Welcome from the president

Dear colleague,

Going into 2022, many of us were optimistic that Europe would soon exit from the crisis of the Covid-19 pandemic. There were, however, only few of us expecting that Europe would face another type of major challenge just a few weeks later with the armed conflict in Ukraine. Although the EFP is beyond politics, as a European academic organisation within health and medicine, it was only natural for us to react to this crisis and arrange a donation campaign to support fellow Europeans in need. We have partnered with the WHO Foundation on this project, and we hope that our members will embrace this initiative and together can make a difference.

While we all hoped for a better start to the year, there is plenty of optimism ahead of us regarding periodontology. The EFP is about to complete its clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of periodontitis with the part related to the treatment of stage IV periodontitis, following the one already published on stages I-III. And we are now working on the guideline for the treatment of peri-implantitis. This was a major project, which was only possible due to very hard joint work of a dedicated group of experts from all around Europe, and beyond. We’re convinced that these EFP S3-level clinical practice guidelines will have a positive impact on the health of patients across the globe.

In a few months, we have EuroPerio10, the global congress of periodontology par excellence, which will take place on June 15-18, in beautiful Copenhagen, my hometown. We can finally meet again, enjoy the presentations and discussions, the scientific confrontations and debates, the laughs and anecdotes, and experience together everything that a large congress offers. And above all, we can feed our common interest: periodontology!

Over the years, voices have been raised within the EFP family regarding the disproportionate effort by some of the member societies. There are, for sure, good arguments for and against the various concerns – it is a matter of perspective. I come from the south of Europe, I have lived almost half of my life in the north of Europe, and I have collaborated on various platforms with colleagues from the west and east of Europe. So, I dare to say that I know very well that what we have in common is much greater than what separates us.

Let us work together on our common interests, based on our shared background, our similarities, and our largely similar needs, whether we are small or big. We should not let minor differences and special interests divide us – we should stay united and continue jointly working for the pan-European recognition of periodontology as a dental speciality, for the benefit of patients.

All people want, first and above all things, to be healthy. Let us join forces for better health conditions in Europe, and beyond. Together we are stronger, and we can achieve so much more.

Andreas Stavropoulos
President of the EFP