An interview with Dr Ronaldo Hirata ahead of CIOSP

Iveta Ramonaite, Dental Tribune International

Wed. 28. January 2026

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Dr Ronaldo Hirata is an internationally recognised expert in restorative and aesthetic dentistry and has more than three decades of clinical, research and teaching experience. The author of several influential books on aesthetic dentistry, he is known for his emphasis on craftsmanship, individuality and meaningful patient connections. At the end of the month, he will be a featured speaker at the Congresso Internacional de Odontologia de São Paulo (CIOSP) in Brazil. Ahead of the event, he shares his reflections on the evolution of dentistry and the often unseen shifts that have shaped contemporary clinical practice in an interview with Dental Tribune International.

Dr Hirata, in your view, how important is CIOSP for the Brazilian and global dental market?
CIOSP is probably the largest dental meeting in the Americas and one of the biggest worldwide. I have been involved with it since my time as a dental student, and it has always been a cornerstone of the Brazilian dental community.

You will be speaking as part of a session addressing two decades of transformative change in dentistry. What themes will you be covering, and what should attendees expect to take away?
My lecture will focus on the recent evolution of dentistry, including the implementation of digital technologies. I have been critically analysing digital dentistry and pushing back against the common misconception that digital tools diminish the need for hand skills and scientific knowledge. In fact, digital dentistry demands even greater technical expertise and a stronger scientific foundation.

My lecture at CIOSP will also cover the trend towards new universal composite systems that simplify clinical workflows while still delivering high-quality aesthetic outcomes. In addition, I will present new tips and instruments that can facilitate restorative procedures.

You have been working in dentistry for nearly three decades. Looking back, what originally inspired you to pursue the profession, and how has the practice and art of dentistry evolved over the course of your career?
I originally wanted to be a designer. Aesthetic dentistry offers similar creative potential.

From the early 1990s to today, digital dentistry has undergone continuous evolution. As a result, newer generations of dentists are more highly skilled and better informed than ever before. Yet, paradoxically, universal access to information has led to a homogenisation of clinical and artistic expression. In the past, dentistry was marked by distinct identities—the Swiss, Japanese and Brazilian styles, for example. Today, those borders have blurred and largely merged.

You have lectured extensively in Europe, the US and Latin America and have taught at several universities. In your experience, are there notable differences between dentists in Brazil and those in other regions in terms of clinical approach, training or professional mindset?
Brazilian dentists tend to rely heavily on creativity—improvising, adapting and often redefining traditional pathways rather than strictly following established protocols. This cultural trait extends well beyond dentistry. Brazil also has the highest number of dental schools in the world, and this generates intense professional competition. That pressure ultimately drives a high level of professional competence: to survive in Brazilian dentistry, one must be truly skilled. Moreover, the country offers an exceptional number of high-level courses at relatively accessible costs, allowing many clinicians to achieve advanced training. This environment shapes a very distinctive professional profile.

You run a private dental clinic in Curitiba in Brazil, specialising in aesthetic dentistry. Could you share what unique approaches or philosophies guide your practice?
At a time when aesthetic demands often lead to excessive intervention, we strongly reinforce conservative technical approaches. Preserving tooth structure must take precedence over fashion trends, aggressive social media-driven treatments and Instagram-oriented dentistry. Scientific evidence should guide our decisions, and maintaining tooth structure must remain the ultimate objective.

Editorial note:

At CIOSP, Dr Ronaldo Hirata will be participating in a multi-speaker session titled “O salto invisível: 2 décadas que mudaram tudo na odontologia” on 30 January from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.