European heart, a global voice: EFP secretary general’s vision

Professor Anton Sculean, former president of the EFP, has assumed a new role as secretary general. With a career shaped by international experience and a deep passion for periodontology, he shares his vision for the EFP’s future: inclusive, globally engaged, scientifically driven, and firmly rooted in European values.

Q: You’ve played many roles within the EFP. What motivated you to become secretary general?

Anton Sculean: I’m deeply passionate about periodontology, oral health, scientific research, and ultimately, patient care. For me it`s a mission: translating research into clinical practice. That’s what I value most about the EFP: it brings together individuals from diverse cultures and philosophies across Europe and beyond. Having lived and worked in Eastern, Northern, and Central Europe throughout my career, I have come to truly appreciate this diversity. Now, it’s time to give back, particularly by inspiring the next generation and contributing to the development of a federation with global reach and a European heart.

Q: What’s your vision for taking the EFP forward?

AS: Our foundation is strong in Europe, but our voice must be global. I want the EFP to continue being a leader in periodontology, implant dentistry, and oral health, but also to be heard and included in discussions about overall health.

We should be inclusive and diverse, sharing our European philosophy with the world. That means combining our cultural richness with a shared commitment to evidence-based care, clinical excellence, and collaboration.

Q: What defines the EFP’s “European philosophy”?

AS: We’re different from other associations because we represent many countries with different systems, traditions, and ways of thinking. That’s a strength. We work together to create consensus, through workshops, leading to scientific guidelines, and shared standards, and we translate these into practical tools like treatment guidelines, infographics and other education materials. This collective approach improves patient care across Europe and positions us as a serious partner for the medical community and policymakers.

Q: How do you ensure cohesion across such diversity?

AS: Our structure helps: the board and committees are diverse by design, with no two members from the same country. We work by consensus, and that process helps us find common ground. It’s not always easy, but it’s what makes the EFP unique. And once we reach agreement, our guidelines are adopted widely, raising the level of patient care across Europe.

Q: What are your priorities as secretary general?

AS: Top priorities include strengthening our ties with the medical community and having periodontology recognised as a specialty across Europe. We also want to raise awareness of the important links between gum disease and several chronic conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, pre-term birth, and cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer’s disease.

We will continue to collaborate with the WHO, other medical specialties, and our sponsors to promote research and, of course, education. Education is essential, both for professionals and the public. Clinicians must stay up to date with the latest evidence-based guidelines. But without patient engagement, successful treatment cannot be achieved. We will keep emphasizing prevention, which should begin early, in childhood. People need to understand that simple daily actions, like regular toothbrushing, can prevent periodontal diseases and caries, significantly reduce tooth loss, lower treatment costs, and greatly enhance overall well-being and systemic health. I often compare it to the historical impact of teaching people to wash their hands: simple, yet lifesaving - for teeth.

Q: How is the EFP responding to digital innovation and AI?

AS: AI is a positive force. It can support us in diagnosis, patient profiling, and even tailoring public health campaigns. But we’ll always need the human brain for the unexpected. At EuroPerio11 we had many presentations on AI, and our Digital Innovation Award attracted over 20 strong entries this year, many from young professionals. Their ideas show us where the future is heading, and we must stay open to that.

Q: Any message you’d like to share with EFP members as you take on your new role?

AS: Yes: your voice truly matters. Whether you represent a large or small society, whether you're a full or associate member, your insight and experience are invaluable. I want to listen, to learn from each of you, and to foster a community where everyone feels seen, heard, and empowered to make a difference. Our younger colleagues, with their fresh perspectives and openness to innovation - like the integration of AI - must know that their voices are not only welcome but essential. Together, let’s dare to dream big, lead with purpose, and shape a future where the EFP not only thrives, but sets the standard for excellence, inclusion, and progress worldwide.