About
PD Dr med. dent. João Pitta
Specialist in reconstructive dentistry (CH)
After earning his dental degree, Dr. Pitta moved to Geneva to pursue full-time advanced postgraduate training in Reconstructive Dentistry and Implantology at the University of Geneva. He obtained a Doctorate in Dental Medicine, a Master of Advanced Studies, and the Swiss federal title of Specialist in Reconstructive Dentistry.
His clinical training was further enriched by an ITI Scholarship at the Eastman Dental Hospital in Rome, where he completed one year of focused training in implantology and oral surgery.
Dr. Pitta practices in Geneva, with a focus on restorative, aesthetic, and implant dentistry. His clinical approach combines scientific evidence, precision, and personalised care tailored to each patient’s needs.
Alongside his private practice, Dr. Pitta is a Privat-Docent and Senior Lecturer in the Division of Fixed Prosthodontics and Biomaterials (Chair: Prof. Irena Sailer) at the University of Geneva, where he co-directs the postgraduate Specialization Program in Reconstructive Dentistry and is responsible for undergraduate education in implant prosthodontics.
He regularly lectures nationally and internationally, has contributed to numerous scientific publications, and has received several research grants and academic awards.
He is fluent in French, English, Portuguese, Italian, and Spanish.
Mission
To provide personalised, ethical, and evidence-based dental care, restoring function, aesthetics, and confidence through precise, modern, and minimally invasive treatment approaches.
Academic roles
Senior Lecturer, Division of Fixed Prosthodontics and Biomaterials, University of Geneva
Co-director of specialisation program in Reconstructive Dentistry, University of Geneva
Responsible for Undergraduate Teaching in Implant Prosthetics, University of Geneva
Active roles on several national and international scientific societies
Academic background
2025
Habilitation as Privat-Docent (“PD”) — University of Geneva
2021
Specialist in Prosthodontics — European Association of Prosthodontics (EPA)
2020
Specialist in Reconstructive Dentistry (CH) — Swiss federal title (SSRD-SSO)
2019 — 2020 (full-time)
ITI scholarship in oral surgery and implant dentistry — Eastman Dental Hospital — Rome
2019
Doctorate in dentistry (“Dr med dent”) - University of Geneva
2015 — 2019 (full-time)
Master of Advanced Studies in Reconstructive dentistry (“MAS”) - University of Geneva
2008 — 2013
Bachelor and Master in dentistry ("med dent") - University of Lisbon
Awards & Distinctions
2025
Research Award (2nd prize) Swiss Society of Reconstructive Dentistry (SSRD)
2022
Fellowship nomination of International Team for Implantology (ITI)
2022
Fellowship nomination of International College of Dentists (ICD)
2020
Competitive funding by Commission Recherche et Reléve of University of Geneva to support a position as Research and Teaching Fellow
2019
ITI Scholarship – excellence scholarship granted by International Team for Implantology (ITI) to talented clinicians and researchers
2014
Research Award Portuguese Society of Stomatology and Dental Medicine (SPEMD)
FAQ
01
What is Reconstructive dentistry?
Reconstructive dentistry focuses on restoring the health, function, and aesthetics of damaged, worn, or missing teeth. It may involve veneers, partial crowns, crowns, bridges, dental implants, or more comprehensive rehabilitation.
In Switzerland, reconstructive dentistry is a federal recognised postgraduate specialty. It requires at least 3 years of full-time university-based training followed by a national board certification. This level of expertise allows for the management of respective treatments according to the highest standards. Every treatment is individually planned to restore comfort, function, aesthetics, and long-term oral health, while preserving natural teeth whenever possible.
02
Why choose a specialist in reconstructive dentistry?
Complex dental treatment requires more than technical execution alone. It calls for a comprehensive understanding of diagnosis, treatment planning, function, aesthetics, material selection, and long-term maintenance.
A federally certified specialist in reconstructive dentistry completes a full-time, university-based postgraduate training program in Switzerland, followed by federal board certification.
This advanced training is focused on complex restorative treatment, implant dentistry, and aesthetic and functional rehabilitation. Such expertise is particularly valuable in demanding situations, where treatment must integrate biology, function, and aesthetics in a predictable and lasting way. For patients seeking comprehensive care and long-term treatment stability, specialist training can make an important difference.
The Swiss Society of Reconstructive Dentistry (SSRD) provides a list of specialists by canton to provide you reconstructive treatments: https://www.ssrd.ch/medecins-dentistes-specialistes.html
03
What is aesthetic and functional rehabilitation?
Aesthetic and functional rehabilitation restores the smile while also improving comfort, chewing efficiency, and bite stability. It is often indicated when teeth are worn, damaged, missing, or heavily restored.
A successful rehabilitation must combine natural aesthetics with sound function. The goal is not only to improve appearance, but to create a healthy, balanced, and durable result.
04
Who is qualified to place dental implants in Switzerland?
In Switzerland, dental implants may be placed by dentists with different professional backgrounds. However, implant dentistry is a field that requires specific training and experience.
The Swiss Dental Association (SSO) recognizes four federal postgraduate specialist titles in dentistry — oral surgery, orthodontics, periodontology, and reconstructive dentistry — and also awards a postgraduate certificate in oral implantology. Implant treatment often lies at the intersection of oral surgery, periodontology, and reconstructive dentistry.
05
Why are training and experience important in implant and reconstructive dentistry?
Successful implant treatment is not only about placing an implant. It also involves careful diagnosis, prosthetically driven planning, management of hard and soft tissues where necessary, and long-term functional and aesthetic follow-up. For this reason, patients may wish to consider not only whether a dentist offers implants, but also the practitioner’s postgraduate training, clinical focus, and experience in complex reconstructive care.
The Implant Foundation Switzerland provides a list of specialists by canton to provide you implant treatment: https://fondationimplants.ch/specialistes/
