ALOP: an example of institutionalism

ALOP: un ejemplo de institucionalidad

Abstract

It is evident that in recent decades the institutional structure of dentistry has reached a high degree of organisation as a result of major scientific and technological advances. The most recent institutions have been created on the basis of very specific topics, as a result of over-specialisation by professional groups far removed from the concept of integral health.

The institutions have lacked their own identity in most Latin American countries; very few professionals with formal training in a given speciality have organised themselves into small groups, with an emphasis on the technical aspects of the profession and very little on the concept of integral health and education. On the other hand, these professional groups acted very domestically, isolated and did not transcend beyond their borders.