[65 years ARPA/DGP--development of periodontology in the Federal Republic of Germany]

A review of the founding and development of the German ARPA (Association for Periodontal Research) and the ARPA International is presented. Those researchers who shaped and influenced the ARPA were also instrumental in the development of periodontics in Germany. The changes in nomenclature and therapeutic concepts over the decades are also depicted. In 1970 the ARPA became the DGP (German Society of Periodontology). The DGP was one of the founders of the Journal of Clinical Periodontology. In Germany over the past few decades, an attempt has been made to place periodontics in its appropriate position within dentistry with respect to teaching and research.