2017 Australian World Oral Health Day Lecture

At the 2017 Australian World Oral Health Day Lecture on 20 March 2017, Professor Joerg Eberhard, from the University of Sydney will outline how oral diseases affect the health of the whole body, the opportunities and challenges dentistry faces.

The 2017 Australian World Oral Health Day Lecture is convened by the Australian Dental Industry Association (ADIA), the peak business organisation representing dental product manufacturers and suppliers.

"On 20 March every year the globe celebrates World Oral Health Day, an initiative of the FDI World Dental Federation. ADIA is pleased to support World Oral Health Day as its aligns with our interest in encouraging individuals to take greater responsibility for their own oral health", said Troy Williams, ADIA Chief Executive Officer.

This years' lecture is presented by Professor Joerg Eberhard. He is a dental-scientist translational researcher, Chair of Lifespan Oral Health in the Faculty of Dentistry and the Charles Perkins Centre, the University of Sydney.

Professor Eberhard will speak about the link between oral gum disease and general health, including diabetes mellitus, mental health, or cardiovascular disease. This has been proven in numerous research articles demonstrating how a local chronic inflammatory response adversely affects tissues and organs far beyond the oral cavity.

"What excites ADIA is Professor Eberhard's view on how oral diseases affect the health of the whole body and the opportunities and challenges this presents the entire healthcare system,"Mr Williams said.

A direct interest in dental and oral health issues is unusual for ADIA given its work supporting dental product manufacturers and suppliers. ADIA's work is typically focussed on matters associated with medical device regulation, trade policy, workplace relations policy and industry skills training."

"ADIA's new strategic plan has a strong focus on securing the sector's long-term sustainability. This will only be achieved when the dental industry and dental profession come together and support initiatives that see a great many more Australians take responsibility for their oral health," Mr Williams said.

The 2017 Australia World Oral Heath Day Lecture is being held in ADIA's new offices in Sydney and is a sell-out event.

"We are pleased that World Oral Health Day is proving to be a valuable platform that allows stakeholders from across the dental community to come together to help all Australians improve their oral health," Mr Williams said.