Brussels, 15 May 2024. In the fast-evolving world of digital technology, the EFP (European Federation of Periodontology) invites innovators with ideas to enhance gum health or periodontal science and practice to participate in the EFP Digital Innovation Award. Submissions are welcome by 10 June at the latest.

Recent winners include Claire Bigot from Paris, who developed My Perio Care, a digital solution aiming to improve periodontal care through a web application for dentists and a mobile app for patients. Bigot’s project won the 2023 first prize and will be introduced to French dentists next autumn, with plans for broader implementation at EuroPerio11 in Vienna next year.

Two years ago, Lodewijk Gründemann and Melle Vroom were recognised for Dental Coach App, which facilitates dental lifestyle coaching and promotes healthy oral care behaviour through personalised communication between healthcare providers and patients. The award brought attention to their initiative, spurring interest in e-health and Dental Coach.

“This award serves as a platform for innovators in periodontology to showcase their digitally based solutions. We are excited that our partnership with Haleon enables us to continue supporting cutting-edge advancements that shape the future of oral health,” emphasises Prof. Andreas Stavropoulos, chair of the EFP’s scientific affairs committee”. 

The EFP Digital Innovation Award, presented annually by the EFP with the support of Haleon, aims to encourage members of its national scientific societies to develop digital solutions that benefit the public, oral health professionals, or periodontal researchers. However, previous winners or those related to previously awarded projects are not eligible to reapply.

Submissions should not only include a concept and/or project description, but should also provide a clear business plan, detailing the journey from conception to market. This includes production costs, market strategy, and customer pricing.

“The EFP invites all innovators working on digital solutions related to gum health and who are members of EFP national societies to seize this opportunity. Whether you're a student, a seasoned researcher, or a dental professional with a passion for digital technology and gum health, this is your platform to showcase your idea,” appeals Andreas Stavropoulos.

“Haleon is proud to support the EFP Digital Innovation Award annually as part of our ongoing partnership with EFP,“ indicates Steve Mason, Global Medical Lead for Oral Health at Haleon. “The outcomes of this award bring to the forefront innovative, creative tools and ideas that address Oral Health problems. Through digital solutions and innovative platforms, patient engagement, dentist and patient relationships and academic understanding can all combine to better improve global oral health. For this reason, it is so important we continue to look to digital innovation solutions in the support of better global oral health outcomes,” Dr Steve Mason adds.

 About the EFP

The EFP (European Federation of Periodontology, efp.org) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting awareness of periodontal science and the importance of gum health for oral-health professionals and the public. Its guiding vision is “Periodontal health for a better life”.

Founded in 1991, the EFP is a federation of 38 national periodontal societies representing more than 16,000 periodontists, dentists, researchers, and oral-health professionals in Europe and around the world. It organises workshops, events, and campaigns grounded in evidence-based science in periodontal and oral health, including EuroPerio (world’s leading congress in periodontology and implant dentistry), Perio Master Clinic, Gum Health Day, and Perio Workshop.The EFP’s work in education is also highly significant, notably its 24 accredited university-based programmes for postgraduate education in periodontology and implant dentistry.

The EFP has no professional or commercial agenda.