In the dental world, Bologna is so much connected with Prof. Zucchelli. Is your family also from this part of Italy?

Yes! My father was born in Bologna and my mother is from a small town nearby. Bologna is the capital of Emilia-Romagna region in Northern Italy and University of Bologna is considered the oldest university in the Western world.

What is one of your first childhood memories?

I remember playing a lot of football in the backyard. I would have liked to become a football player.

And when did it become obvious that dentistry is your vocation?

It was not really a vocation. It started as the easiest way to become a doctor. I didn’t like to study too much and among the different specialization in medicine, dentistry was the easiest and the more economically profitable. Then, something changed and instead of making money I started to study and do research. That’s life!

What were the first challenges for the student Giovanni Zucchelli?

The first that pops in my mind was during the last high school exams when the commission was not able to understand my calligraphy. I had to go to school to read my paper in front of them. In the end I got a 4, maximum grade being 10.

“To learn a procedure, clinicians need to see step-by-step videos as much as possible. It is no more the time of the “before and after” which is useful only for the speaker.” G. Zucchelli

What determined you to take the academic path?

Most probably my father as I wanted to prove him that I was also able to take it. A great influence came also from my mentor, prof. Marcello Calandriello, who made me become a professor when I was only 35 years old.

Looking back to your past projects, which ones bring proud smiles?

One of my past projects that always brings a proud smile is Mucogingival Esthetic Surgery book edited by Quintessence and translated in 12 languages. And for sure I have the same feelings for the university career.

Your gingival recession treatment with Straumann^® Emdogain^® is popular around the globe. Yet you are using our enamel matrix derivative in a broader indications area. Can you tell us more about this?

Besides the recession coverage, I’m using Emdogain^® for treating bone defects in the esthetic area, to meet improvements of both hard and soft tissue.

What is your overall experience with our 25 years experienced product?

Emdogain^® is the only biomaterials that I am still using every single day for 25 years. I think this is really unique since most of the time dental materials last on the market for only few years and then they disappear.

What do you think is the secret of Emdogain’ success?

Emdogain^’ success stands in its uniqueness. Also, it is easy to use and has a strong biological background.

Straumann^® Emdogain^® is the only biomaterials that I am still using every single day for 25 years. I think this is really unique since most of the time materials last on the market for only few years and then they disappear.” G. Zucchelli

Where do you see the future of esthetic dentistry?

The future belongs to the minimally invasive procedures, but also to patient’s expected outcome. We must understand what an esthetic outcome really means for our patient too, not only for the clinician.

You meet a lot of clinicians in your courses. What do you think dentists should do more and what less?

To learn a procedure, clinicians need to see step-by-step videos as much as possible. It is no more the time of the “before and after” which is useful only for the speaker. “How to do it” is the project and the leitmotiv of the Italian Academy of Osseointegration (IAO) which I will lead for 2021 and 2022.

Can you share with us one of the best advice that you received?

“Think at least 3 times before start speaking”. But sometimes I forget it.

How can one be in touch with your projects and what do you plan for 2021?

You can follow me through my web sites www.giovannizucchelli.it or www.zucchellichannel.it. And for Italians, please become a member of the Italian Academy of Osseointegration (IAO). It will be great with the “How to do it” project!

Straumann® Emdogain® is a unique gel containing enamel matrix derivative of porcine origin. The main component is amelogenin, which has demonstrated the ability to stimulate certain cells types involved in the healing process of soft and hard tissues towards a regenerative pattern, thus leading to true periodontal regeneration¹ and accelerated oral wound healing². Emdogain® has a respected legacy as an irreplaceable tool for periodontology backed by extensive and long-term clinical documentation including studies with 10 years follow-up^3,4. Over the past 25 years it has been used in over 2.5 million patients⁵ and it is documented in over 1,000 scientific publications, including over 600 clinical papers⁶. For more information: click here.