In my first year as the President of the CED, I have taken a future-oriented approach. Our work in 2022 reflects that. We set the goal to ensure that the future generation of dentists are well equipped to face the challenges the future holds for our profession. We produced policy documents and engaged in discussions and consultations on topics such as digital dentistry, eSkills of dentists and dental workforce challenges.
During our General Meetings, we confirmed to our member dental associations that our core priority is to support their interests, to get involved in the issues that are important to them, as well as to provide representation at their events. I have personally attended conferences and meetings organised by our member associations in Germany, Lithuania and Norway, discussing workforce challenges, corporate dentistry, and oral health provision and financing.
We have also worked on consolidating the external relations with partners, such as the Standing Committee of European Doctors (CPME) and confirmed our intention to work closely on the European Health Data Space, Artificial Intelligence, medical devices and workforce, the European Health Union, antimicrobial resistance, pharmaceutical policy and health technology assessment. We took part in the Association for Dental Education in Europe (ADEE) annual meeting and the workshop organised by the European Federation of Periodontology. We have also collaborated with European institutions, such as the European Medicines Agency (EMA). In 2022, we joined other EMA eligible organisations in meetings and trainings organised by the EMA, and were happy to welcome the EMA representative during our General Meeting in Brussels. Moreover, we kept a strong collaboration with the European Region Organization (ERO) of the Fédération Dentaire Internationale, working together on Antimicrobial Resistance awareness and joining forces for the update of the EU Manual of Dental Practice.
The year 2022 was challenging in many ways. Post COVID-19 recovery was impaired by the conflict in Ukraine, energy crisis and high inflation across the EU. The CED has taken the time to reassess our strategy and core values, making sure that we focus on promoting the interests of European dentists. The CED remains the only representative body of dentists at EU level with the necessary capacity and expertise to monitor and influence EU legislation. We are therefore aiming to further consolidate our presence in Brussels, to improve communication with our members and the functioning of our working bodies.
Dr. Freddie Sloth-Lisbjerg
President (Denmark)
