Six years of growth, vision, and teamwork: an interview with the outgoing EFP secretary general

After two impactful terms as EFP secretary general, Professor Nicola West reflects on six years of transformation, collaboration, and growth. From expanding global reach and forging strategic partnerships to strengthening governance and team culture, this conversation explores the passion, leadership, and vision that helped shape the EFP of today, and lays the foundation for its future.

 

Question: Looking back over your two terms as secretary general, what would you say were the most significant changes or developments you helped drive within the EFP?

Nicola West: Over the past six years, we have witnessed a remarkable evolution of the EFP, a journey shaped by internationalisation, professionalisation, and teamwork. Today, we are primed to continue on this path, continuing to strive for improvement and to increase our impact.

Internationalisation has been transformational. While we are proudly European in name, we have a truly global reach, thanks to the introduction of international associate membership and having initiatives like the International Perio Master Clinics as well as collaborating with international organisations. We've expanded to 44 societies, embracing new continents and cultures, and bringing the EFP’s vision of “better oral health for all” to a worldwide audience, firmly in line with our Vision 2030.

Professionalisation has been a cornerstone of change, creating robust internal capabilities. Today’s EFP operates with professional management processes, a clear governance framework, and dedicated operational teams, ensuring resilience and efficiency in delivering scientific excellence, educational innovation, and policy influence, as outlined in our strategic plan.

Knowledge dissemination has advanced significantly. The EFP’s clinical practice guidelines have established themselves as essential resources for healthcare professionals, bridging the gap between contemporary research and every day clinical practice to advance patient care. The EFP perio workshop meetings are key resources and we disseminate their findings at our congresses and national society meetings.

Leveraging evidence-based research, we've strengthened our scientific footprint through partnerships, such as with the Oral Health Platform, ADEE, WHO, and Cochrane Oral Health, and expanded our advocacy efforts with powerful projects, for example two Economist Intelligence Impact white papers. We have two more white papers, with accompanying academic papers, in the pipeline to continue our upward trajectory.

The EFP’s visibility has improved for the benefit of our national societies, stakeholders, the public, sponsors, and policy makers. We have invested in communications, appointing a head of communications and other resources as we place strong influence in linking science with policy and improving oral health. Today, through structured campaigns, enhanced digital tools, and proactive stakeholder engagement, our voice is clearer, louder, and more influential, reinforcing the EFP’s leadership in periodontology and oral health globally.

Governance and inclusivity have become part of our DNA. We have created a federation that values collaboration, mentorship, and future leadership. This culture shift ensures sustainability and succession, exactly as the new strategic plan calls for, investing in younger professionals and building structured leadership pathways.

We are now recognised as a global leader in periodontology and oral health, with our guidelines embedded in government policy. Stakeholder engagement has also deepened as has our patient representation, and our industry partnerships are strong and growing. Many of the EFP partners are consumer-facing, helping us reach the public. Industry partners help amplify our message, not just through funding, but by contributing to public health impact.

I am proud to say we have laid a strong foundation for the EFP’s next chapter.

Q: Among all the initiatives and milestones during your time in office, what are you most proud of?

NW: Without hesitation, I would highlight the Economist Impact collaborations. These landmark projects combined scientific rigour, industry support, and high-level advocacy — creating tangible influence at a global level and carry enormous credibility.

Thanks to partnerships with Oral-B, Haleon, and now Kenvue, the white papers we have published and are in the process of writing, have not only elevated oral health on the global health agenda but also directly shaped national policy. In the UK, for instance, our work has fed into national medical guidelines, a real-world example of the EFP moving beyond academic excellence into policy leadership.

The white papers embody everything we aimed for: data-driven influence, powerful stakeholder engagement, and meaningful public health impact.

Q: What were the biggest challenges you faced in this role, and how did you navigate them?

NW: The COVID-19 pandemic was undoubtedly the greatest challenge. But paradoxically, it also became one of our finest moments.

We pivoted quickly, with more online web-based education, creating infographics and videos, and maintained member engagement despite the distance. Financially, thanks to our treasurer Monique Danser’s stewardship and collective teamwork, we safeguarded the federation’s stability.

Crisis management reinforced some key lessons: the value of preparation, the necessity of adaptability, and the immense strength of a cohesive team. Our resilience during that period stands as a testament to the EFP's internal capabilities and governance.

Q: This role is known to be incredibly time-consuming. What motivated you to take it on, and what made it worthwhile for you personally?

NW: I’ve always thrived on being busy and involved in multiple arenas: academia, clinical practice, consultancy, and leadership. I’ve always had lots of energy, and I genuinely enjoy what I do.

Alongside my academic role and honorary NHS consultant contract, serving the EFP felt like a natural extension of my personal mission: to make a positive difference. Despite the demands, it never felt like a burden, because the work was meaningful, and the people were inspiring.

What made it worthwhile was the sense of shared achievement. When you see tangible progress, whether it’s a successful white paper, a growing federation, or the next generation stepping forward, it’s incredibly fulfilling.

Being secretary general is an honour and a privilege. It’s about custodianship: holding the organisation carefully, strengthening it, and handing it over better than you found it. I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.

Q: What have you enjoyed most about being part of the EFP leadership team?

NW: The people, without a doubt.

The presidents, committee members, coordinators, and our dedicated staff have been phenomenal. The relationships built on trust, respect, mutual support, and a shared vision are what I will cherish most.

Our success is collective, no one person defines the EFP. It’s the spirit of collaboration and shared purpose that makes it so special.

Q: How do you see the EFP evolving in the coming years, and what opportunities or priorities should the federation focus on next?

NW: The 2026–2030 Strategic Plan provides an excellent roadmap. But above all, we must remain democratic and professional, respecting our values and processes.

Moving forward, sustainability remains an area of growth, and our Responsible periodontology and sustainability manifesto gives us a strong foundation to build upon.

Supporting the next generation is absolutely essential. We must create structured pathways for young professionals to engage, lead, and innovate, ensuring the EFP remains vibrant and future-ready.

We also need to strengthen visibility and influence, continuing our active presence with the WHO, the Oral Health Platform, and forging new strategic partnerships beyond dentistry. Data and evidence generation must remain core to our policy advocacy.

Educational innovation will be another key focus: scaling programmes, enhancing postgraduate offerings, and developing globally recognised certification standards to reinforce our leadership in periodontal education.

Q: Finally, what message would you like to leave for the new secretary general and the wider EFP community?

NW: To Toni: you are a visionary and a true connector. I have no doubt you will take the EFP to even greater heights.

My advice would be simple: embrace the privilege and trust the team. Leadership at the EFP is not about ego; it’s about service. Our strength lies in our volunteers: their commitment, energy, and generosity are our greatest asset.

Support them. Inspire them. Create space for the next generation. Keep pushing boundaries but stay grounded in the values that define us: professionalism, collaboration, scientific excellence, and public service.

The EFP is a remarkable community. I leave with a heart full of gratitude and great excitement for what lies ahead.

And finally, thank you! To the entire EFP family and especially to Sharon. The EFP team have built something special and that made my time as secretary general not only meaningful, but truly enjoyable.