EFP president Rakić outlines priorities for stronger European collaboration
EFP president outlines European network strategy for research and policy collaboration on periodontal health.
New EFP leadership and vision for periodontics
Prof. Mia Rakić, newly appointed president of the European Federation of Periodontology, has outlined her priorities for strengthening the organization and advancing periodontal health across Europe. As professor of histology at the University of Bern and head of the Robert K. Schenk Laboratory for Oral Histology, Rakić brings extensive academic and clinical expertise in periodontics, oral medicine, and oral histology. She is the youngest president in the EFP's history.
Strengthening research networks and member collaboration
Rakić's core objective is to strengthen collaboration between the EFP and its 47 member national scientific societies. She plans to establish a European scientific network within the EFP to foster connections between individual researchers, national societies, and EFP committees. This platform will improve knowledge exchange and ensure emerging priorities are rapidly identified, consolidated, and translated into action. Rakić emphasizes that the diversity of approaches in education, research, and clinical practice across European countries is what makes the EFP unique and strong.
Building evidence for policy and involving younger professionals
The EFP will develop coordinated European frameworks for epidemiological and surveillance studies to generate comparable data across countries, supporting advocacy efforts with the European Commission and World Health Organization. As part of its 2026-2030 strategic plan, the EFP aims to position periodontal health as critical to public health policy and chronic disease prevention. Rakić also prioritizes involving younger dental professionals more directly in collaborations with medical societies in cardiology, neurology, endocrinology, and gastroenterology, given emerging evidence linking periodontal health to these systems. Upcoming initiatives include the EuroPerio12 congress in 2028 and the International Perio Master Clinic in Brazil from 30 April to 1 May 2027, which will strengthen international presence and foster new collaborations.
Frequently asked questions
What is Mia Rakić's background as EFP president?
Prof. Mia Rakić is the newly appointed and youngest president in the EFP's history. She is professor of histology at the University of Bern and head of the Robert K. Schenk Laboratory for Oral Histology, with expertise in personalized management of bone pathologies and decades of research experience in periodontal and implant dentistry.
What is the EFP's plan for strengthening research collaboration across Europe?
The EFP will establish a European scientific network to foster connections between individual researchers, national societies, and EFP committees. The federation will also develop coordinated European frameworks for epidemiological and surveillance studies to generate comparable data across countries supporting policy advocacy.
How does the EFP plan to involve younger periodontists?
Rakić aims to involve younger professionals more directly in collaborations with medical societies in cardiology, neurology, endocrinology, and gastroenterology, given emerging evidence linking periodontal health to these systems. Young professionals will be engaged across workshops, congresses like EuroPerio, and new initiatives being prepared during her presidency.
What upcoming EFP events are planned?
The EuroPerio12 congress is scheduled for 2028. The International Perio Master Clinic will be held in Brazil from 30 April to 1 May 2027, marking the EFP's first event in South America and second in Latin America.
How will the EFP strengthen evidence for periodontal health policy?
The EFP will develop high-quality clinical guidelines and practical tools for clinicians, expand educational and certification programmes, and create coordinated European frameworks for epidemiological studies. As part of its 2026-2030 strategic plan, the EFP will advocate for policies recognizing periodontics' role in preventing chronic diseases and reducing health inequalities.
