Response to Covid-19: Israeli perio society offers webinars and radio campaign

Over the last six months, the Israeli Society of Periodontology and Osseointegration has sought to be creative in organising and adapting its scientific activities in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

It has held a series of webinars presented by the society’s periodontal specialists to general dentists and by business-management mentors to members of the society.

A joint conference with the Israeli Orthodontic Society was held online, attracting more than 400 participants. The society also organised a special webinar for the Israeli Dental Hygiene Association.

In terms of media communication, the society organised a two-month radio campaign seeking to increase public awareness of gum health and to encourage people to seek periodontal examinations and treatment. This was supported by a Facebook campaign encouraging people to visit dental clinics.

Direct communication with the public in the form of questions and answers to specialists was offered via the society’s website, while members of the society gave interviews on health and lifestyle television programmes.

One further measure adopted by the Israeli perio society has been to provide annual membership to professional portals for all its members.

This is one of a series of articles about how EFP-affiliated national societies of periodontology have responded to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.