San José (Costa Rica). On 20 and 21 November 2025, the XVII International Academic Congress of Dentistry 2025 was held in San José at the Latin University, in person and online, in which approximately 1,200 people, connected from various Latin American Countries and Spain, were enrolled.
For the occasion, a special tribute was paid to the Social Works of Sister Maria Romero of San José, of the Central South American Province Our Lady of the Angels (CAR) of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. It was in recognition of the invaluable work on behalf of the communities most in need, the testimony of faith and service, and the example of love for others that inspires generations of health professionals.
At the opening of the Congress, a delegation from the Social Works was present: the Director, Sister Isabel Rodríguez; the promoter of the Cause of Blessed Sister Maria Romero, Sister Teresita Salas; the spiritual leader of the medical clinic, Sister Yolanda Porras; the coordinator, Dr. Natalia Morales; and the assistant, Katherine Ríos.
The Director of the School of Dentistry of the Latin University, Dr. Sergio Castro Mora, inaugurated the Congress with a message emphasizing the values of service, solidarity, and human well-being combined with professional excellence. He explained the reason for the tribute to Sister Maria Romero as follows:
“Why do we dedicate this Congress to the Social Works of Sister Maria Romero? The answer includes many aspects, but one of them stands out in particular: the Faculty of Health Sciences. These works have been a refuge and an academic bridge during the most complicated historical moments, such as the pandemic. […]
Student shifts were suspended and therefore clinical training in dentistry was a real risk. It was a time when many doors closed, but those of Sister Maria Romero’s Social Works opened. They opened up for our students, for their learning, for their mission of service, and for the Country. There we found a physical space; we found humanity. They allowed us to continue the practical training of students through deep, exciting, and inspiring community experiences that have struck human chords like never before, destabilizing and transforming.
In those weeks of working with migrant populations, vulnerable people, the elderly, and children in need, our students learned something no book can teach, that dentistry is not just technical, it is a human and vital encounter. That behind every mouth there is a story, sometimes painful, but always absolutely precious. That poverty is a challenge, but exclusion is an even deeper wound and difficult to close.”
Following this, a short video of the clinic was presented with photographs of the dentistry students.
On behalf of the Social Works of Sister Maria Romero, Sister Isabel Rodríguez received a bouquet of flowers and a commemorative plaque, and offered words of gratitude.
The hope for these Works is that, through the intercession of Mary Help of Christians and Sister Maria Romero, they will continue to be, as indicated by Dr. Castro: “an ethical compass that we are sure will accompany you throughout your life. Because an odontologist can dominate techniques, but only an odontologist with human sensitivity truly transforms the health of the community”; “a beacon in complicated times“; and as a reminder that “serving is the highest form of practicing science.”
