Europe Fosters Collaboration Between Oral and Medical Healthcare Providers

The Perio & Family Doctors campaign, led by the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) and the European Regional Branch of the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA Europe), aims to improve patient care by fostering collaboration between oral health professionals and family physicians. This initiative acknowledges the importance of teamwork in raising treatment standards, especially for chronic conditions. In a 2022 scientific consensus report, experts from EFP and WONCA Europe highlighted the necessity of closer collaboration between family physicians and oral health providers to address systemic health conditions, including hypertension, obesity, tobacco use, and high cholesterol. The campaign materials, including infographics and digital content, emphasize the scientific link between periodontal diseases and conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses. It emphasizes the need for family physicians to be informed about periodontal diseases and their impact on overall health and for oral health professionals to understand the significance of non-communicable diseases and their risk factors. This collaborative effort seeks to provide comprehensive care, promote healthier lifestyles, and, ultimately, save lives by addressing the interconnectedness of oral and general health. Click here to read more.