Meet Dr. Ana Becil Giglio
As the American Academy of Periodontology welcomes its new president, we are proud to spotlight Dr. Ana Becil Giglio. Dr. Giglio is a leader whose career has been shaped by a deep commitment to patient care, education, and service to the profession. She enters this role with a strong vision for the Academy’s growth. Below, she reflects on her journey, her priorities for the year ahead, and the values that guide her leadership.
Q: You’ve been involved with organized dentistry for many years. What originally inspired you to take on leadership roles within professional organizations like the AAP?
A: My inspiration came from an early appreciation of how essential our specialty is to the overall health and function of every patient we treat. I was fortunate to learn from periodontal mentors who not only taught me the surgical and diagnostic skills that define our field but also modeled how involvement in professional organizations can advance research, education, and patient treatment.
Stepping into leadership allowed me to contribute to that shared mission. Periodontics is constantly evolving, and I wanted to play an active role in strengthening the dialogue between clinicians, educators, and researchers. Whether it’s advocating for evidence-based standards, supporting residents and new specialists, or promoting public awareness of periodontal health, leadership gives me the opportunity to influence the specialty in meaningful and practical ways.
Ultimately, I felt a responsibility to give back to a field that has given me a fulfilling career. Serving in leadership roles within periodontal organizations, first with the Northeastern Society of Periodontists and now at the AAP, has been my way of helping ensure that our specialty continues to grow, innovate, and provide exceptional care, both for our patients and for the next generation of periodontists.
Q: What initially drew you to periodontics, and how has your passion evolved over time?
A: From a young age I was drawn to medicine. My father was an internist, and I grew up watching him build deep, meaningful relationships with his patients, very Marcus Welby, MD in the best sense. I admired the trust his patients placed in him, the continuity of care he provided, and I knew I wanted a career where I could cultivate those same long-term connections while helping people in a tangible way.
As a pre-med student, I realized in my third year that while I loved the clinical and procedural aspects of medicine, the lifestyle, particularly the hospital demands, would make it difficult to achieve the work–life balance I valued. That reflection led me to dentistry, and ultimately to periodontics – one of the best decisions I ever made. It seamlessly blends my interest in surgery with my desire to form lasting relationships with patients, while also allowing me to maintain the balance needed for a fulfilling family life.
In addition to private practice, I channeled my passion into teaching, volunteering at NYU College of Dentistry for 27 years to give back to a community and profession that have given me so much. Guiding the next generation of clinicians feels like a meaningful way to contribute, and it reminds me of the dedicated teachers who profoundly shaped my own path.
Teaching also pushed me to stay current. Dentistry evolves quickly, and working with students keeps me sharp, curious, and engaged with the latest techniques and evidence. The camaraderie with fellow instructors is another part of what makes this work so rewarding; we learn from each other, challenge each other, and grow together through the constant exchange of ideas.
Most of all, I hope I have been able to pass on a core value: that there is always a human being attached to that mouth. Technical skill is essential, but empathy and respect are what define a truly great clinician. If I have helped students hold onto that perspective, then my time as an educator has been well spent.
Q: As the new president, what are your primary goals for the Academy?
A: As the new president, I am committed to advancing our Academy with clarity, purpose, and vision. My responsibility is to provide leadership in carrying forward the Academy’s long-range strategic vision as approved by the Board. I will build upon our strategic plan, make thoughtful pivots when appropriate, and ensure that the organization continues to grow, adapt, and lead. Central to this work is enhancing our support for members through high-quality continuing education, strong scientific journals, and a steadfast commitment to evidence-based practice.
I am equally dedicated to elevating the role of periodontists within collaborative care and emphasizing our critical contribution to overall health. Together, we will broaden public awareness of the essential work we do and underscore the well-established periodontal-systemic connection, reinforcing the need for even greater collaboration with the medical community to advance comprehensive patient care.
Q: In your opinion, what are some of the biggest challenges facing periodontics today? How do you hope we can address these challenges?
A: This could not be a more critical time for our Academy, our profession, and for our patients. Every day, we are all facing questions we never thought we would be asked. Misinformation is everywhere and peer-reviewed science is under attack. Understandably, our patients are confused, and they look to us for clarification. They trust us, not only to care for their health, but to help them make informed decisions for themselves and their families. That trust is sacred, and it’s a responsibility we all carry.
This is where your Academy excels. We are your gateway to science, data, and ultimately, elevated patient care. Whether it is through our journals, our continuing education offerings, or the passionate conversations we all have at our meetings, the AAP grounds us in facts and connects us to each other. The AAP is our periodontal home – a true community and a family of trusted colleagues.
Another challenge facing periodontists today is the diminishing utilization of a true team-based approach to patient care. Too often, by the time a patient reaches our chair, opportunities for early intervention have passed, sometimes resulting in preventable tooth loss. The Academy must continue to champion collaborative care, underscoring the unique expertise that periodontists bring to the table and reinforcing this message among our dental and medical colleagues for the benefit of both oral and overall health.
Q: How often do you encounter patients who come in with information they’ve read online about periodontal care, treatment, or oral health? When a patient shares misinformation, how do you handle it? What’s your approach to correcting it while keeping the conversation positive and productive?
A: Questions from patients about misinformation related to periodontal care, oral health, and treatment have become increasingly common. When addressing these concerns, I begin by acknowledging how confusing it can be when differing opinions come from so many voices. I explain that, as a healthcare professional, my recommendations are grounded in scientific evidence and peer-reviewed research rather than speculation or personal views.
I then provide clear, evidence-based answers to their specific question, many of which recently have focused on the safety of fluoride or acetaminophen, and I offer to share reputable sources if they’re interested. I also encourage patients to speak with their physician, and to consider the quality of the data behind any information they encounter. Ultimately, I emphasize the importance of relying on sound science and avoiding the influence of misinformation or political bias.
Q: How do you plan to engage younger periodontists and new members of the Academy? What role do you think mentorship plays in the periodontal community?
A: Engaging our younger members is essential for the vitality and long-term success of our Academy. They are, quite literally, our future. This commitment was powerfully reflected in the inaugural Resident Retreat, ARRive, launched in August in San Antonio. With generous support from the Academy and its educational partners and corporate sponsors, the event brought together 144 third-year residents from 53 periodontal residency programs. This investment in our up-and-coming members is designed to promote lasting connection, engagement, and loyalty to the AAP.
Equally important is our ongoing effort to demonstrate value to all members, at every stage of their careers. In September, the Academy held its eighth Leadership, Engagement, Action, and Development (LEAD) Program. With more than 120 alumni to date, LEAD continues to serve as a vital pipeline of emerging leaders – individuals who bring fresh perspectives and help shape the future direction of our Academy.
Mentorship remains one of the most meaningful threads that connect us as periodontists. It is through mentorship that skills are passed down, confidence is built, and leadership is nurtured. I am profoundly grateful for the extraordinary mentors who shaped my own career. Dr. Dennis Tarnow encouraged me to practice alongside my husband, Dr. Graz Giglio, a prosthodontist, at a time when multispecialty practices were far from common. I owe my surgical skills to many, but especially to Dr. Kambiz Mohajer and Dr. Michael Bral, whose patience and dedication profoundly shaped my training. I am also deeply grateful to Dr. Barry Wagenberg for encouraging and supporting my journey into leadership.
Their examples remind us that mentorship not only strengthens individual clinicians but also fortifies the future of our profession. As we continue to invest in younger members and cultivate leadership at every level, we honor the legacy of those who guided us and ensure a thriving Academy for generations to come.
Q: Looking back on your career so far, is there a lesson or philosophy that continues to guide you in your work?
A: I am guided by a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt: “Do what you feel in your heart to be right – for you’ll be criticized anyway.” To me, it is a reminder that integrity must outweigh approval. No matter the decision, someone will disagree, but that cannot be the compass. What matters is aligning my choices with my values, even when the path is uncomfortable or unpopular. We may never please everyone, but we can honor what we believe to be right, and that is the kind of principle that endures.
Q: What do you hope AAP members take away from your term as president?
A: What I hope members take away from my year as president is that I have approached this role as a servant leader, making decisions with one guiding principle: what is best for you, the members, and for the public. As a clinician in private practice myself, I understand the day-to-day struggles, the frustrations, and the challenges that come with balancing patient care, business pressures, and professional growth.
For our new periodontists, I know the future can feel uncertain, especially when facing significant student debt and the pressures of building a practice. For those approaching the later stages of their careers, the exit strategy may look very different than what you imagined. Whatever stage you are in, I want you to know that our Academy is your periodontics home: we see you and we are truly listening to what is happening in your unique worlds. My hope is that every member feels supported, valued, and confident that the AAP is here to guide you through every stage of your professional journey.
As the American Academy of Periodontology welcomes its new president, we are proud to spotlight Dr. Ana Becil Giglio. Dr. Giglio is a leader whose career has been shaped by a deep commitment to patient care, education, and service to the profession. She enters this role with a strong vision for the Academy’s growth. Below, she reflects on her journey, her priorities for the year ahead, and the values that guide her leadership.
Q: You’ve been involved with organized dentistry for many years. What originally inspired you to take on leadership roles within professional organizations like the AAP?
A: My inspiration came from an early appreciation of how essential our specialty is to the overall health and function of every patient we treat. I was fortunate to learn from periodontal mentors who not only taught me the surgical and diagnostic skills that define our field but also modeled how involvement in professional organizations can advance research, education, and patient treatment.
Stepping into leadership allowed me to contribute to that shared mission. Periodontics is constantly evolving, and I wanted to play an active role in strengthening the dialogue between clinicians, educators, and researchers. Whether it’s advocating for evidence-based standards, supporting residents and new specialists, or promoting public awareness of periodontal health, leadership gives me the opportunity to influence the specialty in meaningful and practical ways.
Ultimately, I felt a responsibility to give back to a field that has given me a fulfilling career. Serving in leadership roles within periodontal organizations, first with the Northeastern Society of Periodontists and now at the AAP, has been my way of helping ensure that our specialty continues to grow, innovate, and provide exceptional care, both for our patients and for the next generation of periodontists.
Q: What initially drew you to periodontics, and how has your passion evolved over time?
A: From a young age I was drawn to medicine. My father was an internist, and I grew up watching him build deep, meaningful relationships with his patients, very Marcus Welby, MD in the best sense. I admired the trust his patients placed in him, the continuity of care he provided, and I knew I wanted a career where I could cultivate those same long-term connections while helping people in a tangible way.
As a pre-med student, I realized in my third year that while I loved the clinical and procedural aspects of medicine, the lifestyle, particularly the hospital demands, would make it difficult to achieve the work–life balance I valued. That reflection led me to dentistry, and ultimately to periodontics – one of the best decisions I ever made. It seamlessly blends my interest in surgery with my desire to form lasting relationships with patients, while also allowing me to maintain the balance needed for a fulfilling family life.
In addition to private practice, I channeled my passion into teaching, volunteering at NYU College of Dentistry for 27 years to give back to a community and profession that have given me so much. Guiding the next generation of clinicians feels like a meaningful way to contribute, and it reminds me of the dedicated teachers who profoundly shaped my own path.
Teaching also pushed me to stay current. Dentistry evolves quickly, and working with students keeps me sharp, curious, and engaged with the latest techniques and evidence. The camaraderie with fellow instructors is another part of what makes this work so rewarding; we learn from each other, challenge each other, and grow together through the constant exchange of ideas.
Most of all, I hope I have been able to pass on a core value: that there is always a human being attached to that mouth. Technical skill is essential, but empathy and respect are what define a truly great clinician. If I have helped students hold onto that perspective, then my time as an educator has been well spent.
Q: As the new president, what are your primary goals for the Academy?
A: As the new president, I am committed to advancing our Academy with clarity, purpose, and vision. My responsibility is to provide leadership in carrying forward the Academy’s long-range strategic vision as approved by the Board. I will build upon our strategic plan, make thoughtful pivots when appropriate, and ensure that the organization continues to grow, adapt, and lead. Central to this work is enhancing our support for members through high-quality continuing education, strong scientific journals, and a steadfast commitment to evidence-based practice.
I am equally dedicated to elevating the role of periodontists within collaborative care and emphasizing our critical contribution to overall health. Together, we will broaden public awareness of the essential work we do and underscore the well-established periodontal-systemic connection, reinforcing the need for even greater collaboration with the medical community to advance comprehensive patient care.
Q: In your opinion, what are some of the biggest challenges facing periodontics today? How do you hope we can address these challenges?
A: This could not be a more critical time for our Academy, our profession, and for our patients. Every day, we are all facing questions we never thought we would be asked. Misinformation is everywhere and peer-reviewed science is under attack. Understandably, our patients are confused, and they look to us for clarification. They trust us, not only to care for their health, but to help them make informed decisions for themselves and their families. That trust is sacred, and it’s a responsibility we all carry.
This is where your Academy excels. We are your gateway to science, data, and ultimately, elevated patient care. Whether it is through our journals, our continuing education offerings, or the passionate conversations we all have at our meetings, the AAP grounds us in facts and connects us to each other. The AAP is our periodontal home – a true community and a family of trusted colleagues.
Another challenge facing periodontists today is the diminishing utilization of a true team-based approach to patient care. Too often, by the time a patient reaches our chair, opportunities for early intervention have passed, sometimes resulting in preventable tooth loss. The Academy must continue to champion collaborative care, underscoring the unique expertise that periodontists bring to the table and reinforcing this message among our dental and medical colleagues for the benefit of both oral and overall health.
Q: How often do you encounter patients who come in with information they’ve read online about periodontal care, treatment, or oral health? When a patient shares misinformation, how do you handle it? What’s your approach to correcting it while keeping the conversation positive and productive?
A: Questions from patients about misinformation related to periodontal care, oral health, and treatment have become increasingly common. When addressing these concerns, I begin by acknowledging how confusing it can be when differing opinions come from so many voices. I explain that, as a healthcare professional, my recommendations are grounded in scientific evidence and peer-reviewed research rather than speculation or personal views.
I then provide clear, evidence-based answers to their specific question, many of which recently have focused on the safety of fluoride or acetaminophen, and I offer to share reputable sources if they’re interested. I also encourage patients to speak with their physician, and to consider the quality of the data behind any information they encounter. Ultimately, I emphasize the importance of relying on sound science and avoiding the influence of misinformation or political bias.
Q: How do you plan to engage younger periodontists and new members of the Academy? What role do you think mentorship plays in the periodontal community?
A: Engaging our younger members is essential for the vitality and long-term success of our Academy. They are, quite literally, our future. This commitment was powerfully reflected in the inaugural Resident Retreat, ARRive, launched in August in San Antonio. With generous support from the Academy and its educational partners and corporate sponsors, the event brought together 144 third-year residents from 53 periodontal residency programs. This investment in our up-and-coming members is designed to promote lasting connection, engagement, and loyalty to the AAP.
Equally important is our ongoing effort to demonstrate value to all members, at every stage of their careers. In September, the Academy held its eighth Leadership, Engagement, Action, and Development (LEAD) Program. With more than 120 alumni to date, LEAD continues to serve as a vital pipeline of emerging leaders – individuals who bring fresh perspectives and help shape the future direction of our Academy.
Mentorship remains one of the most meaningful threads that connect us as periodontists. It is through mentorship that skills are passed down, confidence is built, and leadership is nurtured. I am profoundly grateful for the extraordinary mentors who shaped my own career. Dr. Dennis Tarnow encouraged me to practice alongside my husband, Dr. Graz Giglio, a prosthodontist, at a time when multispecialty practices were far from common. I owe my surgical skills to many, but especially to Dr. Kambiz Mohajer and Dr. Michael Bral, whose patience and dedication profoundly shaped my training. I am also deeply grateful to Dr. Barry Wagenberg for encouraging and supporting my journey into leadership.
Their examples remind us that mentorship not only strengthens individual clinicians but also fortifies the future of our profession. As we continue to invest in younger members and cultivate leadership at every level, we honor the legacy of those who guided us and ensure a thriving Academy for generations to come.
Q: Looking back on your career so far, is there a lesson or philosophy that continues to guide you in your work?
A: I am guided by a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt: “Do what you feel in your heart to be right – for you’ll be criticized anyway.” To me, it is a reminder that integrity must outweigh approval. No matter the decision, someone will disagree, but that cannot be the compass. What matters is aligning my choices with my values, even when the path is uncomfortable or unpopular. We may never please everyone, but we can honor what we believe to be right, and that is the kind of principle that endures.
Q: What do you hope AAP members take away from your term as president?
A: What I hope members take away from my year as president is that I have approached this role as a servant leader, making decisions with one guiding principle: what is best for you, the members, and for the public. As a clinician in private practice myself, I understand the day-to-day struggles, the frustrations, and the challenges that come with balancing patient care, business pressures, and professional growth.
For our new periodontists, I know the future can feel uncertain, especially when facing significant student debt and the pressures of building a practice. For those approaching the later stages of their careers, the exit strategy may look very different than what you imagined. Whatever stage you are in, I want you to know that our Academy is your periodontics home: we see you and we are truly listening to what is happening in your unique worlds. My hope is that every member feels supported, valued, and confident that the AAP is here to guide you through every stage of your professional journey.