Manifesto for a paradigm shift: periodontal health for a better life.

This article outlines the European Federation of Periodontology's (EFP) manifesto Periodontal Health for a Better Life which was informed by the first joint EFP/American Academy of Periodontology workshop on periodontitis and systemic health. The EFP manifesto calls upon the dental profession to engage in screening and providing preventive advice to patients who are at risk of common chronic diseases and conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. In particular, the article emphasises the dental team's role in promoting behaviour change in their patients aimed at reducing smoking and obesity levels, by promoting healthy nutrition and exercise. The chairman of the National Association of Primary Care Medicine, Dr Charles Alessi, has strongly endorsed this model and highlighted the important opportunities offered by a capitation-based new contract for the dental team to engage fully in preventive medicine in support of medical colleagues and in the best interests of public health and patients across England.