The first edition of the Oral Health Atlas, titled Mapping a Neglected Global Health Issue, was released at the FDI 2009 AWDC in Singapore and highlighted the extent of the problem of oral disease worldwide. The second edition of the atlas provides an update of the global health challenge and reflects on policies and strategies that address the burden of oral disease, such as tooth decay, periodontal disease and oral cancer.

The Challenge of Oral Disease – A call for global action was developed with the generous support from the Honk Kong Dental Association and Vision 2020, and under the guidance of the Oral Health Atlas Task Team. Reviewed and edited by Editors-in-Chief: Prof Habib Benzian and Prof David Williams, the book includes content from 30 contributors on specific chapters and data and is aimed at national dental associations, health organizations, industry professionals and the general public to provide them with the means they need to address policy makers, governments and local authorities and advocate for change in oral health related policies.

The second edition of the atlas highlights the extent of oral diseases worldwide and reflects on policies and strategies addressing the global burden. It presents a summary of key oral health issues – including the impact and burden of oral diseases, such as tooth decay, periodontal disease, oral cancer and more; major risk factors and the common risk factor approach; inequalities in oral health; oral disease prevention and management; oral health challenges; and ensuring oral health is on the global health and development agendas.

According to the atlas, only about two-thirds of the world’s population have access to adequate oral health care, even though oral disease, particularly tooth decay, is among the most common human diseases. “Untreated tooth decay is the most common health condition of children across all countries, recently confirmed by the Global Burden of Disease Study looking at the burden of 281 diseases and conditions”, said Benzian. “Children with severe untreated tooth decay are impacted in their growth, have frequent episodes of pain, miss days in school and have a generally lower quality of life,” he continued. They also usually have the lowest access to oral health care and preventive services, added Williams. Therefore, the two editors-in-chief hope that the second edition of the Oral Health Atlas will most of all serve as an advocacy tool for institutions, policymakers and dental associations in their effort to improve access to oral health care worldwide.

Please click here to view or download FDI Oral Health Atlas

Dr. Shima Naghavi, Director of International Affairs