European Federation of Periodontology becomes global

The European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) has become a global federation by opening its doors to International Associate Members.

EFP President Anton Sculean said: “Periodontitis is a global issue, with severe forms affecting around one in ten people worldwide. (1) Gum health is a key factor for overall health and quality of life. As the most influential periodontal organisation in the world, the EFP is joining forces with international societies so that together we can prevent and treat periodontitis and its complications.”
 
International Associate Member Societies gain access to EFP projects, newsletters and publications; reduced fees for the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, EuroPerio congress and other educational events; support from the EFP Immediate Past President; and much more.
 
Mexico was the first society to become an International Associate Member, followed by Taiwan, Brazil, and Lebanon. Their memberships are set to be formalised at the 2019 EFP General Assembly in Bern, Switzerland, on 30 March.
 
EFP Secretary General Iain Chapple said: “This is an exciting time for the EFP, as we prepare to welcome the first cohort of International Associate Members in March. We are in discussions with other societies and look forward to expanding the EFP family even more.”
 
Cecilia Robles, Immediate Past President of the Mexican Association of Periodontology, said: "Nearly 60% of Mexicans have signs of periodontal disease, and more than three-quarters of 65 to 69 year-olds have poor oral hygiene.” (2)
 
Alejandro García Huerta, President of the Mexican Association of Periodontology, said: “Joining the EFP is an important step towards achieving our goals of improving oral health in Mexico and contributing to international efforts to tackle this widespread problem.”
 
References
1) Kassebaum NJ, Bernabé E, Dahiya M, et al. Global burden of severe periodontitis in 1990-2010: a systematic review and meta-regression. J Dent Res. 2014;93:1045–1053. doi: 10.1177/0022034514552491.
2) Cruz G, Picazzo E. The paradigm of oral health in Mexico. J Oral Res. 2017;6:8–9. doi:10.17126/joralres.2017.004.