An interview with new SEPA president Dr Paula Matesanz

Fraser Macdonald, Dental Tribune International

Fri. 6. March 2026

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The appointment of Dr Paula Matesanz, associate professor at the dental school of the Complutense University of Madrid in Spain, as president of the Spanish Society of Periodontology and Osseointegration (SEPA) marks an important moment for the organisation, combining continuity in leadership with a clear commitment to scientific rigour, innovation and inclusivity. As she is only the second woman to lead SEPA in its history, her presidency also reflects a broader evolution within the profession. In the interview that follows, she outlines her vision for the society, the challenges ahead and the strategic priorities that will guide SEPA in the coming years.

Dr Paula Matesanz, new president of the Spanish Society of Periodontology and Osseointegration (SEPA), has a bold and inclusive vision for the society's future.

Dr Matesanz, what will be your top priority in your first year as SEPA president?
Our main objective for the coming years will be to continue along the lines established by previous presidents. Ensuring the stability of the society is a top priority, as is fostering continued development and adaptation to change in cooperation with other global stakeholders.

SEPA’s work during the 2026–2029 period will be structured around four strategic pillars: professional outreach, education and research, public awareness, and congresses and other scientific meetings. Each of these pillars will have specific objectives, all aimed at advancing knowledge in periodontics and implant therapy to guarantee the highest possible quality of care for patients treated in dental clinics by opening SEPA to all professionals interested in improving their scientific knowledge and clinical skills.

How do you plan to strengthen SEPA’s global presence and international collaboration?
Strengthening SEPA’s global presence will be a strategic priority during my presidency. We aim to consolidate and expand our collaboration with leading international scientific societies, academic institutions and global organisations in periodontology and implant dentistry. This includes promoting joint scientific initiatives, shared educational programmes and collaborative research projects internationally. At the same time, we want to further position SEPA as an internationally recognised leader by enhancing the global visibility of our congresses, the European Federation of Periodontology’s clinical guidelines as adapted by SEPA and our educational platforms and by actively encouraging the participation of international experts and young professionals. In this regard, I’d like to highlight the strong cooperation between SEPA and the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation to constitute a charitable gift for the creation of an endowment fund dedicated to scientific research in oral and general health, advocacy and educational initiatives, and global public health programmes.

“Strengthening SEPA’s global presence will be a strategic priority during my presidency.”

SEPA has long emphasised diversity and inclusion. How will you build on that within the society?
Diversity and inclusion are core values at SEPA and essential drivers of scientific excellence and innovation. Building on these strong foundations, we will continue to promote equal opportunities across genders, generations and professional backgrounds, ensuring that talent and merit are the key criteria for participation and leadership within the society.

We also aim to foster an inclusive environment that encourages the active involvement of young researchers and clinicians from diverse settings, as well as international members. This commitment has long guided SEPA’s work, and it has strengthened our reputation as a dynamic, forward-looking society that reflects the realities of our profession and better serves both our members and patients.

What role do you see for women and young professionals in shaping the future of periodontics?
SEPA’s vision is to actively support their development through mentorship, leadership opportunities and access to high-quality education and research networks. By empowering women and the next generation of professionals, we are not only promoting equity but also ensuring a stronger, more dynamic and sustainable future for periodontology.

“Diversity and inclusion are core values at SEPA and essential drivers of scientific excellence and innovation.”

How can SEPA help dental professionals translate scientific advances into everyday clinical practice?
One of SEPA’s core goals is to bridge the gap between science and daily clinical practice. We do this by translating high-quality research into evidence-based guidance, through clinical guidelines, consensus documents and practical recommendations that clinicians can readily apply. In addition, our educational programmes, congresses and digital platforms are increasingly focused on interactive, case-based learning that reflects real-world clinical challenges.