World Oral Health Day, organized by FDI World Dental Federation, is an international day to celebrate the benefits of a healthy mouth and to promote worldwide awareness regarding oral health and the importance of practicing good oral hygiene.
This year, on March 20, more than 50 countries plan to participate in activities that promote oral health.
National dental associations, student dental associations, and World Oral Health Day partners will take part in a number of activities around the world. In Asia, participants will attempt a new World Record for the number of people brushing their teeth at the same time. In the Baltic region, children will take part in an art competition to interpret the campaign slogan “celebrating healthy smiles.” In India, a planned national educational tour will visit schools, while in Ukraine, participants will build a giant photo montage of healthy smiles.
Additionally, FDI reports that dental students around the world will go out onto the streets, into schools, and around their communities to inform and help improve oral health.
“Reaching local communities on World Oral Health Day 2014 is a priority for FDI. It can only be achieved thanks to the major effort by the national dental associations, as well as dental students who prepare novel and exciting activities worldwide,” says Dr Tin Chun Wong, FDI president. “When I see the number of organizations that have already signed up to celebrate WOHD in 2014, I realize that this year’s activities will help us spread the word on optimal oral health even wider.”
To help coordinate efforts and inform interested participants, FDI has launched the new WOHD2014 website: www.worldoralhealthday.com