Ibero Latin American Academy of Craniomandibular Disorders and Orofacial Pain (ILADC or AILDC) is the youngest of the Sisters Academies, and is active in several countries, most linked by the Spanish language and sharing a very similar “Modus Operandi”

We are a small group of about 40 members mostly private or academic practice dentists, accredited in Orofacial Pain, Functional Orthopedics (new especialities in Brazil) Orthodontics, Prosthodontics,  Physical Therapists.

In order to obtain membership, two actual members must sign a letter of recommendation. In addition, each member must present a research project or case report, which must be repeated every 5 years.

Our meetings are held annually and are each hosted by a different country-member in a new location. This allows us to stay current in our field while visiting the beautiful sites of each country, organized by our colleagues. Our meetings consist of two parts. In the first part, members present their research projects or case studies. In the other, guest speakers from each country-member and at least one from elsewhere, are invited to debate a specific topic, always related to TMD and /or OFP.

ILADC maintains a close relation with Academies and Societies of each country-member such as the Academia Brasileira de Fisiopatologia Cranio-Oro-Cervical, in Brazil or Sociedad de Transtornos Temporomandibulares y Dolor Orofacial, in Venezuela, which makes sharing information richer and easier. Overlooking the literature, we can observe that in the past two years, most studies in Latin America were based on internal derangements related to pain and treatments.

This year’s meeting will have the honor and pleasure of hearing Dr Barry Sessle from Canada, Wilma Simões from Brazil, Mariano Rocabado from Chile, Germán Ramirez from Colombia, Carlos Ramirez from Venezuela and Francisco Rosas, Javier De La Fuente and Rafael Ruiz Rodríguez from Mexico. The meeting will be held in Cancun, Mexico, the 11^th May. The next few meetings are scheduled to be held in Chile 2007, Venezuela 2008, and Brazil 2009.

The upcoming ICOT (International Conference on Orofacial Pain and Temporomandibular Disorders) will be the last reunion of the first cycle of Sister Academies meetings and will be held in Bahia, Brazil 2009. The meeting is already being prepared and will certainly maintain the high scientific standards of all previous International Meetings. We also intend to increase academic bonds of friendship by sharing paradigms of Latin America as well as of our beautiful country (Brazil), our music, food and excitingly happy people.

The warmest invitation to all these meetings is extended to all Members of Sister Academies. For any further information please contact Dr. Claude Catach at draclaude@gmail.com or Dr. Wilma Simões at wilmasimoes@uol.com.br .

 

by Claude Catach

 

Our next ICOT (International Conference on Orofacial Pain and Temporomandibular Disorders) meeting will be the last reunion of the first cycle of Sister Academies meetings. It will be held in Bahia, Brazilfrom August 27to 29, 2009 at the fabulous Iberostar Bahia Hotel. We are already preparing to meet or surpass the usual high scientific standards of all previous ICOT meetings.

 

The main theme of this meeting is “The Gap between Basic Research and Clinic Results.”  We will have outstanding clinicians and researchers unfolding new views of exciting themes, such as, orofacial pain in children and adolescents, iatrogenic orofacial pain, somatic versus psychosocial aspects of chronic pain, and a wider vision of pain modulators. We invite physicians, psychologists, physical therapists, dentists, and all healthcare professionals to come and enjoy this opportunity in constructing bridges that cross the Gap between Basic Research and Clinical Results.

The meeting date was specifically chosen so your family could also come and enjoy the beautiful sites of Brazil. The Iberostar Bahia Resort is located in a natural paradise, magnificently established in Praia do Forte, just 60 km (37 miles) from Salvador and is considered one of the most magnificent resorts in Bahia. They use an “All Inclusive” system with five restaurants, massage salons, an enormous swimming pool, and long chairs by the beach under palm and coconut trees for those who wish a “Dolce fare niente.”

 

The resort's proximity to the Atlantic Forest allows it to be surrounded by natural lagoons of rare beauty and paradisiacal beaches, where the sea turtles lay their eggs, in a unique spectacle of nature. August is also the ideal time to observe the fantastic Jubarte Whales in their natural habitat. The Atlantic Ocean of Bahia is warm, so if you enjoy swimming and snorkeling, you will have an unforgettable experience. We are organizing an “Inter Sister Academy Competition” which will comprise golf (18-hole golf course), tennis, and of course…soccer, as well as, a quiz and dance competition. So get prepared to registration for this fantastic ICOT meeting.

 

If you are interested in touring throughout Brazil, don’t forget that Salvador is the capital city of Bahia, founded in 1549. You can feel its history just walking along its streets and city parks, especially Pelourinho, one of the most famous Afro-Brazilian centers with century old houses and churches, capoeira dance, and the typical gastronomy made by the Baianas. If you would like to do a little more touring throughout Brazil, visit the beautiful Amazon Rain Forest, which encompasses 1.2 billion acres. It represents over half of the planet's remaining rainforestsClaude Catach at draclaude@gmail.com or Wilma Simoes at wilmasimoes@uol.com.br and comprises the largest and most species-rich tract of tropical rainforests in the world. More tourist information can be obtained from our secretariat desk, Mrs. Laura at laura@commissair.com.br or Mrs. Tania at tania@commissair.com.br. For more meeting information, please contact

 

Please visit our booth at the AAOP meeting in Los Angeles, April 9 to13, 2008. The following are some pictures of the resort: