World Oral Health Day: Noncommunicable diseases (chronic diseases)

Monday 12 September is World Oral Health Day, an initiative of FDI World Dental Federation.

FDI World Dental Federation is the only global association or federation representing dentists worldwide. It is over 110 years old – one of the oldest professional societies – and represents 198 national dental associations and specialist groups. It is the international reference for the profession.

FDI’s vision is to lead the world to optimal oral health. This vision acknowledges that oral health is a fundamental part of general health and well-being. It is enacted through worldwide activism to promote policies in favour of oral health and access to oral health; practical delivery of excellence in oral care; and continuing education for dentists to stay abreast of the latest thinking and developments.

The ADA is a proud member of FDI, with Federal President Dr F. Shane Fryer, CEO Mr Robert Boyd-Boland, other ADA representatives and ADA members currently attending the 2011 World Annual Dental Congress in Mexico.

The ADA is proud to be associated with World Oral Health Day and believes that dental practitioners have a key role to play in the fight against Chronic Disease: they are a key component in community-based health care and are therefore well placed to launch discussion of behaviour patterns. Oral diseases and other chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases share many common risk factors, in particular, tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol and poor diet, especially over consumption of sugar.

In addition, dentists are in a unique position to diagnose and assess patients with regard to risk factors, first, because dentists are more likely to treat people who consider themselves to be healthy, and can therefore engage discussion on the long-term tisk of certain behaviours.

For more information on World Oral Health Day visit: FDI World Oral Health