Kenvue: Prevent and protect: the next periodontology generation is all about prevention!

In this year’s series of partner interviews for the EFP newsletter, we are looking at how leadership in dentistry is going to play a vital and pivotal role in the years to come and how partners are ensuring that they are at the forefront of developing leadership that works. 

In this interview we talk to Dr. Soha Dattani BDS MSc(Hons) MRD RCS. She is the EMEA Scientific Engagement Director. Oral Care at Kenvue Leadership is all about the best in field passing on knowledge and expertise to the next generation.  EuroPerio is the perfect melting pot for that. Dr. Soha Dattani has been going to the congress for almost 30 years. “I have had the pleasure of attending EuroPerio congresses since first joining the Florence congress back in 1997, whilst doing my specialist periodontal training. That memory - the energy, excitement remains ingrained in my memory – so to me, EuroPerio is the number one international periodontology & implant congress.”

What does this mean for leadership?  Energy and excitement are great, but to inspire the next generation needs more than a feel-good factor.

“One conversation with a dental therapist stands out to me, who had multiple questions from the lectures she had attended, which shows me the latest congress in Vienna will have the same impact for them in their future careers as it did for me – inspiring them with evidence-based science, live surgeries, world-class key opinion lead speaker line up and periodontal community spirit.”  Dr. Soha Dattani’s enthusiasm is infectious about the role EuroPerio plays in ensuring leadership continues to attract the next generation.

Away from Vienna though, what about Kenvue itself?  How does it nurture the future stars of periodontology?

Remember Kenvue is big, very big!  It has been around a long time too, for over 135 years in one shape or form. It is active in over 165 countries, and it is the biggest “pure play” consumer health company by revenue. Unsurprisingly then, it does a lot in terms of mentoring and leadership. Dr. Dattani outlines some of the main ones, aimed at Oral Healthcare Professionals. Firstly, “Student stewardship via our dental scientific liaison and school representative teams, for example bringing science to life for dental students such as using 3-D virtual reality glasses to explain concepts like plaque biofilm dysbiosis.” Secondly, there is practice support, and Dr. Soha Dattani homes in on the UK here.  “In the UK we operate an Oral Hygiene Roadshow at all key OHCP events for the whole dental team. This is run by OHCPs for their peers, cascading and simplifying the evidence base that supports oral health recommendations.  Each session runs for an hour and includes a live debate where OHCPs have their key questions answered and challenges in practice discussed, to best support patient outcomes.”

Further afield, especially in parts of the world where people find it difficult to access professional oral health, Kenvue is also active in leading and training the likes of pharmacists who are often a first line of defense against gum disease and tooth decay.

“Since oral health is essential for general health, Kenvue works closely with pharmacists and other healthcare professionals, in addition to our external association and key opinion leader-developed webinars". Dr. Dattani expands this theme. “Given the prevalence of oral diseases – and the fact that many members of the public are unable to access OHCPs – we recognize the critical role of pharmacists as a key oral healthcare influencer, so we provide training and education to them.”

“We are very proud of our work with SEPA, one of the full members of the EFP, on the Principles of Oral Health initiative aiming to simplify and cascade evidence-based messages from literature and clinical practice guidelines as they relate the use of antimicrobial / antiseptic mouth washes and toothpastes to grassroot oral healthcare professionals. This drives the importance of patients self-performed oral care at home.” Kenvue also regularly discusses the latest science and trends both internally and externally, through congresses and conferences, in research and journal publications, public affairs and OHCP marketing initiatives etc.

All important, of course. However, how do you encourage the next generation of periodontists into this particular branch of dentistry?   

If there is no easy answer to “how” to attract new periodontists, there is a very stark “why” it is vital, according to Dr. Soha Dattani.

“We know that despite being largely preventable, the global burden of periodontal diseases is increasing, with over 1.1 billion cases globally. Periodontal diseases are now one of the most prevalent chronic inflammatory diseases. Severe periodontitis affects approx. 11% of the worldwide population (that's more than cardiovascular disease ~6.6%). This is extremely important to students studying in the oral health field, no matter where their main interest lies.”

Back to EuroPerio in Vienna. Back to the future perhaps!

“EuroPerio11 was a valuable opportunity for us to engage with dental professionals who have an online influence, and to equip them with the knowledge to support their future content, particularly around the use of adjunctive mouth rinse.  It was a pleasure to facilitate this experience for them, to learn from the periodontal greats of the world and to see the impact of this knowledge being imparted to their peers.”  Dr. Soha Dattani evidently believes that Periodontistry is no “Cinderella” wing of dentistry.

If you think that, she’d probably tell you to wash your mouth out!