Dr. David Suárez Quintanilla
Congress President
Word of welcome
As President of the EOS Congress to be held in June 2012, it is a great honour and pleasure to invite you to attend. The annual EOS Congress is the most important scientific event in European orthodontics due not only to the quantity and quality of the oral and poster presentations, the pre- and post-congress courses and large trade exhibition, but also for its sheer number of participants.
We have selected the Congress topics in accordance with the contemporary situation in orthodontics. Without doubt our specialty is in a period of remarkable change with evidence based treatment, the definitive jump from 2D to 3D cephalometric and occlusal diagnostics, new concepts about ideal orthodontic forces , use of miniscrews and temporary bone anchorage device, new surgical ways to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement, introduction of new alloys, changes in bracket and appliance designs, use of CAD-CAM and nanotechnology, genetic engineering, the new relationship of our speciality with medicine and changes in the ethical understanding of the doctor-patient relationship all playing a part in modern day orthodontics. We are changing our paradigms, away from the previous focus on static dental occlusion and tooth-bone relationships towards a greater emphasis on dynamic soft tissue adaptation and proportions. We have to always keep in mind that there are many ways to undertake treatment but the main goal of our treatment is to improve the patient´s life and happiness by enhancing dental and jaw function and dentofacial aesthetics.
Although, now more than 100 years old, the EOS is younger and more energetic than ever! Today its annual congress is a meeting point for clinicians, researchers and teachers from all over the world. Our Society's Euro-centric nature matches that of the city that will host this Congress. Santiago de Compostela is the destination of the Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James), a long route crossing part of Europe which thousands of pilgrims have travelled on foot for centuries. Today, after many years, orthodontists will arrive in Compostela, and smell within its magnificent cathedral the incense of its gigantic Botafumeiro.
Finally, and importantly, to accompany the scientific programme there will be entertainment and a series of cultural activities. We expect more than 2,500 orthodontists and more than 1,000 scientific presentations and, due to the number of registrants anticipated, we recommend that you book your accommodation as soon as possible. I urge you to attend the Congress because I believe it presents a rare opportunity to combine our professional activities with unique cultural and leisure possibilities that together with our city's charm will make the Congress and your stay in Compostela memorable for many years to come!
David Suárez Quintanilla
Congress President
