Opening and Plenary Session 1: Evolution of European Oral Health Professions Education

Dr. András Tivadar Kulja is a Hungarian surgeon, digital health communicator, and politician. A prominent member of Hungary’s Tisza Party, he was elected as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) in June 2024, sitting with the European People's Party (EPP) group. Having earned his medical degree from Semmelweis University in 2016, initially training in psychiatry before transitioning to surgery. He has grown a consideranle social media following (notably on TikTok) creating health education content and fighting medical misinformation during and after the COVID-19 pandemic for which he was honored as Hungary's COVID doctor of the year for his public health myth-busting efforts.

In the European Parliament Dr Kulja serves as Vice-Chair of the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI), acts as Vice-Coordinator for the EPP group in the Subcommittee on Public Health (SANT). He has also focuses heavily on health literacy, EU-wide healthcare collaboration, and shifting political narratives in Hungary.

Katalin graduated, did her specialty-degrees (in Oral Surgery, in Prosthodontics, and Implantology) at the University of Szeged and also defended her PhD and habilitation at the same location. She was appointed as the first Dean of The Dental Faculty. Her main field of research is oral cancer. She defended her theses and received the title of DSc., at the Hungarian Academy of Science. She speaks fluent English and German and basic Spanish. She gained her international academic experiences in different international Institutions, where she has spent longer period of time (UK, United States, Germany, Finland).

She is organizing the most prestigious Dental Conferences in the last 15 years in Hungary, and also she was the President of the ADEE Annual meeting in 2015. Professor Nagy is currently a full Professor and the Head of Oral Surgery at the University of Szeged, the President of the Hungarian Dental Association and Board Member of DDS Global. She is the Honorary Consul of Colombia in Hungary.

Professor Sibylle Vital graduated from the University of Paris Descartes in 2003. She completed a PhD in Oral Biology at the University of Paris Descartes in 2006 and a post-doctoral work at the University of California, San Francisco, USA in 2007. She is a full-time Professor of Pediatric Dentistry at University of Paris. From 2013-2016, she was head of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics and she is currently Vice Dean for Academic Affairs. She serves on the review board of the EJDE since 2014. An active member of ADEE since 2010, Sibylle is a member of the ADEE Board where she served as European Affairs Officer and ADEE's representative at the Platform for Better Oral Health in Europe.

Jackie Cooper is a highly regarded Cognitive Hypnotherapist and NLP Master Practitioner, boasting nearly three decades of invaluable experience within the dental industry. Starting her professional journey as a dental nurse almost 30 years ago, Jackie's innate drive for innovation propelled her into the commercial domain. Here, she dedicated her efforts to pioneering advancements in oral surgery outcomes, particularly through the implementation of cutting-edge laser technologies, which she taught and supported clinicians in utilising.

In the midst of her professional endeavours, Jackie's unwavering commitment to empowering individuals to reach their full potential led her to explore the transformative realms of cognitive hypnotherapy and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). Recognising the profound impact these modalities could have on enhancing lives, she made the courageous decision in 2020 to embark on a journey of requalification and specialisation.

Over the span of four years, Jackie immersed herself in rigorous study and practical training, refining her skills as a Cognitive Hypnotherapist and NLP Master Practitioner under the mentorship of esteemed professionals in the field. Her relentless dedication and steadfast pursuit of mastery culminated in her acquisition of certifications as a qualified master practitioner in both disciplines.

Today, Jackie Cooper stands as a symbol of transformation, seamlessly integrating her extensive background in dentistry with her expertise in cognitive reprogramming techniques. Operating her private practice, Jackie works closely with clients on a one-to-one basis, employing her skills to reframe old memories and alleviate unwanted trauma.

Furthermore, Jackie extends her impact through workshops covering a diverse range of topics, including trauma management, anxiety recognition, stress management, and the intricacies of the human mind. Through her unwavering dedication to personal growth and holistic well-being, Jackie continues to inspire positive change and facilitate profound transformations in the lives of those she serves.

Morag Powell is both a Dental Hygienist and a Dental Therapist, lecturing on the BSc (Hons) Dental Therapy and Hygiene programme at the University of Plymouth and has a particular interest in wellbeing, resilience, and student support within healthcare education. Alongside her academic role, Morag is a qualified yoga and breathwork (pranayama) instructor, delivering weekly classes that focus on evidence-informed approaches to stress management, self-regulation, and wellbeing. She is passionate about helping individuals develop practical techniques to enhance both personal wellbeing and professional performance.