“The ICD has given me the unique opportunity to meet talented dentists from around the world”

“Do it with passion” is a motto you hold dear. Could you share what inspired you to become a dentist and specialise in implantology and how your passion evolved over time?
I studied medicine and graduated as a general surgeon, specialising in gastrointestinal surgery, and worked in this field for over ten years. However, as time passed, I realised the pressures of the hospital environment didn’t align with my career goals. After earning a degree in dentistry and taking various courses to deepen my knowledge, transitioning into dentistry allowed me to have more independence and build closer relationships with patients and provide them with personalised care.

My surgical background led me to implantology, where I noticed a lack of knowledge of basic surgical principles in many of my peers. This sparked a new passion in me, a motivation to teach and write, which has been incredibly fulfilling.

What aspect of your work or life brings you the most fulfilment?
I aim to do things in a way that feels right to me while also being present for my patients, ensuring that they can rely on me, especially during critical moments. It’s important to me that they feel supported, whether it's before, during or after surgery. While certain situations may feel routine to me as a surgeon, I always remind myself that patients may be feeling anxious or stressed, and I try to be sensitive to that. On a personal level, I’m always striving to grow and improve myself.

How did your journey with the ICD begin, and did you have any reservations about becoming a fellow when you were nominated?
I joined the ICD as a fellow in 2006, and my involvement grew from there. In 2015, I became the regent of the Italian district and served for over ten years. I then joined the international council as the European representative in 2016 and was appointed registrar of the European section in 2018. By 2023, I became European vice president and was elected global vice president in December 2024.

When I was first approached about taking on a leadership role, I was hesitant. I initially felt unqualified to succeed the European registrar, despite multiple recommendations from my colleagues. They convinced me that I was the best fit, and after some thought, I agreed to take on the responsibility, which ultimately led me to where I am today.

What are some of the most unexpected or fulfilling experiences you’ve had through the ICD?
The ICD has given me the unique opportunity to meet talented dentists from around the world in an intimate and engaging environment. Unlike large congresses where dental professionals are often too busy to interact meaningfully, ICD meetings offer a chance to connect with and learn from others.

Additionally, the ICD allows us to experience host cities in special ways. For example, in Milan, we had a private cocktail event at the Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology, featuring exhibits of his incredible inventions. This year, in Milan, I’m organising a private tour of the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, home to Leonardo’s Last Supper. These memorable experiences add so much value to the work we do.

Beyond the professional connections, the humanitarian aspect of the ICD is equally fulfilling. It’s not just about sending supplies to those in need; it’s about creating long-term solutions, such as building clinics or wells, addressing issues like unsafe drinking water, which affects public health and results in absenteeism from both work and school. All these aspects combined make me proud to be a member of the ICD.

You are the global vice president of the ICD, will be the president-elect from October and will become the global president at the end of next year. Could you share your global vision for the ICD, and do you believe that your one-year term as global president will be enough time to make a meaningful impact?
While a one-year term as global president is short, we work closely as a leadership team. The vice president, president-elect, president and immediate past president collaborate frequently to ensure continuity in our objectives. We keep in constant contact through meetings, calls and other channels to align on strategic goals.

One of my main objectives is to increase the global presence of the ICD. I aim to attract younger generations of dentists by creating programmes that appeal to them. By doing so, we can ensure that the ICD remains vibrant and forward-thinking while also preserving its legacy. The one-year term might seem brief, but with the team’s collective effort, I’m confident that we will make a significant impact.

What key changes or developments within the ICD do you feel most proud of, and why?
When I was registrar for the European section, I focused on making the management of the ICD more efficient and inclusive. For instance, I worked on simplifying the induction ceremony to make it quicker and more accessible, and I aimed to involve a broader group of people in the decision-making process.

One of the biggest changes I’m proud of is the push to bring in younger fellows. I recognised that, while experience is important, fresh ideas from and enthusiasm of younger members were equally vital for the ICD’s continued growth. By convincing the board to accept younger fellows, even those without prestigious CVs, we were able to rejuvenate the organisation. Today, the Italian district is seen as a leader in Europe, and Europe is considered the strongest section globally.

Dr Ian Doyle, global president of the ICD, recently stated that the ICD “is the preeminent honour society for dentists worldwide—not because of wealth or political influence, but because we value service above all else”. How do you view the ICD’s influence in the political or professional sphere?
The ICD maintains a strong reputation globally, but we intentionally keep politics separate from our operations. While we do not aim for political influence, we have built valuable partnerships with key organisations such as the American Dental Association and other global dental societies. These relationships help us amplify our initiatives and work together on important dental health projects.

We are focused on fostering cooperation and influencing global dental practices through collaboration. For example, Dr Dov Sydney, director of global communications for the ICD and senior editor, represents us at the United Nations, helping to raise awareness about important dental health issues. Our goal is to engage with influential decision makers to create positive change in the dental profession.

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