Professor Luigi Nibali

MSc Perio Lond 2006, Dip Dent Catania 2001

Professor Nibali graduated from the University of Catania in Italy and was awarded a PhD in Periodontology at University College London in 2006. He previously worked as Lecturer and then Reader in Periodontology at the UCL Eastman Dental Institute and then at Queen Mary University of London.

He is currently Professor/Honorary Consultant, Academic Lead and Director of the Postgraduate program in Periodontology at King’s College London, based at Guy’s Hospital. He is also the Co-Lead of the Oral Clinical Research Unit and the Lead of Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions at King’s College London.

Prof. Nibali has widely published in the medical and dental literature and received several international research prizes in periodontology. His research interests range from periodontal medicine, genetics and microbial aetiopathogenesis and minimally-invasive periodontal treatment of intrabony defects and furcations. 

Dr Varkha Rattu

BDS MFDS RCS (Eng) MClinDent Periodontology (Hons) (KCL)

Dr Varkha Rattu completed her MClinDent in Periodontology with distinction from the globally renowned King’s College London. She has advanced expertise in the non-surgical and surgical management of periodontal and peri-implant diseases, mucogingival defects, and implant dentistry.

With a strong interest in the link between periodontitis and systemic disease, Dr Rattu is dedicated to promoting personalised, integrated care. She received the British Society of Periodontology (BSP) Audit Award for implementing periodontal reviews within diabetes consultations in secondary care. Dr Rattu has also founded the Periodontitis–Diabetes Hub, an initiative aimed at increasing awareness amongst patients and healthcare professionals.

Her research, published in the prestigious Journal of Clinical Periodontology, has achieved international recognition and earned her the BSP Systematic Review Prize. She also serves as a peer reviewer for leading journals and co-developed the ‘Understanding Research’ series with Colgate to help clinicians critically appraise and communicate research more effectively.

A passionate educator and communicator, Dr Rattu regularly lectures on national and international platforms. Through her teaching, she aims to make evidence-based periodontology both practical and inspiring.