Dedicated to improving the oral health of those with disabilities worldwide

"In my early career years I was relatively isolated and it was hard to find peers interested in this field. Through iADH I have made professional and research networks and made lifelong friendships en route that have enriched my life my first iADH conference was Madrid whilst studying for a masters in SCD more than 20 years ago"

"Since my graduation and while doing my specialty in Pediatrics, I have dedicated myself to the care of patients with disabilities, collaborating in the creation of the SCD Unit in the public hospital Quinquela Martín. After 15 years we created the Argentinian association. then I met IADH for the first time in 2000 in Madrid and it was a milestone in my life. After meeting IADH such great professionals from all over the world, the atmosphere of friendship and the enriching work and dedication that was breathed in the congresses made it a pleasure to work in this iADH family."

"A dear colleague of ours; late Dr Jane Chalmers, believed that we all have a “gene” that predisposes us to take care of people with special needs. We used to joke about this a lot. She called it “the Special Needs gene “ Joking aside, I think she’s right. This affinity draws us together as a family, with common goals and ideals and caring, not only for patients, but each other. The iADH is a conduit for this. Long may it continue."

"Anna-Lena Hallonsten was one of my mentors during postgraduate paediatric dentistry training, and she enrolled me in NFH, the Nordic Association, which was soon followed by my first IADH congress in Edinborough in 1996. Wow! A fantastic new world opened, with all you great colleagues, sharing my dental perspectives or introducing me to new ones!"

When I arrived at the IADH in Sweden in 2006, I was delighted to meet professionals with the same dedication and commitment to knowing more about dental care for people with special needs. I made friends from all over the world, I worked on the executive board, we brought the IADH congress to Brazil in 2008 and together with friends from Argentina, we managed to give visibility to Latin America. The IADH is part of my professional and personal life.

"I remember when I joined IADH. I came from a small country with a handful of dentists with the same interests as me. We truly were on an island. Then I attended my first IADH congress in Ghent and the world opened up. There were hundreds of dentists and researchers just like me and my circle. I met so many new people then and since who have become my friends, collaborators, competitors ( in a good way! ) and support network."

"At seventeen, I took a job as a counsellor at a summer camp for “handicapped” teens. It proved to be life changing because I experienced the uniqueness, humanity, and beauty of every human being. (Watch Oscar nominated “Crip Camp”.) Working with people with disabilities is just “working with people.” And an enormous source of strength, courage and love."

"After more than 15 years I have moved on from Special Needs Dentistry. The IADH played a big part in my enjoyment of working in this field. My first conference was in Gothenburg- I absolutely loved it! Ghent was another brilliant event plus many others. Thank you to all of you wonderful friends and colleagues from all over the world. Such a great group of people making up a wonderful organization. I will miss it"

I am a specialized Special Care dentist and a Professor at Federal Fluminense University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. For the first time, I attended the IADH Congress, in France, 2022, and I loved it because it has proven to be a crucial opportunity to keep me updated on the latest techniques and to meet fellow colleagues from around the world. I definitely recommend it!