At a time when many were waiting for permission to innovate, Dr. Julliana Cunha chose to act. While the market debated limitations, she identified opportunities. While part of the profession sought validation, she built new pathways.
A specialist, Master’s and PhD holder in Facial Harmonization and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Cunha built her career on strong technical expertise combined with strategic vision. As the founder of Oral Face Academy, she launched Brazil’s first postgraduate program in Aesthetic Facial Surgery designed specifically for dental surgeons. The initiative faced resistance, skepticism, and criticism, but it introduced a new perspective that would ultimately reshape aesthetic dentistry in the country.
Under her leadership, Oral Face Academy — recognized since 2021 as the best facial harmonization school in Latin America and consistently maintaining this position — has become a benchmark for high-level professional training. The institution graduated Brazil’s first class of specialists in Aesthetic Facial Surgery, officially marking the beginning of a new generation of professionals prepared to practice with technical excellence, anatomical mastery, and scientific responsibility.
The movement extended beyond academia and gained national prominence. In 2026, during CIOSP (São Paulo International Dental Congress), the specialty of Aesthetic Facial Surgery was officially launched, consolidating a new chapter in Brazilian dentistry.
For Dr. Cunha, the vision was always greater than creating a course.
“I take the first step, and God provides the ground — it has always been this way. The same happened with the Facial Harmonization specialty.”
She adds:
“We innovate, we are criticized, but in the end, we open new doors for professionals. I’m very proud of that.”
Her words reflect a journey marked by boldness and faith. Years before Facial Harmonization was formally recognized, she was already structuring protocols, educational frameworks, and solid training programs for dental surgeons. What was once considered new became an officially recognized specialty. What once generated doubt evolved into established practice.
With the postgraduate program in Aesthetic Facial Surgery, the pattern repeated itself. Backed by technical and scientific foundations, Dr. Cunha advocated that dental surgeons are fully qualified to perform procedures on the face — an anatomical territory historically linked to dentistry. According to her, this is not about entering someone else’s field, but about competently practicing within an area that has always been part of dental education.
“I feel proud to open doors in the market for dental surgeons, who are highly qualified to perform this type of surgery.”
The impact goes beyond professional training. It represents market repositioning, expanded scope of practice, and the elevation of a professional class that is increasingly taking a leading role in high-complexity facial aesthetic procedures.
An entrepreneur at heart, Dr. Julliana transformed vision into action — and action into legacy. Her work not only anticipated transformations in the sector but also helped shape a new reality for Brazilian dentistry.
Today, the specialty of Aesthetic Facial Surgery represents more than technical advancement. It stands for pioneering spirit, courage, and the certainty that innovation begins when someone decides to take the first step.
Brazilian dentistry has reached a new level. And someone chose to open that door.
For dental surgeons who seek innovation, follow the school on Instagram @oralfaceacademy.
To stay updated on the latest innovations in the beauty world, follow @drajullianacunha.