Sotirios (Sotos) Kalfas
Short CV
D.D.S., Odont. Dr., Professor of Preventive Dentistry & Periodontology.
He received the Degree of Dental Surgeon from the Faculty of Odontology of the University of Lund, Sweden in 1982 and became Odontologiae Doctor in 1989. He was promoted to Associate Professor in Oral Microbiology in 1991. He received a fellowship by the Japan Socity for the Promotion of Science and worked as a guest researcher in Tohoku University. In 1992, he was appointed Director of the Clinical Oral Microbiology Unit in the School of Dentistry in Umeå University, Sweden. He moved to the Dental School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki after his election of Assoc. Professor in Preventive Dentistry, in 2000. From 2005 till today is the Professor of Preventive Dentistry and Periodontology in the same school. He also runs a private dental practice.
His teaching activity includes appointments as clinical assistance and lecturer/senior lecturer in 3 national and 1 private Universities, at pre-graduate and postgraduate levels. He supervised several PhD- and MSc-students. He has participated as a member in many University committees and also been head/director of departments. He served as Member of: the National Committee for Oral Health in Greece, the National Committee for Fluoride in Caries Prevention, Ministry of Health, Greece, the Committee of The Hellenic Dental Association for the Promotion of Oral Health, and the Advisory Board of European University Cyprus.
His research activities have mainly been focused on: a) caries-related microbiological and biochemical aspects, b) interactions between periodontitis-associated bacteria and the defense system, and c) preventive measures for dental caries and periodontal diseases. He authored/co-authored 120 articles, 4 book chapters, and 1 book. He is currently a member of the editorial board of 2 international journals and a peer reviewer for many scientific journals.
Lecture: Chemical Plaque Control & Orthodontic Treatment
Fixed orthodontic treatments usually makes difficult the mechanical removal of dental biofilm, which favors the biofilm accumulation at certain tooth areas and thereby increases the risk for development of caries and gingival inflammation. Adjunctive use of local antiseptics is often suggested for efficient biofilm control and several antimicrobial compounds alone or in combination are prescribed. The most common formulation is rinsing solution, followed by dentifrice, lozenge and tablets. Antimicrobial coatings onto the orthodontic appliances have also been applied. Depending on the active chemical compound and the needs of the patient, individualized preventive measures are suggested. This presentation focuses on the indications and efficacy of various compounds, their properties, mechanisms of action and side effects.