FDI World Dental Federation serves as the principal representative body for more than one million dentists worldwide, developing health policy and continuing education programmes, speaking as a unified voice for dentistry in international advocacy, and supporting member associations in global oral health promotion activities. Over the years, it has developed programmes, initiatives, campaigns, policies and congresses, always with a view to occupying a space that no other not-for-profit group can claim.

In other words, FDI is the authoritative, professional, independent, worldwide voice of dentistry.

FDI designate National Liaison Officers (NLO) due to achieve its objectives. Currently this position in Iran is held by Dr. Kaveh Seyedan DDS, MSc, FICD, IRIMC President Councilor of International Affairs.

FDI works at national and international level through its own activities and those of its member dental associations. It is in official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO) and a member of the World Health Professionals Alliance (WHPA).

What is WOHD?

World Oral Health Day (WOHD) is celebrated every year on the 20 March. It is an international day to celebrate the benefits of a healthy mouth and to promote worldwide awareness of the issues around oral health and the importance of looking after oral hygiene to everyone old and young.

Why is WOHD important?

Because 90% of the world’s population will suffer from oral diseases in their lifetime and many of them can be avoided with increased governmental, health association and society support and funding for prevention, detection and treatment programmes.

In addition, World Oral Health Day offers the dental and oral health community a platform to take action and help reduce the global disease burden.

What is the theme for WOHD 2015?

This year our efforts will be on wishing everybody a lifelong and healthy smile at all ages. The theme is “World Oral Health Day 2015, Smile for life!” and has a double meaning: ‘lifelong smile’ and ‘celebrating life’. In addition, it implies ‘positivity’ and ‘having fun’ as people only smile if they are happy and have a healthy life.

This tagline is complimented with a ‘call to action’ which is ‘Take the time…’ that can be adapted to the needs of individual campaigns. For example, if a general campaign promoting oral health is carried out, the tagline could be ‘Take the time to care for your mouth’. For those interested in seeking support from the local or national government, the tagline could be ‘Take the time to create / invest in an adequate oral health care programme to reduce the economic / social burden of oral disease’.

Who is the audience for WOHD 2015?

Everybody can take part in this initiative: health associations, specialist groups, member organizations and partners, governmental groups, students, teachers, the general public, and a large etcetera.

This year FDI wants to be sure everyone is taking time to promote oral health in their communities and reach as large an audience as possible.

 News source: FDI

Dr. Shima Naghavi, Director of International Affairs