Orofacial Harmonization and Dentistry: reflections on the judicial process number 1003948-83.2019.4.01.3400 judged by the Regional Federal Court (Federal District - 8th Federal Court)

Abstract

Orofacial Harmonization (HOF) is dental specialty recognized by the Federal Council of Dentistry (CFO) and, in recognition of this specialty, internal and external discussions of the dental class have arisen. This article aims to raise reflections on judicial process number 1003948-83.2019.4.01.3400 judged by the Federal Regional Court (Judicial Section of the Federal District - 8th Federal Court) referring to HOF as a dental specialty. Initially, the documents that guide the teaching of undergraduate and graduate courses in dentistry are discussed. Then, a reflection is made on the recognition process of HOF as a dental specialty. Finally, it discusses the judicial process number 1003948-83.2019.4.01.3400, the main points listed by the parties involved in the process, and the possible consequences of the outcome of this process for the dental class. The recognition of HOF as a dental specialty did not follow the procedures that other dental specialties followed and generated educational and training debates from an ethical and legal perspective. Furthermore, such recognition has fostered debates related to the conflict between procedures in this dental specialty and procedures in medical specialties. Such conflicts reached the Judiciary, which intervened in favor of Dentistry, however, whenever possible, a public consultation with the dental class should be carried out as a way to save or minimize conflicts between professional classes.