International Society of Periodontal Plastic Surgeons

Over 30 years ago, Dr. Peter Nordland reached out to Dr. Preston Miller and suggested they meet to discuss similarities in root coverage surgery, which up to that time had been considered impossible or, at best, unpredictable. They met during the American Academy of Periodontology’s Annual Meeting and shared differences and similarities in the procedures they were performing. Dr. P.D. Miller introduced Dr. Pat Allen to Dr. Nordland and they all decided to meet and share ideas about root coverage grafting. The meeting was so productive that they felt it would be a good idea to create a study group focused on regenerative surgery. They invited some of the most talented and inquisitive clinicians of the time to also contribute. Little did they realize that the pendulum of periodontal surgical procedures was about to take a big swing into the regenerative and reconstructive direction.

The interest and focus of the organization expanded as international surgeons and educators expressed an interest in participating. Over time, what had been known as the periodontal plastic surgery study club evolved into the International Society of Periodontal Plastic Surgeons (ISPPS), and invitations to attend the annual meeting were offered to surgeon-educators interested in oral plastic surgery.

Today, the International Society of Periodontal Plastic Surgeons is composed of dental specialists throughout the world, most of whom are full-time clinicians and educators. The society meets annually the day before the AAP annual meeting to present new, innovative and often unpublished material and techniques or modifications to existing techniques in the field of periodontal plastic and reconstructive surgery, aimed at improving overall esthetics to the benefit of patients long-term.

Mission

The mission of the International Society for Periodontal Plastic Surgeons (ISPPS) is to advance periodontal plastic surgery through ethical innovation, clinical excellence, and collaborative education.

We are dedicated to mentoring current and future leaders, fostering a global community of shared learning, and improving patient outcomes and quality of life through minimally invasive evidence-based, and aesthetically refined care.

PURPOSE
Our WHY

We believe the highest standard of patient care is achieved when surgeons commit to ethical leadership, lifelong learning, and a culture of mentorship, guided by reason, evidence, and shared experience, to responsibly advance periodontal plastic surgery.

CORE VALUES

Ethical Leadership
We hold ourselves to the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and accountability. The ISPPS board of directors and management group lead with ethical judgment, placing patient welfare, trust, and responsibility at the center of all clinical and professional decisions.

Lifelong Learning & Clinical Excellence
We believe excellence is a continuous pursuit. ISPPS is committed to advancing knowledge, refining minimally invasive techniques, and encouraging critical thinking through education grounded in science, evidence, and clinical experience.

Mentorship & Shared Experience
We value mentorship as a cornerstone of professional fulfillment and progress. By openly sharing experience, successes, and challenges, we foster growth, wisdom, and continuity across generations of periodontal plastic surgeons.

Responsible Innovation
Innovation must be thoughtful, evidence-based, and patient-centered. We support the advancement of minimally invasive techniques and technologies that improve outcomes while maintaining respect for biology, safety, and long-term predictability.

Patient-Centered Care & Quality of Life
Every advancement we pursue ultimately serves the patient. We are committed to improving health, function, aesthetics, and confidence, recognizing that exceptional periodontal care meaningfully enhances quality of life.