Between 6 and 9 November 2016, the European Federation for Periodontolgy (EFP) ran the thirteenth scientific workshop in a series at La Granja, Segovia, Spain.  The workshop, held in conjunction with the European Organisation for Caries Research (ORCA) was on the topic of the boundaries between caries (tooth decay) and periodontal (gum) diseases.  Both organisations are Associate Members of the Platform.

The attendees were selected on the basis of being recognised leaders in research and clinical applications relating to caries and periodontal diseases. Thirteen systematic reviews, on topics relevant to the theme of the workshop, had been written and circulated prior to 6 November 2016.  They were discussed and revised by four working groups (WGs) each of whom considered three or four of the reviews and then produced questions, answers and recommendations based on the reviews.

Professor Ken Eaton, Past-Chair of the Platform, attended the workshop as an invited observer and took part in WG3. The working group examined two of reviews of particular relevance to the Platform – the global burden of caries and periodontal diseases and socio-behavioural aspects in the prevention and control of dental caries and periodontal diseases at an individual and population level.

Professor Jacki Vanobbergen, a Platform Member, attended as one of the ORCA representatives and took part in WG4, which considered reviews on age-related effects on oral health, dental caries, and periodontal diseases – also of significant relevance to the Platform.

The final versions of the 13 systematic reviews, together with the questions, answers, and recommendations will be published in early 2017 in the Journal of Clinical Periodontitis.