Raphael Freitas De Souza

Dr. Raphael de Souza is a clinician-scientist with experience in clinical trials on oral rehabilitation procedures. As a dentist specialized in prosthodontics, his research and teaching activities have focused on the provision and maintenance of treatment for edentulous patients. His continuous involvement in the development of clinical studies since his PhD has provided experience in the coordination of randomized clinical trials as well as systematic reviews. He has managed, and collaborated on, several studies involving researchers from different countries, such as Brazil, Canada and Chile.

An enthusiast of evidence-based dentistry, Dr. de Souza has combined knowledge of scientific methods and clinical skills, as well as a great interest in public health and interdisciplinarity. His major research interests involve clinical studies that may provide cost-effective care for edentulism and better maintenance of edentulous patients’ oral health, as well as innovative prosthodontic techniques and materials. Such interests can be divided into two main axes:

(1) Different treatment modalities for edentulism, which is highly prevalent in Canada as well as in most other countries. This work is based on the conduction of clinical studies and systematic reviews about interventions that may improve patient access to oral healthcare. Examples of studied interventions are the use of mini dental implants, CAD/CAM and simplified methods for delivering prosthodontic care.

(2) Infectious lesions associated with dental prostheses, mainly Candida-associated processes such as denture stomatitis. These lesions are highly prevalent and poorly investigated by clinical studies. Dr. de Souza is interested in the investigation of conservative methods for their treatment, such as oral hygiene and antimicrobials.