Gum Health Day 2026: national societies in action

News & Events

The latest news from the EFP as well as details of its forthcoming events and those of its affiliated national societies of periodontology.

Perio Master Clinic 2026

The EFP International Perio Master Clinic is the premier forum for the promotion of clinical excellence in emerging and important clinical challenges in our specialty.

Education

The EFP's work in education includes a set of curricular guidelines for undergraduate dental education, a three-year accredited programme for postgraduate education in periodontology, and some continuing education tools for reference and consultation of dental professionals all along their careers. Besides, this area is the home of the 'EFP Alumni' section.

Bus stop with Gum Health Day poster in Greece

From public screenings and educational campaigns to creative student projects and social media initiatives, EFP national societies embraced Gum Health Day 2026 with enthusiasm and imagination. Working with universities, students, hospitals and partners, they brought the campaign's message directly to the public, highlighting the importance of healthy gums for lifelong health and wellbeing.

The Belgian Society of Periodontology coordinated one of its largest Gum Health Day programmes to date, in collaboration with universities and dental hygiene schools across the country. Activities took place over several days in Leuven, Brussels, Ghent and Liège, combining prevention campaigns with free periodontal screenings. Students played a central role, working alongside experienced clinicians to educate the public, provide personalized advice and perform more than 300 periodontal screenings, a record for the Belgian initiative. The events demonstrated the value of involving the next generation of oral healthcare professionals in community outreach while making periodontal prevention accessible to hundreds of members of the public.

Gum Health Day 2026 free check ups in Liege, Belgium — Liège, Belgium

Gum Health Day 2026 in Westland, Belgium — Free check-ups, Belgium

Gum Health Day 2026 St Luc, Belgium — Prevention in Saint Luc

In Greece, the Hellenic Society of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry focused on raising awareness through a highly visible public information campaign. Alongside social media activities, Gum Health Day messages reached commuters through posters displayed at bus stops (see first image), helping extend the campaign beyond the dental community and into everyday public spaces.

In Morocco, Gum Health Day once again highlighted the country's long-standing commitment to periodontal health promotion. Since the launch of the campaign, the Department of Periodontology at the Faculty of Dental Medicine of Casablanca, Hassan II University, has consistently taken part in and actively supported Gum Health Day activities. This year's initiative, organized in collaboration with the Moroccan Society of Periodontology and Implantology (SMPI), placed prevention at the heart of the celebrations. Members of the public received periodontal screenings, personalized oral hygiene advice and practical toothbrushing demonstrations, while oral hygiene kits reinforced the campaign's preventive messages.

The Department of Periodontology at Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences (UM6SS) complemented these efforts by combining science, education and creativity. Students explored the concept of healthy gums through original artwork depicting periodontal disease and the anatomy of the periodontium. These artistic contributions accompanied a day of patient education led by students and residents, who explained the links between periodontal and systemic health, demonstrated effective oral hygiene techniques and distributed oral hygiene kits to encourage long-term prevention. Together, the two initiatives reflected Morocco's strong commitment to improving periodontal health through education, early detection and community engagement.

In Israel, the Israeli Society of Periodontology used both digital engagement and professional education to mark Gum Health Day. Social media posts highlighted the importance of preserving natural teeth in older adults and invited the public to take part in a "Forward a Smile" competition, encouraging participants to nominate someone deserving of a new electric toothbrush. The celebrations also included a scientific meeting, bringing professionals together to discuss advances in periodontal care while reinforcing the campaign's public health message.

Gum Health Day 2026, Israel — Professional education

Gum Health Day 2026 in Israel — Social media campaign

These activities illustrate the many ways in which Gum Health Day continues to grow across the EFP community, empowering people to recognize the importance of healthy gums and encouraging prevention as the foundation of lifelong oral and general health.

The EFP thanks all participating national societies, volunteers, students and partners whose commitment helped make Gum Health Day 2026 another inspiring demonstration of collaboration, innovation and public engagement.

Go to news list