Clemilda Thomé , a businesswoman known for her career marked by the transformation of Brazilian dentistry and her leadership at DSS Holding, revisits her origins in Sapopema, in the interior of Paraná, to reinforce the value that has guided her life since childhood: the dignity of work. Coming from a simple and large family, she built a career based on honest effort and the conviction that firm decisions and respect for people are pillars of any entrepreneurial journey.
Clemilda’s story gained national prominence when she played a decisive role in the creation and expansion of Neodent, a company that spurred a revolution in the dental implant sector in Brazil and became a global benchmark until it was acquired by the Swiss group Straumann. Even after the sale, she decided to continue her entrepreneurial journey, driven by the belief that businesses should not exist solely to generate profit, but to transform lives, strengthen communities, and pave the way for new talent.
Currently, Clemilda coordinates projects in different areas within DSS Holding and continues to advocate for entrepreneurship with purpose—a vision that also inspires her book, Afortunada (Fortunate), in which she shares a journey of courage, discipline, and innovation. Her goal, she states, is to prove that determination overcomes origins and that young people, especially women, can redefine their stories through persistence, ethics, and a vision for the future.
Clemilda, your story begins in Sapopema, in a large and humble family. When you look back, what is the most important value from your childhood that still guides your decisions as a businesswoman?
When I look back at my childhood in Sapopema, the value that resonates most with me is the dignity of work. In my simple, large family, I learned early on that nothing replaces honest effort. This shaped my vision of leadership: firm decisions, a grounded approach, and absolute respect for every person who is part of the journey.
You’ve worked hard since you were very young and followed a path of great determination. At some point, you thought about giving up—and what made you continue to believe in your own potential?
Yes, there were times when I thought about giving up. Starting a business without resources, without references, and without a support network isn’t romantic—it’s tough. But every time doubt crept in, I remembered the girl who grew up without luxury and who dreamed too big to accept less. I persevered because I saw potential in myself that I wouldn’t let the world waste.
Neodent was a turning point in your life and in Brazilian dentistry. What memories stand out most from that beginning, and what do you consider the secret to transforming an idea into a global company?
Neodent’s beginnings were a mix of audacity and necessity. Brazilian dentistry needed its own efficient and accessible solutions—and we decided to deliver that. My strongest memories are of working through the early hours, of the first professionals who believed in us, and of the sparkle in the eyes of each rehabilitated patient.
The secret? Courage to innovate, discipline to execute, and humility to learn quickly. An idea only goes global when it solves a real problem—and when you’re not afraid to go beyond what already exists.
After the sale of Neodent to the Swiss group Straumann, you could have simply rested—but you decided to continue your entrepreneurial journey. What motivates you to keep creating, leading, and innovating?
I could have rested, yes — but that wouldn’t be me. For me, entrepreneurship has never been about money. It’s about creating, transforming, leaving marks that continue to resonate when I’m no longer here. I’m motivated by the restlessness for the new, for constant evolution. I simply don’t know — and don’t want to — stop.
You lead DSS Holding and coordinate businesses in different areas. What are the biggest challenges and rewards of being at the helm of such a diverse structure?
Leading DSS Holding is challenging because it demands broad vision and precise execution. Each area has its own rules, rhythms, and requirements. But the reward is immense: seeing diverse teams thrive, distinct businesses grow, and knowing that each of my decisions positively impacts thousands of lives. It’s a privilege—and a responsibility I honor every day.
Today, you talk a lot about businesses with purpose and social impact. At what point did you realize that entrepreneurship could also be a way to transform lives beyond financial results?
The turning point came when I started seeing people changing their own stories thanks to the opportunities we created. Professionals growing, families thriving, entire communities being influenced. That’s when I understood: purpose-driven businesses aren’t a trend—they’re a necessity. It’s impossible to truly lead without social impact.
Your book, “Fortunate,” offers an intimate and powerful perspective on your journey. What did you most want people to feel when reading your story?
With “Afortunada” (Fortunate), I wanted people to feel two things: identification and strength. That they would understand that there is no written destiny; there is only attitude. That someone who came from nothing, like me, can build something great—and that they can too. I wanted to deliver truth, without romanticization, and show that being fortunate is much more about choices than about luck. “Afortunada” means “the daughter most blessed by God,” and I want to convey to young people that there is a light at the end of the tunnel; if I could do it, anyone can if they have a lot of persistence and resilience.
What still motivates you, Clemilda? What are the next dreams and projects you want to accomplish—and what legacy do you wish to leave for future generations of women and entrepreneurs?
What motivates me today is the desire to open doors for other women and entrepreneurs, especially those who come from where I came from. I still have many projects—in health, innovation, and social impact. My dream is that my legacy will be living proof that determination overcomes origin, and that more and more people can transform their reality with courage, ethics, and vision.
Follow Clemilda Thomé on Instagram