site.btaDr Nikolai Sharkov Inaugurated as World Dental Federation President

Dr Nikolai Sharkov, honorary member and former president of the Bulgarian Dental Association, officially assumed the presidency of the World Dental Federation (FDI) on Tuesday. He received the ceremonial chain of office at the opening ceremony of the FDI World Dental Congress at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai.

Dr Sharkov, who has been involved with FDI since 2003 and served as President-elect since 2023, told BTA he had worked closely with his predecessor until this year. Sharkov will collaborate with the new President-elect over the next two years before passing on the role.

In a press statement, Dr Sharkov outlined his vision for leadership based on trust, unity, harmony, sustainability, fieldwork and transparency. Among his priorities is Vision 2030, which seeks to integrate oral health into overall health systems worldwide. He also highlighted global partnerships with the United Nations, the World Health Organization, governments, academia, international organizations such as the G7 and G20, and civil society. Improving access to dental care for underserved populations and advancing digital transformation are also key objectives.

Dr Sharkov noted that his first actions as FDI President will include participating in the UN High-Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health in New York in September, alongside other key events.

FDI continues its mission as the official representative body of over one million dentists worldwide, advancing global oral health through partnerships, innovation, and engagement, Dr Sharkov said. His inauguration was attended by representatives of over 134 countries, nearly 200 national dental associations, and high-level government officials.

A Bulgarian leading the World Dental Federation for the first time marks a historic moment for both Bulgarian dentistry and the country as a whole. Dr Sharkov stressed the importance of policies protecting dental professionals, knowledge exchange through continuing education, and collaboration with the UN and WHO.

Dr Sharkov also highlighted ongoing challenges, such as maintaining fluoride use in public water and access to effective restorative materials, noting the importance of evidence-based policies for global oral health. "For example, there are efforts in the United States to remove fluoride from drinking water, and we must once again prove that it is safe for humans," he added, recalling that silver amalgam, commonly used for dental fillings, was banned in the EU despite being one of the most effective materials.

Sharkov highlighted Bulgaria's longstanding children's preventive dental programme, saying its expansion could lower treatment costs and make procedures easier for patients. "Reducing oral diseases will improve people's overall health," he added.

Dr Nikolai Sharkov was born in Sofia in 1956. He is a dentist, professor at Sofia Medical University since 1989, and a longtime leader in national and international dental organizations, including the Bulgarian Dental Association and the Council of European Dentists. He earned his Doctor of Dental Science from Sofia Medical University and an MBA in Health Management from Burgas University. Dr Sharkov has extensive WHO experience, has led national oral health programmes for children and received numerous honours, including gold medals from the Croatian Dental Chamber and multiple Doctors We Trust Awards from Bulgaria's 24 Chasa daily.