Inaugural Australian World Oral Health Day Lecture

The first in a series of annual lectures to support World Oral Health Day will focus on the need to better understand the links between oral and general health. The lecture is being convened by the Australian Dental Industry Association (ADIA), the peak business organisation representing dental product manufacturers and suppliers.

"ADIA's support for World Oral Health Day and the Australian World Oral Health Day Lecture arises from a key objective set out in the 2016-20 ADIA Strategic Plan, a document that details our vision for an industry that empowers oral health professionals to advance the health and well-being of all Australians," said Troy Williams, ADIA Chief Executive Officer.

The Australian World Oral Health Day Lecture is being presented by Professor Joerg Eberhard, dental-scientist translational researcher, Chair of Lifespan Oral Health in the Faculty of Dentistry and the Charles Perkins Centre, the University of Sydney.

"I'm excited to be delivering the inaugural address and I congratulate ADIA on this pioneering initiative. It shows that Australia's entire dental community shares a commitment to improving healthcare outcomes, and addressing Australia's urgent oral health problems should be a priority," Professor Eberhard said.

The presentation will give an overview of how oral diseases affect the health of the whole body, the opportunities and challenges dentistry faces, and will invite the audience to brainstorm the future self-concept of dental health practitioners.

"Collectively there is a lot to be gained by putting the mouth back into health and that's the major focus of my work. It represents a paradigm shift for dentistry not just in Australia, but globally. That's why my lecture aligns well with World Oral Health Day this year," said Professor Eberhard.

On 20 March every year the globe celebrates World Oral Health Day, an initiative of the FDI World Dental Federation. This year's campaign is Live Mouth Smart. It encourages good oral hygiene habits, avoiding risk factors and having a regular dental check-up from early in life as ways to maintain optimal oral health into old age.

This year's Australian World Oral Health Lecture will be delivered on the evening of Monday, 20 March 2016 in Sydney and there is no cost to attend, with visitors enjoying complimentary wine, beer, soft drinks and canapes. For further information and to register visit: www.wohd.com.au