Sapienza University of Rome periodontology programme gains EFP accreditation
Sapienza's periodontology programme now meets EFP accreditation standards, marking harmonised specialist education in Europe.
Sapienza University of Rome has integrated its postgraduate programme in periodontology into the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) accredited framework. The programme, directed by Professor Andrea Pilloni with Dr Lorenzo Marini as co-director, meets the EFP's standards for specialist education and operates within a multidisciplinary clinical environment at the Dental Clinic and George Eastman Hospital in Rome.
Programme structure and clinical training
The three-year programme leads to three consecutive Level II Master's degrees in periodontology, one per year of study. Students undertake approximately 500 hours of supervised clinical activity annually alongside didactic teaching and research. Training is delivered to a small cohort, enabling close supervision and structured progression. Clinical cases are documented and discussed collegially, with multidisciplinary care involving oral surgery, oral pathology, restorative dentistry, and orthodontics integrated throughout.
EFP framework and European harmonisation
The accreditation reflects alignment with EFP rigorous standards and supports the federation's role in harmonising periodontology education across Europe. Professor Nikolaos Donos, chair of the EFP education committee, stated that integrating programmes meeting these standards supports consistency in training and collaboration among academic centres, ensuring future specialists are prepared for evolving clinical challenges in periodontal and peri-implant care.
Frequently asked questions
What is the EFP Postgraduate Programme in Periodontology?
The EFP Postgraduate Programme is an accreditation framework established by the European Federation of Periodontology to recognise specialist postgraduate training in periodontology that meets rigorous standards across Europe. Sapienza University of Rome's three-year programme is now integrated into this framework.
How many hours of clinical training do students undertake at Sapienza?
Students undertake approximately 500 hours of supervised clinical activity per year, spread across the three-year programme. This is combined with didactic teaching and research, including the development and presentation of a research protocol suitable for publication.
What is the multidisciplinary approach at Sapienza's periodontology programme?
The programme operates within a multidisciplinary clinical environment that includes links with oral surgery, oral pathology, restorative dentistry, and orthodontics. Multidisciplinary care is a core component of the educational approach, with clinical cases discussed collegially among specialists.
Why does EFP accreditation matter for periodontology education?
EFP accreditation supports consistency and quality in specialist training across Europe, facilitates collaboration among academic centres, and helps ensure future specialists are prepared for evolving clinical challenges in periodontal and peri-implant care.