Sepa ’25 places prevention at the heart of periodontal care

From 26 to 29 November, more than 7,000 dental professionals from dozens of countries gathered at the Sepa Congress Barcelona 2025, held at the Barcelona International Convention Centre (CCIB) around the theme “More knowledge, better clinical experience”. Organised by the Spanish Society of Periodontology and Osseointegration (Sepa), the meeting offered three educational tracks and a trade exhibition with over 100 partners, providing participants with a comprehensive update on scientific and clinical advances in periodontology, oral health, and implant therapy. During the congress, Doctor Paula Matesanz formally assumed the role of Sepa president.

The scientific programme placed particular emphasis on the prevention and management of periodontal and peri-implant diseases, reflecting their increasing prevalence. Sessions reviewed current evidence in diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment planning, together with the latest developments in soft- and hard-tissue regeneration and innovations in implant therapy. Live surgeries and expert-led debates added practical depth, with internationally recognised clinicians such as Istvan Urban and Luca de Stavola contributing to case-based discussions.

Delegates examined how periodontal care supports wider health outcomes, including the prevention and management of chronic non-communicable diseases. Speaking after assuming the presidency, Dr Matesanz emphasised the value of a broad approach: “This is the congress where any medical discipline, especially dentistry, could find its place and obtain answers to the challenges encountered in daily practice. Even when evidence is not fully established, participants benefited from the direct insights of world experts who are shaping the future of periodontology and implant therapy.”

The programme also explored the systemic links between oral and general health, oral-cancer prevention, and oral-health care from preconception through adolescence. Additional sessions addressed the influence of diet on oral-disease risk and showcased emerging applications of artificial intelligence in dentistry, particularly for diagnostics, minimally invasive treatment planning, and improving workflow predictability.

Interdisciplinarity was a defining feature of Sepa ’25. Joint sessions were held with scientific organisations dedicated to implantology and tissue regeneration, while the Dentaid Research Centre Room hosted discussions on peri-implant disease prevention and regenerative approaches. The hygiene and prevention track expanded due to high demand, and provided evidence-based updates on protocols and patient communication.

Practice management was another key pillar of the meeting, with sessions examining sustainability in dental clinics, performance evaluation, leadership, and digital communication. Speakers also considered how artificial intelligence could shape future models of care and support informed decision-making.

Several new initiatives were introduced this year, including a publicly funded pre-congress session on peri-implantitis, a joint scientific session with the Saudi Society of Periodontology and Dental Implantology, and the launch of Sepa Pharma, designed to enhance collaboration between pharmacy teams and dental practices in promoting oral health.

Throughout the event, experts were recognised for their contributions to clinical excellence, scientific leadership, and practice management, reflecting the dynamism of the periodontal field.

Sepa ’25 highlights