In August 2025, I completed a week of surgical training at ILAPEO in Curitiba, Brazil, focused on bone grafts and sinus lifts. The program combined lectures, live surgery demonstrations, and two full supervised cases I performed on patients. I brought these advanced implant techniques home to my patients in Arlington Heights.
Key Takeaways
- I trained at ILAPEO in Curitiba, Brazil, from August 11 to 15, 2025.
- The course, Advanced Surgeries: Bone Grafts with Emphasis on Sinus Lifts, was built for experienced clinicians.
- Topics included atrophic jaws, autogenous and synthetic grafts, onlay and inlay grafting, and wide and short implants.
- I performed two full surgical cases under clinical supervision.
- Patients in Arlington Heights now benefit from these advanced grafting and implant techniques.
Estimated read: 5 min
A Week of Surgical Training at ILAPEO
Traveling across continents for professional growth is always an enriching experience, especially when the journey leads you to one of the most respected dental institutions in South America. In August 2025, I had the honor of attending an intensive surgical training program at ILAPEO College in Curitiba, Brazil. This immersive experience wasn’t just a course; it was a glimpse into the future of oral care, shaped by innovation, global collaboration, and clinical excellence.
Why ILAPEO?
With more than 16 years of cutting-edge research and training, ILAPEO (Latin American Institute of Dental Research and Education) stands as a beacon of excellence in the global dental market. Known for its robust academic curriculum, expert faculty, and international reputation, ILAPEO has become a sought-after destination for dental professionals who aim to stay ahead of the curve in both clinical practice and technological advancements.
From the moment I arrived in Curitiba on August 11, I felt the depth of this institution’s commitment to dental education. Our welcome dinner set the tone for a week of camaraderie, learning, and mutual respect between professionals from across Latin America, North America, Europe, and the Middle East.
A Hands-On Experience in Advanced Surgical Techniques
The core of the program, Advanced Surgeries: Bone Grafts with Emphasis on Sinus Lifts, was explicitly designed for experienced clinicians eager to refine their skills in dental implant procedures. The structure of the training struck a perfect balance between theory and practice, offering classroom lectures, live surgical demonstrations, and perhaps most valuable of all, multiple hands-on surgeries on real patients.
Key Learning Highlights:
- Preoperative evaluation for implant surgeries
- Management strategies for atrophic jaws
- Grafting techniques using both autogenous and synthetic biomaterials
- Onlay and inlay grafting approaches
The use of wide and short implants as graft alternatives
The live surgery sessions were led by some of Brazil’s most respected oral surgeons and provided a rare opportunity to witness advanced techniques executed with precision. These moments offered real-time insight into surgical decision-making, technique selection, and complication management lessons that cannot be absorbed from textbooks alone.
Each participant, including myself, performed two full surgical cases, with patient safety and clinical supervision at the forefront. Practicing in a new clinical environment sharpened my adaptability and reinforced the universal nature of quality dental care.
The Global Spirit of Dental Collaboration
One of the most enriching aspects of the program was the diversity of its participants. I trained alongside dentists from across the globe, each bringing a unique perspective shaped by their home country’s approach to oral health, preventive care, and dental treatments. These conversations, both during breaks and over evening meals, offered a comparative lens on dental practices, healthcare accessibility, and cost-effectiveness topics that continue to shape the evolution of dental services worldwide.
As professionals, we often operate within our own clinical systems, but this course reminded me of the importance of stepping outside those boundaries. The exchange of ideas from technique preferences to the integration of 3D printing and cosmetic dentistry brought new depth to my clinical thinking.
Exploring Brazil’s Dental Innovation Hub
ILAPEO isn’t just a college; it’s a center for ongoing innovation. Their partnership with major dental companies has made them a hub for testing new dental equipment, refining biomaterials, and advancing digital workflows in implantology. Seeing these innovations in action sparked new ideas for my own practice back home.
The campus itself, located in the heart of Curitiba, was modern and well-equipped. From the lecture halls to the surgical suites, every detail reflected ILAPEO’s mission to train thinkers capable of revolutionizing the dental environment.
Beyond the Clinic: Discovering Rio de Janeiro
After the clinical training wrapped up on August 15, I traveled to Rio de Janeiro, where I stayed until the 18th. Though the pace shifted from academic to cultural, the experience remained inspiring. Exploring Rio’s rich heritage, architecture, and warm community further deepened my appreciation for Brazil. This country not only nurtures world-class dental clinics but also embraces global professionals with open arms.
Shaping the Future of Dental Care
Participating in ILAPEO’s advanced surgical program was more than professional development; it was a personal milestone. In an era where market growth and forecast periods dominate headlines, this course reminded me that the fundamental transformation in dentistry happens when clinicians come together to share knowledge, practice with purpose, and lead with empathy.
My return home wasn’t just with certificates; it was with renewed motivation to elevate the standards of oral disease management, contribute meaningfully to cosmetic and restorative care, and continue adapting to the evolving landscape of dental consumables and technology.
For any dental professional seeking to deepen their clinical expertise while engaging with an international network, I wholeheartedly recommend ILAPEO. The experience not only expanded my technical toolkit, but it reaffirmed why I chose this path in the first place.
Bringing Global Expertise Home to Arlington Heights and Chicago
To my patients and neighbors in Arlington Heights and the greater Chicago area, this journey to Brazil wasn’t just about learning new techniques. It was about raising the standard of care I can offer you.
From advanced bone grafting to the latest innovations in dental implant technology, the training I received at ILAPEO has equipped me to serve you with greater precision, comfort, and long-term success. Whether you’re coming in for a routine checkup, cosmetic enhancement, or more complex oral procedures, know that you’re receiving care backed by global expertise and a commitment to excellence.
Thank you for trusting me with your oral health. I’m proud to bring these skills home to a community that values quality, compassion, and lifelong wellness.
About the author
Dr. Bilus D PolesDDS,MAGD,DICOI, DIDIA
Founder and lead dentist of Omni Dental of Arlington Heights. Master of the Academy of General Dentistry and Board Certified Diplomate of the ICOI and IDIA. Illinois license #019.027365.
