Dental Corporation supports the Commonwealth Dental Association with dental outreach programs in developing countries

The WHO World Oral Health reports states that oral disease is likely to grow in developing countries because of unhealthy diets rich in sugars and a high consumption of tobacco. Developed countries spend 5-10% of their national public health resources on dental care a year, however developing countries allocate no budget meaning there is a lack of funding for education and treatment of oral diseases.

The Commonwealth Dental Association (CDA) is committed to raising the skills of dental professionals and increasing the awareness of oral health in non-industrialised Commonwealth countries. In support of the CDA's objectives Dental Corporation has committed to funding $15,000 per annum for four years to the CDA to finance education and workshop initiatives.

Dental Corporation is committed to improving the oral health of all Australians through the provision of quality dental practitioners and education on the importance of good oral health. By supporting the CDA, Dental Corporation is able to contribute to the fight against oral disease to those that need it the most.

"Poor oral health can be a precursor to many other health problems, and for those who do not have the education, funds or the skills to care for their teeth they are susceptible to a multitude of other illnesses," says Dental Corporation Managing Director Mark Evans.

"We are proud to be working with the Commonwealth Dental Association in their fight against oral disease across the globe and to be making a positive impact on the health of people in developing countries", he adds.

Dr Bill O'Reilly, Commonwealth Dental Association President says he is looking forward to the partnership between the CDA and Dental Corporation.

"We at the CDA are grateful to Dental Corporation for their commitment to helping us achieve our goal of improving the oral health in developing countries. Their donation will enable us to reach a larger number of people and implement oral health programs in previously unexplored areas," Dr O'Reilly says.

The first donation of $15,000 was presented to the CDA at The British Dental Conference and Exhibition in April. Outreach work has already commenced with international workshops with the International Dental Federation and the Sri Lankan Dental Association, in Colombo. Additional events to be supported by these funds include a workshop in Africa in late 2013.