Dentistry makes a true difference in people’s lives, that’s why it should be based on respect, scientific knowledge and honesty.
Dr. Débora Fachinelli is a dental specialist working in a private practice in Curitiba, Brazil. She focuses on cosmetic dentistry, prevention and paediatric care. In our interview, we talked about why ethical standards are important and discovered the basic steps to keeping teeth healthy.
What is your dental philosophy and core values in your daily practice?
The philosophy that I follow is based on the fact that we, as dentists, promote health in a broader sense than just taking care of cavities when the patient is visiting our dental practice. Our profession goes beyond teeth – it’s about confidence, self-esteem and making a true difference in people’s lives. We know that prevention is always better than restoration.
The values I cherish are respect, knowledge and honesty. I believe in doing the right thing. Always! When it comes to teeth, there shouldn’t be any shortcuts.
What does high-quality patient care mean to you?
In my opinion, high-quality treatment should be provided in an ethical, responsible and individualised manner based on scientific knowledge.
What is the best advice you have received from your colleagues or teachers?
The advice that I use as guidance for my daily work is, first of all, to value my work – because only I know how much dedication and love was needed to be where I am today.
How do you motivate patients to maintain good post-treatment care?
I try to show them that oral health is part of their basic self-care and, therefore, should be taken seriously. I encourage them to truly understand the reason why I am prescribing certain care and why prevention is essential.
For that, I try to provide all the tools my patients need to continue with their daily oral care in a simple and uncomplicated way at home. For example, each patient leaves my practice with a personalised at-home kit with everything they need for their oral care, as well as some helpful tips. Furthermore, I pre-schedule the next appointment and send reminders when the date is approaching to ensure regular oral check-ups.
“I encourage patients to truly understand the reason why I am prescribing certain care and why prevention is essential. Each patient leaves my practice with a personalised at-home kit.”
How do you educate yourself?
I like to attend conferences and take courses with good teachers in order to update and improve my techniques.
What changes do you wish to introduce in your field during the next 5 years?
I intend to educate myself further in the field of dental research, contributing to science mainly in the area of biofilm prevention and control.
Welcome to the Billion Healthy Mouths Club
Proper routines in prevention are the future of dentistry – that’s why we at Curaden launched the Billion Healthy Mouths Club – a community of dental professionals committed to the idea of having proper routines in prevention and a holistic approach to dentistry. Dr. Débora Fachinelli is one of those dental professionals who shares these values, and we proudly present her experience and thoughts with other like-minded people from the field. Keep reading our Gently magazine to discover more interviews with forward-thinking professionals from around the world.
What is a common stereotype of dentistry that you dislike? How do you deal with it?
Some professionals use unnecessary or clearly inappropriate treatments, or use low-quality materials just to make more profit – this is a dentistry stereotype that I don’t identify myself with at all. I remind myself to not act like this and set my own ethical standards to provide high-quality treatments that make sense given the current condition of my patients. After all, dentistry is about health.
“My patients understand that the quality of brushing is much more important than the number of times you brush.”
What is the advice that your patients hear from you most often?
Do the basics right every day, and I am here to help you! Brushing your teeth properly, controlling your sugar intake and visiting the dentist regularly are all necessary steps to keep your health balanced. It’s as simple as that.
What is the most underrated oral care routine from your point of view? How do you try to emphasise its importance?
The correct brushing of teeth is definitely underrated. I have noticed that patients do brush their teeth, but without proper technique and very quickly. I try to educate my patients like a teacher, showing them the correct movements with the brush, using the Touch-to-Teach technique. My patients then understand that the quality of brushing is much more important than the number of times you brush.
What is the skill and character trait that you absolutely must have in your work?
I truly believe in the importance of ethics in our profession, and doing the best I can for each patient – as if it was my own child sitting in the chair. It is also necessary to understand and respect the individuality of each patient.
“I truly believe in the importance of ethics in our profession and doing the best I can for each patient, as if it was my own child sitting in the chair.”
What is your oral hygiene routine like?
Similar to having a daily skincare routine, I have my daily toothcare routine: I use an ultra-soft manual toothbrush three times a day. At night, I spend some additional time using a single toothbrush as well as an interdental brush for interproximal hygiene. I finish with a tongue scraper.
Dr. Débora Fachinelli graduated in dentistry at the Federal University of Paraná in Brazil and obtained a Master’s Degree in Dentistry at Positivo University, Curitiba, Brazil. She specialised in Cosmetic Dentistry at ILAPEO Institute, Curitiba, Brazil. Dr Fachinelli has attended a post-graduate course in implantology and iTOP courses by Curaprox. Currently, she works as a dental surgeon in private practice in her hometown Curitiba, Brazil, with a focus on cosmetic dentistry and prevention. She also participates in a social project for vulnerable children, teaching them how to brush properly and have good oral health. For more information, visit her Facebook or Instagram.
