Address to EU Parliament Multi Stakeholder Meeting 'Better Oral Health on the European Agenda'.

Abstract

Context: This paper provides a transcript of the address made by Prof Sibylle Vital, ADEE European Affairs Officer to a meeting in the European Parliament hosted by Members of European Parliament, MEP Andriukaitis & MEP Kulja at the session entitled 'Better oral health on the European agenda'.

Position presented: During the address Prof Vital's key speaking points were: (1) The need for a Unified Dental Education Framework in Europe: Despite ADEE's efforts, dental education across Europe remains fragmented in key areas such as programme length, clinical training and teaching methods. Unlike other professions with standardised European curricula, dentistry lacks a common framework, creating challenges for students and professionals in terms of mobility and quality assurance. (2) ADEE's Proactive Role in Shaping Dental Education: As a path to Solutions ADEE has actively worked to bridge the gaps in European dental education by developing key frameworks such as the Graduating European Dentist (GED) and LEADER quality improvement approach. These frameworks focus on competency-based education rather than merely listing subjects, ensuring that graduates possess the skills and capabilities required for safe and effective practice. (3) Call for Legislative and Policy Support: ADEE urges policymakers to update the Professional Qualifications Directive to define clear competencies for dental graduates, standardise clinical training across the EU, allocate funding for oral health education research and promote quality assurance in higher education.