT 2024 - 2026
Cassiano Rösing
President
The Latin American Oral Health Association (LAOHA) has been a major driver of oral health on the continent. Her role as an opinion maker, raising awareness of oral diseases and the need for complete oral health, has had a major impact on the continent. In addition to promoting inclusive meetings with different countries, it has supported students from developing countries in both Latin America and Africa to receive scholarships to carry out doctoral programs, which has the potential to transform the reality in their countries. source. This is a commendable initiative and should be considered one of the great ideas that worked. LAOHA it's a hit!”
Belén Retamal-Valdes
Vice-President
"
Bruno Bueno Silva
Secretary Director
"
Cristina Villar
Deputy Secretary Director
In order to guarantee the prevention and recovery of the oral health of the population of South America, the LAOHA brings together a series of local actions to promote the development of dental research, the training of young people.”
Juliano Cavagni
Treasurer Director
The Latin American Oral Health Association is an entity whose main objective is to promote oral health in Latin America. To this end, it has based its work on the intersection between academia and society. From this intersection arises the encouragement of postgraduate students through the funding of Doctorate scholarships. Additionally, the union of opinion-forming professionals from all over Latin America makes a decisive contribution to ensuring that the oral health of individuals and populations is fully achieved by bringing together different expertise. The main gain for patients and professionals is the collaborative environment that the entity provides. long life to LAOHA! "
Marcelo Bonecker
Alternate Treasurer Director
"
Amaury Guillen
Chairman of the Fiscal Council
"
mohamed mahmoud
Tax advisor
"
Lupe Salazar
Audit Committee
"
Carlos Benitez
National Manager
"
Bernal Stewart
International Manager
This is a great opportunity to identify and develop new regional research leaders by funding relevant research programs. Through partnerships with universities and researchers, we will build a public health platform aimed at improving the oral health of our population.”
MANAGEMENT 2024 - 2026
Cassiano Rösing
President
The Latin American Oral Health Association (LAOHA) has been a major driver of oral health on the continent. Her role as an opinion maker, raising awareness of oral diseases and the need for complete oral health, has had a major impact on the continent. In addition to promoting inclusive meetings with different countries, it has supported students from developing countries in both Latin America and Africa to receive scholarships to carry out doctoral programs, which has the potential to transform the reality in their countries. source. This is a commendable initiative and should be considered one of the great ideas that worked. LAOHA it's a hit!”
Belén Retamal-Valdes
Vice-President
"
Bruno Bueno Silva
Secretary Director
"
Cristina Villar
Deputy Secretary Director
In order to guarantee the prevention and recovery of the oral health of the population of South America, the LAOHA brings together a series of local actions to promote the development of dental research, the training of young people.”
Juliano Cavagni
Treasurer Director
The Latin American Oral Health Association is an entity whose main objective is to promote oral health in Latin America. To this end, it has based its work on the intersection between academia and society. From this intersection arises the encouragement of postgraduate students through the funding of Doctorate scholarships. Additionally, the union of opinion-forming professionals from all over Latin America makes a decisive contribution to ensuring that the oral health of individuals and populations is fully achieved by bringing together different expertise. The main gain for patients and professionals is the collaborative environment that the entity provides. long life to LAOHA! "
Marcelo Bonecker
Alternate Treasurer Director
"
Amaury Guillen
Chairman of the Fiscal Council
"
mohamed mahmoud
Tax advisor
"
Lupe Salazar
Audit Committee
"
Carlos Benitez
National Manager
"
Bernal Stewart
International Manager
This is a great opportunity to identify and develop new regional research leaders by funding relevant research programs. Through partnerships with universities and researchers, we will build a public health platform aimed at improving the oral health of our population.”
MANAGEMENT 2022 - 2024
Cristina Villar
President
In order to guarantee the prevention and recovery of the oral health of the population of South America, the LAOHA brings together a series of local actions to promote the development of dental research, the training of young people.”
Cassiano Rösing
Vice-President
The Latin American Oral Health Association (LAOHA) has been a major driver of oral health on the continent. Her role as an opinion maker, raising awareness of oral diseases and the need for complete oral health, has had a major impact on the continent. In addition to promoting inclusive meetings with different countries, it has supported students from developing countries in both Latin America and Africa to receive scholarships to carry out doctoral programs, which has the potential to transform the reality in their countries. source. This is a commendable initiative and should be considered one of the great ideas that worked. LAOHA it's a hit!”
Juliano Cavagni
1st Secretary
The Latin American Oral Health Association is an entity whose main objective is to promote oral health in Latin America. To this end, it has based its work on the intersection between academia and society. From this intersection arises the encouragement of postgraduate students through the funding of Doctorate scholarships. Additionally, the union of opinion-forming professionals from all over Latin America makes a decisive contribution to ensuring that the oral health of individuals and populations is fully achieved by bringing together different expertise. The main gain for patients and professionals is the collaborative environment that the entity provides. long life to LAOHA! "
Luciana Saraiva
2nd Secretary
I believe that LAOHA It is an opportunity to promote oral health through the dissemination of scientific knowledge of dentistry, encouraging the promotion of scholarships for students from different regions of Latin America and/or Brazil.”
Claudio Mendes Pannuti
1st Treasurer
One of the goals of LAOHA is the formation of new leaders in education and research in oral health in Latin America. Furthermore, the actions of LAOHA will promote scientific interaction between researchers in this region, as well as the dissemination of knowledge about oral health.”
Luciene Figueiredo
2nd Treasurer
I am very proud to participate in this project, which will certainly change the landscape of research and human resources training in Latin American countries in the medium term.”
Marcelo Bonecker
Tax advisor
"
Bruno Bueno Silva
Tax advisor
"
Belén Retamal-Valdes
Audit Committee
"
Zilson Malheiros
Executive Director
It is a great honor to be part of this initiative that will surely bring excellent results for research and teaching, in addition to collaborating to improve the oral health of the population in Latin America.”
Bernal Stewart
Executive Director
This is a great opportunity to identify and develop new regional research leaders by funding relevant research programs. Through partnerships with universities and researchers, we will build a public health platform aimed at improving the oral health of our population.”
MANAGEMENT 2020 - 2022
Cristina Villar
President
In order to guarantee the prevention and recovery of the oral health of the population of South America, the LAOHA brings together a series of local actions to promote the development of dental research, the training of young people.”
Cassiano Rösing
Vice-President
The Latin American Oral Health Association (LAOHA) has been a major driver of oral health on the continent. Her role as an opinion maker, raising awareness of oral diseases and the need for complete oral health, has had a major impact on the continent. In addition to promoting inclusive meetings with different countries, it has supported students from developing countries in both Latin America and Africa to receive scholarships to carry out doctoral programs, which has the potential to transform the reality in their countries. source. This is a commendable initiative and should be considered one of the great ideas that worked. LAOHA it's a hit!”
Juliano Cavagni
1st Secretary
The Latin American Oral Health Association is an entity whose main objective is to promote oral health in Latin America. To this end, it has based its work on the intersection between academia and society. From this intersection arises the encouragement of postgraduate students through the funding of Doctorate scholarships. Additionally, the union of opinion-forming professionals from all over Latin America makes a decisive contribution to ensuring that the oral health of individuals and populations is fully achieved by bringing together different expertise. The main gain for patients and professionals is the collaborative environment that the entity provides. long life to LAOHA! "
Luciana Saraiva
2nd Secretary
I believe that LAOHA It is an opportunity to promote oral health through the dissemination of scientific knowledge of dentistry, encouraging the promotion of scholarships for students from different regions of Latin America and/or Brazil.”
Claudio Mendes Pannuti
1st Treasurer
One of the goals of LAOHA is the formation of new leaders in education and research in oral health in Latin America. Furthermore, the actions of LAOHA will promote scientific interaction between researchers in this region, as well as the dissemination of knowledge about oral health.”
Luciene Figueiredo
2nd Treasurer
I am very proud to participate in this project, which will certainly change the landscape of research and human resources training in Latin American countries in the medium term.”
Marcelo Bonecker
Tax advisor
"
Bruno Bueno Silva
Tax advisor
"
Belén Retamal-Valdes
Audit Committee
"
Zilson Malheiros
Executive Director
It is a great honor to be part of this initiative that will surely bring excellent results for research and teaching, in addition to collaborating to improve the oral health of the population in Latin America.”
Bernal Stewart
Executive Director
This is a great opportunity to identify and develop new regional research leaders by funding relevant research programs. Through partnerships with universities and researchers, we will build a public health platform aimed at improving the oral health of our population.”
MANAGEMENT 2018 - 2020
Giuseppe Romito
President
A LAOHA It is a visionary project of integration between researchers and institutions in the Latin American region that will bring high-level health promotion to the population.”
Magda Feres
Vice-President
The idea of LAOHA emerged a few years ago, when we noticed the shortage of Doctoral courses in several Latin American countries and in the North and Northeast regions of Brazil. Therefore, together with Colgate researchers and executives, especially Messrs. Bernal Stewart and William Devizio, from the Colgate Technology Center (USA), a project that aimed to absorb students from these countries/regions in the Doctoral programs at UNG and USP. Upon finishing their doctorate, these students will then be able to multiply the knowledge acquired here in their countries/cities of origin, thus contributing to the advancement of research in these regions. We are certain that this is a unique initiative that will benefit everyone involved and could represent the seed of a larger project to expand research and quality clinical dentistry, based on scientific evidence, throughout Latin America.”
Marcelo Faveri
1st Secretary
I believe that this association, the LAOHA is unique in its purposes, which aim to promote science and health promotion throughout Latin America. It will be a game changer for the promotion of human resources in this region.”
Cristina Villar
2nd Secretary
In order to guarantee the prevention and recovery of the oral health of the population of South America, the LAOHA brings together a series of local actions to promote the development of dental research, the training of young people.”
Luciene Figueiredo
1nd Treasurer
I am very proud to participate in this project, which will certainly change the landscape of research and human resources training in Latin American countries in the medium term.”
Claudio Mendes Pannuti
2st Treasurer
One of the goals of LAOHA is the formation of new leaders in education and research in oral health in Latin America. Furthermore, the actions of LAOHA will promote scientific interaction between researchers in this region, as well as the dissemination of knowledge about oral health.”
Cassiano Rösing
Tax advisor
The Latin American Oral Health Association (LAOHA) has been a major driver of oral health on the continent. Her role as an opinion maker, raising awareness of oral diseases and the need for complete oral health, has had a major impact on the continent. In addition to promoting inclusive meetings with different countries, it has supported students from developing countries in both Latin America and Africa to receive scholarships to carry out doctoral programs, which has the potential to transform the reality in their countries. source. This is a commendable initiative and should be considered one of the great ideas that worked. LAOHA it's a hit!”
Juliano Cavagni
Tax advisor
The Latin American Oral Health Association is an entity whose main objective is to promote oral health in Latin America. To this end, it has based its work on the intersection between academia and society. From this intersection arises the encouragement of postgraduate students through the funding of Doctorate scholarships. Additionally, the union of opinion-forming professionals from all over Latin America makes a decisive contribution to ensuring that the oral health of individuals and populations is fully achieved by bringing together different expertise. The main gain for patients and professionals is the collaborative environment that the entity provides. long life to LAOHA! "
Luciana Saraiva
Audit Committee
I believe that LAOHA It is an opportunity to promote oral health through the dissemination of scientific knowledge of dentistry, encouraging the promotion of scholarships for students from different regions of Latin America and/or Brazil.”
Zilson Malheiros
Executive Director
It is a great honor to be part of this initiative that will surely bring excellent results for research and teaching, in addition to collaborating to improve the oral health of the population in Latin America.”
Bernal Stewart
Executive Director
This is a great opportunity to identify and develop new regional research leaders by funding relevant research programs. Through partnerships with universities and researchers, we will build a public health platform aimed at improving the oral health of our population.”
MANAGEMENT 2016 - 2018
Giuseppe Romito
President
A LAOHA It is a visionary project of integration between researchers and institutions in the Latin American region that will bring high-level health promotion to the population.”
Magda Feres
Vice-President
The idea of LAOHA emerged a few years ago, when we noticed the shortage of Doctoral courses in several Latin American countries and in the North and Northeast regions of Brazil. Therefore, together with Colgate researchers and executives, especially Messrs. Bernal Stewart and William Devizio, from the Colgate Technology Center (USA), a project that aimed to absorb students from these countries/regions in the Doctoral programs at UNG and USP. Upon finishing their doctorate, these students will then be able to multiply the knowledge acquired here in their countries/cities of origin, thus contributing to the advancement of research in these regions. We are certain that this is a unique initiative that will benefit everyone involved and could represent the seed of a larger project to expand research and quality clinical dentistry, based on scientific evidence, throughout Latin America.”
Luciana Saraiva
1nd Secretary
I believe that LAOHA It is an opportunity to promote oral health through the dissemination of scientific knowledge of dentistry, encouraging the promotion of scholarships for students from different regions of Latin America and/or Brazil.”
Marcelo Faveri
2st Secretary
I believe that this association, the LAOHA is unique in its purposes, which aim to promote science and health promotion throughout Latin America. It will be a game changer for the promotion of human resources in this region.”
Luciene Figueiredo
1nd Treasurer
I am very proud to participate in this project, which will certainly change the landscape of research and human resources training in Latin American countries in the medium term.”
Claudio Mendes Pannuti
2st Treasurer
One of the goals of LAOHA is the formation of new leaders in education and research in oral health in Latin America. Furthermore, the actions of LAOHA will promote scientific interaction between researchers in this region, as well as the dissemination of knowledge about oral health.”
Jamil Shibli
Tax advisor
A LAOHA it will be the research and development center for Dentistry not only for South America but also for the whole world.”
Cassio Carvalho
Tax advisor
Based on a collaborative process between research centers of excellence and students from all over Latin America, we will be able to reach a new level of knowledge in Dentistry, in addition to influencing leaders to implement programs to encourage oral health.”
Cristina Villar
Audit Committee
In order to guarantee the prevention and recovery of the oral health of the population of South America, the LAOHA brings together a series of local actions to promote the development of dental research, the training of young people.”
Zilson Malheiros
Executive Director
It is a great honor to be part of this initiative that will surely bring excellent results for research and teaching, in addition to collaborating to improve the oral health of the population in Latin America.”
Bernal Stewart
Executive Director
This is a great opportunity to identify and develop new regional research leaders by funding relevant research programs. Through partnerships with universities and researchers, we will build a public health platform aimed at improving the oral health of our population.”
our headquarters
LAOHA is headquartered in University of São Paulo, opened on January 29, 2020 and has a satellite office at Guarulhos University, opened on February 24, 2016.
Both ceremonies were attended by Association members and representatives from both educational institutions and Colgate-Palmolive.
OUR STUDENTS
LAOHA grants postgraduate scholarships to graduates in dentistry courses, foreign or Brazilian. According to Bernal Stewart, one of the mentors of the project, “Latin America has excellent researchers and is a region where we hope to contribute to improving the oral health of the population by developing new leaders. For this, it is decisive to be close to universities and their researchers”.
Belén
Retamal-Valdes
Student (2016 – 2018)
Chile
PhD at University
Guarulhos - Brazil
participate in LAOHA it has been a wonderful experience. I am having the opportunity to study in an internationally renowned program in dentistry, such as the Doctoral Program at Universidade Guarulhos. Also, I am working on different studies with a large human and scientific team. During the doctorate, the LAOHA It has helped me in my personal and professional growth. Thank you very much LAOHA!! "
Carlos Manuel
Rubio Morillo
Alumnus (2016 – 2019)
Venezuela
PhD at University
from Sao Paulo - Brazil
For me, being part of LAOHA, at first it was a surprise, currently and will continue to change my future and all the people who are close to me, I will be grateful for the opportunity to finish my goals.”
Carlos Guillermo
Benitez Silva
Alumnus (2016 – 2020)
Mexico
PhD at University
from Sao Paulo - Brazil
be part of LAOHA it has been a very satisfying experience, with the opportunity to continue my studies. It has also been an important platform to meet people with shared goals to create good networking for future partnerships.”
Gloria Marcela
Ramírez Lemus
Student (2017 – 2020)
Colombia
PhD at University
from Sao Paulo - Brazil
be part of LAOHA / LATAM-DHU has simply been a wonderful blessing, a privilege that brings growth in all aspects of life. It is to continue to mature in the personal and professional areas in a country with an excellent level of research. It is to be able to fulfill a dream of not only wanting to receive, but in the near future, to offer our countries people with doctoral training whose objective is to help develop research with a solid base, essential fundamentals and links with universities of great prestige at the level of Latin America. and the world. So far I'm starting, but I'm sure this road will be full of challenges and satisfactions that will mark a part of my life forever.”
Gerson Pedro
Jose Langa
Alumnus (2017 – 2020)
Mozambique
PhD at University
Federal of Porto Alegre -
Brazil
First, it's a blessing! Because being part of LAOHA means so much more than being a student! It means, learning about parts of life, it means being a better professional, it means developing, and I do develop the part of me that I thought I would never follow from, research! I never thought I would be so interested in developing this part! And thanks to this opportunity, I found a part of me that can work hard to do something better for science especially, but not only! So finally, being part of the LAOHA / LATAM-DHU means being a new and better person for the world and feeling happy doing it.”
Mariana
Linhares Almeida
Student (2017 – 2020)
Brazil
PhD at University
Guarulhos - Brazil
be part of LAOHA / LATAM-DHU means opportunity in one word. It is an opportunity to acquire knowledge in the best dental research centers in Brazil, it is an opportunity to exchange experiences with people from different parts of Latin America. In summary, it is a great opportunity to grow personally and professionally.”
Mariana
Lopes Galante
Student (2018 – 2021)
Brazil
PhD at University
from Sao Paulo - Brazil
Be part of the student team LAOHA It is a unique privilege to be able to have the support of LAOHA in my personal and professional growth, through participation in various congresses and events. The collaboration of LAOHA it is essential for the line of research in public oral health policies in Latin America.”
Jonathan
Mauricio table
Alumnus (2019 – 2022)
Peru
PhD at University
Guarulhos - Brazil
For me, being part of LAOHA it is a blessing because not only does it help me to continue with my postgraduate studies outside my country, but I also have the opportunity to meet researchers from all over Latin America and learn from them, thank you very much LAOHA. "
Willy
Bustillos Torrez
Alumnus (2019 – 2022)
Bolívia
PhD at University
Guarulhos - Brazil
be a scholarship holder LAOHA it is joining an organization with leaders in research and at the same time a blessing to have the opportunity to represent my country.”
Viviana
Avila
Scholarship holder (2017 – 2023)
Colombia
PhD at University
El Bosque – Colombia
The experience of being part of LAOHA It has been very inspiring for me, not only because of the support in my doctoral training process, but also because it has been a means of establishing academic ties that in the future may become research networks that produce high-impact results in the region.”
Flavia
Mauad Levy
Scholarship holder (2018 – 2022)
Brazil
Postdoctoral at
University of São Paulo -
Bauru – Brazil
be part of LAOHA it has been a very gratifying experience, giving me the opportunity to grow and to obtain great results. Being able to participate and contribute to a worldwide recognized oral health research group has been a great differential in my academic career. LAOHA, thank you for this challenge.”
Catharina Marques
Sacramento
Scholarship holder (2019 – 2023)
Brazil
PhD at the University
from Campinas – Unicamp –
Brazil
be a scholarship holder LAOHA they have been a unique experience for my intellectual and personal development and it has been very important to meet people and make new partners. Above all, it is giving me a great opportunity to do what I love: to develop new technologies that can contribute to the scientific growth of the dental community.”
Mohamed Ahmed
Hassan Mahmoud
Scholarship holder (2019 – 2023)
Egypt
PhD at the University
from Sao Paulo – Brazil
I've always been interested in studying abroad, learning from the best. And Brazil was the destination. The University of São Paulo is considered a first class facility with a fabulous reputation. However, I was always concerned about my livelihood and adaptation while studying, especially as I am from an Arabic-speaking country. Here comes the LAOHA with spectacular financial, psychological and personal support. I consider them like family to me. First, I was enrolled in a 3-month adaptation period to be more familiar with daily practice, learning and understanding Portuguese was the big challenge for me. So much to say, but no words can describe how grateful I am to LAOHA. "
rubiel
Marin
Scholarship holder (2019 – 2023)
Colombia
PhD at the University
CES – Colombia
be part of LAOHA represents an opportunity to continue my academic training and participate in the construction of science-based interventions with social impact.”
Guilherme Castro
Lima Silva do Amaral
Scholarship holder (2020 – 2023)
Brazil
PhD at the University
from Sao Paulo – Brazil
I feel honored to be part of the team of students supported by LAOHA. I consider it a unique opportunity to learn, meet great researchers and develop research in one of the best dental research centers in Latin America. the support of LAOHA It has been fundamental for my professional growth and, without a doubt, a turning point in my life. Thank you very much, LAOHA! "
Aldrin
Huaman Mendoza
Scholarship holder (2022 – 2025)
Peru
PhD at the University
from Sao Paulo – Brazil
be part of LAOHA it's been a unique experience. Continuing my studies in one of the best centers with international recognition, such as the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of São Paulo, has been a unique opportunity to learn, grow and work with renowned researchers, a path that I dreamed of so much. As a result, I am expanding my network of professional support which, without a doubt, will allow me to move forward and achieve my professional and personal goals, in addition to adding knowledge and contributing to science by connecting the Brazil-Peru axes. All of this thanks to the valuable support of LAOHA and COLGATE. Gratitude!"
Lucas Daylor
Aguiar da Silva
Scholarship holder (2022 – 2025)
Brazil
PhD at the University
Guarulhos – Brazil
All the support given by LAOHA it has been essential for me to expand my studies outside my home state. In addition to the possibility of improving my knowledge in an institution that is a world reference in dental research such as UNG. This opportunity will enable me to act as an active agent in the development of oral health in my region. So I am grateful to LAOHA and Colgate for believing in me and giving me this unique opportunity. Thank you very much LAOHA, Colgate and UNG for making me believe even more in the transforming power of education, and knowing that together, through quality scientific research, we can continue to make an ever better world.”
Cardigan
Cardoso Pedra
Scholarship holder (2023 – 2025)
Brazil
University
from Sao Paulo – Brazil
. "
Paula Massiel
Yunes Fragoso
Scholarship holder (2025 – 2028)
Dominican Republic
PhD at the University
from Sao Paulo – Brazil
. "
