Weekend sees first ever World Oral Health Day
by Guy Hiscott
World Oral Health Day celebrated dental care at the weekend.
The American Dental Association (ADA) and the FDI World Dental Federation got together to raise awareness of dental health and how conditions like gum disease can affect world populations.
The FDI is keen to establish the new World Oral Health Day on 12 September of each year in order to support the improvement of oral health worldwide.
They chose September as it is coincides with existing oral health promotions around the world.
The day is also the anniversary of the groundbreaking World Health Organization’s International Conference on Primary Health Care at Alma Ata, which took place on 12 September 1978 and the birthday of Dr Charles Godon, founder of the FDI (12 September 1854).
The FDI plan to provide a theme and supportive material for member associations and other interested parties in order to promote activities related to the day.
The FDI website will provide additional information and list related World Oral Health Day events around the world and help in disseminating information on oral health and prevention.
In an open letter to dentists, the FDI president Dr Burton Conrad, said: ‘To all oral health professionals, dental patients and people around the world:
The FDI World Dental Federation is pleased to celebrate the first-ever World Oral Health Day. This special day was officially established last year by the FDI General Assembly, representing more than one million dentists worldwide.
Oral health is a neglected area of international health. The FDI hopes that added focus will be drawn to the importance of the prevention of oral diseases through educational, community and promotional activities commemorating World Oral Health Day.’
More information about World Oral Health Day is available on the FDI’s website at www.fdiworldental.org.
