The Grand Prize winner of DentalXP’s Xperts of Tomorrow contest describes his scientific yet patient-focused approach to full-arch implant-supported restorations
There’s nothing better than winning an award, and when the award honors your passion, it’s all the more meaningful. In addition to the accolades and celebration, the recognition often serves as a catalyst to take that achievement to the next level. And that is precisely the reaction described by Artur Filipe Simões, DMD.
The 2025 DentalXP Xperts of Tomorrow Grand Prize winner, Dr. Simões called the honor “truly humbling and motivating” and promised to “continue working hard in hopes of contributing something valuable to the community.”
Unlocking the Emotions Behind Full Arch
Chosen from a field of hundreds of worldwide virtual submissions, Dr. Simões’ presentation—From Protocols to Practice: Unlocking Zirconia’s Potential in Full Arch Implant Rehabilitation—focused on the use of monolithic zirconia in full-arch implant-supported rehabilitation. While highly clinical, the presentation also included personal videos of edentulous patients both before and after treatment, an inclusion that emphasized the emotional toll of edentulism.
Evaluation criteria for the Xperts of Tomorrow contest ranged from quality and depth of content to organizational structure, delivery, and impact. Three finalists were invited to present their virtual submissions in-person before a panel of DentalXP Xperts at this year's Global Symposium, which took place from April 3--5 in Nashville, TN.
From the Screen to the Spotlight
“Narrowing the field was no easy task, but Artur's work demonstrated an outstanding level of documentation and a consistent, thoughtful development of his central theme,” explained Isaac Tawil, DDS, MS, a member of the Xperts of Tomorrow contest panel. “What was equally remarkable was his ability to command attention and convey presence, even virtually, and when he transitioned from the virtual stage to the in-person setting, his energy, clarity, and ability to connect with the audience only grew stronger.”
Fresh Ideas, Powerful Performances
DentalXP also honored 2 finalists: Jessica Lee, DDS, who presented Minimally Invasive Dentistry: Evolution of Full-Mouth Rehabs; and Layal Bou Semaan, DDS, MSc, who presented Challenges in Peri-Implantitis: Uncovering Modern Tactics.
“Presenting on the main stage, in front of such an experienced and engaged audience, was both exciting and enriching,” said Dr. Simões, who practices in Lisbon, Portugal, “and hearing Dr. Maurice Salama’s words on stage was particularly gratifying. It was an honor to be part of such a prestigious event.”
