Periodontics a step closer to gaining EU-wide recognition

Dental Tribune International

Thu. 14. November 2019

save

MADRID, Spain: For several years now, the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) has been campaigning for the practice of periodontics to be given EU-wide recognition as a specialty. At a recent meeting on professional qualifications and freedom of movement, an EU group of co-ordinators (GoCs) discussed the topic, and the EFP noted that it believes it now has a strong chance of finally achieving its goal.

EU-wide recognition allows practitioners of particular professions to move around the EU without restriction. With that mobility, the EFP noted that periodontists would have more opportunities to exchange knowledge and develop, adding that it predicts it will also increase graduate applications, aid training and increase access for patients.

At the meeting, which included representatives of each of the EU member states and countries in the European Free Trade Association, an agenda for proposed developments in EU-wide arrangements for professional qualifications and related provisions for freedom of movement was discussed. In order for a profession to be given recognition, individual countries need to confirm the status of the profession in their respective countries as well as put forward a case based on economics and, like in the case of the EFP, health benefits before a proposal is put to the European Parliament and then to the European Council. Once all this has been done, a decision can be made on a case-by-case basis.

Speaking about the possibility of periodontics being recognised, Prof. Nairn Wilson, who has been leading the EFP’s work on specialty recognition, said: “I believe a strong case for EU-wide specialty recognition has been made to the GoCs.”

Currently, periodontics is recognised as a specialty in 12 of the 28 members of the EU. However, in several countries, the EFP reported that there has been some resistance from dental associations who are worried that the recognition of more dental specialties may limit the scope of practice for general dental practitioners. In response to the resistance, Wilson noted that “no dental association in countries which do recognise and regulate perio and other distinct branches of dentistry wish to have the awards of specialty status reversed. Specialty status is descriptive, not restrictive.”

Tags:

To post a reply please login or register

One step closer to fighting periodontitis: New dental gel reduces periodontal symptoms

BIRMINGHAM, Ala./IRVINE, Calif., U.S.: Researchers from different U.S. universities have collaborated to investigate a novel dental gel, produced by ...

One step closer to nature: Occlusal concepts and sophisticated aesthetics in digital dentistry

A dental restoration is not just an aesthetic restoration; it must fulfil many more requirements and integrate perfectly into the existing system. In this ...

“Periodontics was never a static field”

Prof. Lior Shapira was elected president of the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) in March, and he promptly outlined his vision for a return to ...

IDS 2023 to place strong focus on periodontics

COLOGNE, Germany: The 40th International Dental Show (IDS) is fast approaching. From 14 to 18 March 2023, the event will welcome more than 850 companies ...

OsteoBiol GTO: A new step towards excellence in biomaterials

LISBON, Portugal: At the beginning of this year, Tecnoss, a leading biomaterials manufacturer based in Italy, launched a new bone substitute which combines ...

Expert to discuss lasers in periodontics in free webinar

DUBAI, UAE: In a free Dental Tribune Study Club webinar on Thursday, 13 June, host Dr Rana al-Falaki will explore the use of all-tissue lasers in ...

Hot topics in periodontics to be discussed at EuroPerio9

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands: EuroPerio9 is the place to be for the latest news about periodontal health and its impact on overall health. On Wednesday June 20, ...

Computerised dental trainers coming closer to simulating actual teeth

MACAU SAR: The term “haptics” means “relating to the sense of touch”. Haptic perception strongly relies on the forces experienced ...

Needle-free anesthetic close to marketability

SILVER SPRING, Md. & FORT COLLINS, Colo., USA: Human efficacy trials for a new dental anestethic that comes without the painful process of having to ...

Interview: On a mission to continue steep growth curve

Only few companies can boast a corporate history with a bedrock of innovation that spans back to 1844. Celebrating its 175th anniversary this year, SS White...

Education

On-demand
webinar