ABO Quality Seal

In 1985, the National ABO introduced the ABO Quality Seal in order to foster the certification and standardization of Brazilian dentistry products and equipment. The DAPO, Dentistry Products Evaluation Department, which belongs to the National ABO, was also established. It is responsible for products' analyses and researches, including packaging and information to the consumer.

The following researchers and professors collaborated with DAPO: Dr. Roberto Vianna, from the School of Dentistry of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Dr. Heitor Panzeri, from the Dentistry School of Ribeirão Preto and, Dr. Elza Helena Guimarães Lara, from the Pharmaceutical Sciences School of Ribeirão Preto, the last two being associated to the University of São Paulo (USP).

ABO's standardization and certification program was the first in Brazil and followed a growing standardization process in the Brazilian dentistry sector. At that time, standardization had become a market demand and manufacturers started focusing more on aligning their production and their products to the qualitative standards and providing competitive prices. Since its founding, more than 200 products among toothbrushes, toothpastes, dental flosses, mouthwashes, chewing gums and others have already received ABO's official seal.

ABO's standardization process follows an international program which guidelines emanate from the Dental Technical Committee of ISO (International Organization for Standardization), which is the agency responsible for creating standards for dental products, worldwide. In addition to that, the work accomplished by DAPO revolutionized the analyses mechanisms in oral hygiene as it developed equipment for new types of tests, specifically for domestic market needs, by assuring precision, authenticity and reliability on the results obtained.

Twenty four years of ABO Seal made it be acknowledged by the competent authorities in the health and dental products certification, by the related industries and by the organized society. In fact, market researches reveal that, generally speaking, consumers and dentists are prone to trust more the products that carry the ABO Seal.

How to request the ABO Seal

The dental companies interested in submitting their products for evaluation at ABO's certification program should:

- Send a letter to National ABO to request that the Brazilian product or the product commercialized in Brazil (toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash, chewing gum among others), be analyzed to receive the ABO Quality Seal;

- Also send any studies carried out on the product, with analyses, researches, formulation and any other additional information;

- DAPO requests in average 24 units of each type of product for its study.

24 months validity

After receiving this material, DAPO signs a research protocol with the requesting company and communicates the aims, procedures and time of the study. It takes DAPO between 30 and 90 days to carry out the tests and, all analyses made, materials and equipment used comply with each product specific standard.

In case the product is approved, the manufacturing company gets the right to use ABO Seal on the packaging or on the product presentation. In order to formalize the process and the concession, a two-copy contract is signed in which the original research and analysis is documented. There will be timely assessments over the two-year period of the contract to assure the quality of the product.

If any problem or irregularity in the product is identified during the tests, the company will be notified and necessary technical information will be provided so that the product can be improved for future approval.

For further information:

ABO Nacional – Rua Vergueiro, 3153, conj. 82 e 83,
São Paulo (SP) – CEP 04101-300
Phone: (+11) 5083.4000
e-mail: abo@abo.org.br