EFP launches patient videos highlighting the impact of periodontitis
The European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) has released two powerful new videos featuring testimonies from people living with periodontitis, offering an unfiltered look into how the disease affects lives well beyond oral health. Titled: A journey through periodontitis and A journey through periodontitis and dental implants, the films give voice to individuals from across Europe who have experienced the stigma, emotional burden, and transformative impact of periodontal treatment. The first video features Mr Neil Almond, a member of the BSP Patient Forum.
The videos were first shown during a landmark session at EuroPerio11 in Vienna in May 2025, which gave patients the stage to share their stories directly with dental professionals for the first time at a EuroPerio congress. The testimonies underscore the often-overlooked psychological and social dimensions of gum disease. One of the stories is narrated by an actress, honouring the patient’s wish to remain anonymous due to the persistent stigma surrounding the condition.
“Patients see things differently from us, and they see different things,” said Professor Ian Needleman, who chaired the session together with Professor Corinna Bruckman (Austria). “We can’t make assumptions. What we saw in this session were clear examples of how patients perceive their condition, their treatment, and their care pathway in ways we could never define ourselves. We need patients like Neil to help us understand.”
Patient Neil Almond brought his lived experience to the discussion: “This condition has such an impact on a patient, both physically and mentally. Sessions like this are vitally important. As a patient and someone involved in a patient forum, I feel we can give back by helping professionals understand what it’s really like to live with periodontitis.”
A special moment came with the story of Noemi, who chose not to attend the session in person due to the emotional toll of her experience. “What moved me most,” said Prof Needleman, “was watching the film of Noemi’s journey. It told the story of the substantial psychological impact and the stigma she experienced due to periodontitis. She couldn’t face attending the symposium, so we left a chair empty on stage to honour her presence. Her words were spoken by an actor, but her story, her pain, are very real.”
Prof Needleman emphasised the session’s dual message: “It’s not just about raising awareness of the condition, it’s about awareness of the seriousness of the condition. But we also want to share a positive message: periodontitis can be treated very successfully, especially if detected early. And better still: it can be prevented.”
Looking ahead, Prof Needleman envisions a greater role for patient involvement in shaping the future of care. “In the next decade, patient involvement will shape our field in three key ways,” he explained. “First, by helping us understand the broader impact of periodontitis so we can provide personalised, long-term care. Second, by involving patients as partners in designing education and research. And third, by establishing a ‘gum-health literacy’ initiative, freely accessible to the public, to empower individuals to understand and manage their condition.”