At the forefront of this movement is Dr Reena Wadia, a leading figure in periodontology and one of the UK’s most respected voices on gum health. A former associate specialist at Guy’s Hospital and now Founder & CEO of RW Perio, an award-winning specialist referral clinic in London, Reena has long championed the idea that gum care is not a niche concern, but a central pillar of modern dentistry. Through the Perio School, she also trains and mentors dentists and hygienists from around the world, empowering them to integrate high-quality periodontal care into everyday practice.

Dr Reena’s approach is clear, collaborative, and deeply rooted in patient-centric care. She believes that empowering patients with knowledge, translating clinical concepts into everyday language, and embedding consistent preventive strategies across the dental team can radically improve engagement and outcomes. For Reena, gum health is more than a treatment category; it’s a mindset that needs to be woven into every aspect of practice, from the reception desk to the dental chair.

We know that periodontal health is linked to systemic conditions like heart disease and diabetes - how can dental professionals better communicate these links to encourage preventive care?

RW: It’s about bringing science into the everyday conversation. Patients are often surprised when we mention the connection between bleeding gums and systemic inflammation. We can use analogies - for example, explaining that the mouth is a mirror to the rest of the body, and gum inflammation is like a silent alarm.

A simple line like “your gums could be telling us something about your overall health” can be incredibly powerful. And screening for things like diabetes through gum health is a game-changer.

Looking ahead, what exciting advancements or shifts in periodontics do you think will have the biggest impact on the future of dentistry?

RW: We’re seeing a huge move toward personalised care especially when it comes to risk profile. There’s also a greater focus on non-invasive tech that enhances biofilm disruption and better diagnostics that give us earlier insights.

I also think perio is finally getting the attention it deserves - with systemic health links making it more relevant than ever.