25 October 2022
In response to the publication in August 2022 of the World Health Organization's (WHO) draft global oral health action plan for public discussion, the World Dental Federation or FDI (of which the ADA is an active member) has submitted a consolidated response "which spotlights antimicrobial stewardship, Noma, and the leadership role of dentists."
The response included a recommitment to optimal oral health for everyone by 2030, mindful that the prevalence of oral diseases around the world, which is currently estimated at 45% of the global population, threatens the Sustainable Development Agenda which carries an implicit commitment to the achievement of "health for all".
With its advocacy efforts remaining firmly focused on a global increase in oral health literacy and concerted action on oral health in all countries, FDI, encouraged by the growing political commitment to oral health, "led a consultation with its stakeholders, including members, Council, Committees, Task Teams, partners, and other organisations."
This led to a concerted response to the draft plan which aligns with FDI's roadmap, Vision 2030: Delivering Optimal Oral Health for All and a number of other urgent priorities which the organisation believes "present significant opportunities to address the social and commercial determinants of oral health".
In its response, which commended WHO on the "the scope and the ambitiousness of the proposed targets to be achieved by 2030", FDI emphasised the following key points:
- A call for more concrete leadership for dentists and promotion of "integration" rather than "alignment" of oral health into relevant programs.
- Support for the phasing down of amalgam in line with the Minamata Convention on Mercury.
- A recommendation for investment in in public health measures to support early detection and prevent oral diseases to reduce the overall demand for restorative materials, including dental amalgam.
- A recommendation for research on quality, affordable, safe, accessible, and reliable alternatives.
For the full story, go to "FDI consults with its network to submit a consolidated response to WHO's draft global oral health action plan" where you can the full FDI response.
