Dr Roberto Vianna has been an active leader in organized dentistry since 1978 when he first attended an FDI congress as a delegate. He later became Chairman of the Scientific Programme for the local organizing committee when the FDI Annual World Dental Congress was held in South America for the first time. According to his own words, back then he never would have dreamed to be given the responsibility that he will be given today as he takes over the FDI presidency from Dr Burton Conrod, Canada. Dr Vianna, who is a Brazilian native, received his DDS degree from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro in 1965. Since then, he has served for many national and international health organizations, including the World Health Organization. He was President of the Latin America Association of Dental Schools (OFEDOUDUAL) from 1993 to 1995.

*deceased