Prof. Mia Rakić appointed EFP president

European Federation of Periodontology

Tue. 7. April 2026

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BRUSSELS, Belgium: Prof. Mia Rakić has been appointed president of the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP), succeeding Dr Spyros Vassilopoulos. During her presidency, she will focus on strengthening research collaboration and building a stronger evidence base for periodontal health policy in Europe.

Prof. Mia Rakić, the youngest president in the European Federation of Periodontology’s history, says her presidency will focus on building stronger evidence for periodontal health policy and increasing the involvement of younger professionals. (Image: EFP)

“Raising awareness of periodontal health remains a core priority of the EFP, supported through education, public awareness initiatives and collaboration with the medical community,” Prof. Rakić said in a press release. “One of my priorities is to establish a European scientific network within the EFP, strengthening connections between researchers, national societies and EFP committees. Through regular dialogue with national societies, we can better understand their needs and challenges and communicate these to the relevant committees,” she continued.

Prof. Rakić also aims to establish a structured network to conduct coordinated epidemiological and surveillance studies across Europe. Strengthening the evidence base would in turn reinforce advocacy efforts with bodies such as the European Commission and the World Health Organization.

“In my professional journey, I was trained and worked in different European countries, allowing me to experience the diversity of the periodontal profession. Another privilege was to grow in the EFP, being active in the federation for years. This enabled me to acquire a good understanding of the periodontal profession, the functioning of the federation, and the needs and expectations of member societies,” she noted.

Dr Rakić is professor of histology in the Department of Periodontology and head of the Robert K. Schenk Laboratory for Oral Histology at the School of Dental Medicine of the University of Bern in Switzerland. She is a specialist in periodontics and oral medicine and a recognised expert in the personalised management of bone pathologies.

“During my presidency, I aim to strengthen the involvement of younger professionals in collaboration with medical societies. They are often particularly effective at communicating complex information to diverse audiences, including healthcare professionals, policymakers and patients. I am also the youngest president in the federation’s history, which reflects the EFP’s commitment to equal opportunities,” Prof. Rakić commented.

The EFP is a non-profit organisation representing 47 national periodontal societies and plays a leading role in promoting oral health and awareness of periodontal science globally. More information about the organisation can be found on its website.