Connect
To Top

Rising Stars: Meet Maria Agrapidou of Athens,Greece

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Agrapidou.

Hi Maria, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey began in dentistry, a field I chose out of a deep interest in health, science, and helping people improve their quality of life. From the very start of my career, I understood that being a dentist was not only about clinical practice, but also about education, prevention, and communication. I invested heavily in continuous learning, scientific involvement, and active participation in professional organizations, which gradually led me to leadership roles within the dental community.

Along the way, I realized that there was a significant gap between scientific knowledge and public awareness. That realization pushed me to step outside the traditional clinical framework and explore new ways of communicating health information. Through digital media, public speaking, and social platforms, I began translating complex medical concepts into accessible, meaningful messages for a wider audience.

This path naturally evolved into my role as a health advocate and content creator, where science, social responsibility, and storytelling intersect. Being recognized as a Dental Influencer was not a goal in itself, but rather a by-product of consistency, credibility, and authenticity. Today, I balance my clinical work with my involvement in scientific committees, public relations, and initiatives focused on women’s health and preventive care.

Looking back, my story is about evolution rather than destination — staying curious, open to change, and committed to using my voice and expertise to create impact beyond the dental chair.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all — it has definitely not been a smooth road.

Like many journeys that involve growth and change, mine included challenges, doubts, and moments of real pressure. One of the biggest struggles was balancing multiple roles at the same time: demanding clinical work, continuous scientific involvement, leadership responsibilities, and later, public communication through digital platforms. Each role came with high expectations and very little room for error.

Another challenge was credibility. Stepping into public-facing communication as a healthcare professional can attract skepticism. I had to work twice as hard to ensure that everything I shared was scientifically accurate, ethical, and responsible, while also being clear and accessible to the public. Gaining trust — both from colleagues and from a wider audience — was a gradual process.

There were also personal challenges. Managing time, avoiding burnout, and staying emotionally resilient while constantly giving to others was not easy. Learning when to pause, when to say no, and how to protect my energy became essential lessons along the way.

However, every obstacle shaped me. Each difficulty pushed me to refine my purpose, strengthen my discipline, and stay grounded in why I started in the first place. Looking back, those struggles were not setbacks — they were necessary steps in building a path that feels authentic, sustainable, and meaningful today.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work sits at the intersection of clinical dentistry, scientific leadership, health advocacy, and public communication.

Professionally, I am a practicing dental surgeon with a strong focus on prevention, patient education, and evidence-based care. Alongside my clinical work, I am deeply involved in scientific and professional bodies, serving in leadership and advisory roles that allow me to contribute to policy, education, and the advancement of dental and public health — particularly in areas related to prevention and women’s health.

What I have become known for is my ability to translate science into clear, accessible language. Through digital platforms, media appearances, and collaborations, I focus on bridging the gap between medical knowledge and everyday life, empowering people to make informed decisions about their health. I take great care to ensure that my communication remains ethical, accurate, and socially responsible.

What I am most proud of is not visibility, but impact. Whether it is helping patients overcome fear, encouraging preventive care, mentoring younger professionals, or using my platform to raise awareness around health issues that are often overlooked, my goal has always been to create trust and lasting value. Being recognized as a Dental Influencer was meaningful because it reflected credibility and consistency, not trends.

What sets me apart is that I do not separate science from humanity. I combine clinical expertise with empathy, leadership with accessibility, and influence with responsibility. I believe that true impact comes not from being the loudest voice, but from being a reliable one — and that principle continues to guide everything I do.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
People can work with me and collaborate with me in several meaningful and carefully selected ways, always with a strong emphasis on ethics, scientific integrity, and shared values.

I collaborate with brands, organizations, and institutions that are aligned with health, prevention, education, and social responsibility. These collaborations may include health campaigns, educational content, public awareness initiatives, speaking engagements, and media projects that aim to inform rather than simply promote. Authenticity and credibility are essential to me, so I am selective about the partnerships I choose.

I also work closely with scientific bodies, professional associations, and initiatives focused on public health and women’s health, contributing through advisory roles, research-based communication, and strategic outreach. Mentorship and knowledge-sharing are equally important parts of my work, particularly when supporting younger professionals and interdisciplinary projects.

For those who wish to support my work, the most valuable form of support is engagement with purpose — asking questions, sharing credible information, and participating in conversations that promote prevention, awareness, and informed decision-making. Building a healthier society is a collective effort, and I believe collaboration is most powerful when it is rooted in trust, transparency, and a genuine desire to create positive impact.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Christos Arfanis

Suggest a Story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in Local Stories