2025: a year of delivery, stability and global reach

A milestone year for events

EuroPerio11 was a defining moment for the federation. Held in Vienna, Austria, the congress attracted more than 10,000 participants and reinforced its position as the world’s leading congress in periodontology and implant dentistry.

“EuroPerio11 played a major role in financial stability,” observes Professor Vassilopoulos. “It was one of the biggest successes in the history of the congress.” The event also strengthened relationships with partners. “They confirmed their satisfaction not only with EuroPerio11, but also with working with the EFP more generally. Many partners proposed new collaborative projects for the future.”

EFP secretary general Anton Sculean, who was also the congress chair, adds: “EuroPerio11 demonstrated the strength, scientific excellence, and global reach of our periodontal community. The congress highlighted how collaboration, innovation, and education continue to drive our field forward. I am deeply grateful to speakers, researchers who presented their work, delegates, partners and everyone who contributed to making EuroPerio11 such an outstanding success.”

Perio Master Clinic 2026 in Baku, Azerbaijan, represented another strategic milestone for the EFP. The event expanded the federation’s reach into Eastern Europe and neighbouring regions, attracting participants from countries including Turkey, Russia, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.

“It helped us reach new audiences and increase visibility beyond western Europe,” remarks Professor Vassilopoulos.

However, organizing the event during a period of instability created significant challenges. “We had to deliver a high-quality programme while dealing with uncertainty around travel and participation,” he points out. “Nevertheless, we delivered a strong meeting and participants were very satisfied.”

Advocacy and public engagement

Public awareness and advocacy also advanced during the year. The EFP continued expanding Gum Health Day through a new three-year campaign model designed to give member societies greater flexibility and more time to adapt campaign materials locally.

“Previously, societies sometimes felt under pressure to adapt quickly to a new campaign each year,” says Professor Vassilopoulos. “Now they have more time and room to join the campaign in a way that works for them.”

The federation also organized public activation events in Vienna and Baku, combining educational outreach with media engagement and public interaction before big events.

“We offered free dental check-ups, distributed information materials, spoke to the public, and engaged with local media,” he explains. “These activities helped increase visibility for oral health, for our events, and for the EFP itself.”

Fostering development and collaboration

For Anton Sculean, the first year as EFP secretary general has focused on continuity, co-ordination, and supporting the federation’s long-term strategic development.

“When I look at the main priorities, it was first of all to ensure continuity and strengthen co-ordination across the federation,” says Professor Sculean. “This meant working closely with the executive committee, the central office, and member societies to keep communication smooth and decisions aligned.”

Sculean highlights the importance of maintaining collaboration across the federation’s many committees, member societies, partners, and stakeholders.

“The EFP federates many countries, different cultures, and different expectations,” he observes. “The collaboration has to be actively nurtured.”

One priority has been strengthening communication between committees and encouraging a more unified approach to projects and decision-making. “I tried to foster better teamwork between our committees and encouraged them to answer questions as one entity,” he remarked. “At the same time, it is important to respect different perspectives and ideas.”

He also underlines the importance of keeping close contact with national societies.

“It is very important that member societies feel fully engaged and that we consider their opinions,” says Professor Sculean. “Different parts of Europe may have different perspectives, and this diversity is valuable for the federation.”

Supporting younger colleagues within the EFP has also been a major focus.

“When appointing members to committees, it was essential to create a balance between experienced colleagues and younger generations,” he explains. “Only in this way can we ensure continuity and provide opportunities for growth.”

Looking ahead, his priorities remain closely linked to the Vision 2030 strategy.

“I would like to continue strengthening the cohesion and effectiveness of the federation,” states Professor Sculean. “The EFP must remain the leading voice in science, education, and clinical practice.”

He also reflects on the personal significance of the role.

“For me, serving as secretary general is both a responsibility and a privilege,” he concludes. “It is an opportunity to support a federation that has a major impact on our field and to help ensure that the EFP continues to grow in excellence, cohesion, and international influence. I very much appreciated the professionalism, commitment, and collegial spirit of my colleagues, we have a transparent way of communicating and discussing issues, and most decisions were supported unanimously.”