Dental Community Celebrates World Oral Health Day

Thanks to an initiative by the FDI World Dental Federation, all across the globe people will today be celebrating World Oral Health Day, an anniversary that promotes the benefits of a healthy mouth and awareness of the issues surrounding oral health.

Held each year on 20 March, it is an important platform for the global dental and oral health community to take action and help reduce the global disease burden.

The Australian Dental Industry Association (ADIA) views World Oral Health Day as a chance for everyone of every nation, gender and age to celebrate healthy smiles. ADIA is the peak business organisation representing manufacturers and suppliers of quality dental products.

"ADIA and FDI share a commitment to promoting the importance of oral health for everyone the world over. ADIA supports this initiative to raise awareness of oral health issues so that governments, health associations and the general public can work together to achieve healthier mouths, and happier lives", said Troy Williams, ADIA Chief Executive Officer.

Enjoying international recognition, World Oral Health Day celebrates healthy mouths and everything they allow us to do and enjoy. This landmark occasion in the dental community's calendar provides an opportunity to raise awareness.

This year, efforts will be focused on protecting the teeth and mouth of the population throughout life, from childhood to adulthood. The theme for World Oral Health Day 2014 is Celebrating healthy smiles because having a healthy mouth is cause for celebration.

An important event for the entire community, World Oral Health Day is an initiative that hopes to contribute to increasing the number of people in the world who never have oral health issues. This is 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 societal support and funding for prevention, detection and treatment programs.

The celebrations associated with World Oral Health Day come as the Australian dental community gears up for ADX14 Sydney, the nation's premier dental event. ADX14 Sydney is organised by ADIA and is being held from 21–23 March 2014 at the Sydney Exhibition Centre @ Glebe Island.